Interview with Singer jMarie – Singer with “Michael Jackson Immortal” Tour

Michael Jackson: The IMMORTAL World Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime electrifying production combining Michael Jackson’s music and choreography with Cirque du Soleil creativity to give fans worldwide a unique view into the spirit, passion, and heart of the artistic genius who forever transformed pop culture. The show was written and directed by Jamie King, the leading concert director in pop music today, and features more than 60 international dancers, musicians, and acrobats.

Michael Jackson: The IMMORTAL World Tour is a riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music, and fantasy. The audience is immersed in Michael’s creative world as his artistry unfolds before their eyes in the show which captures the essence, soul, and inspiration of the King of Pop, celebrating a legacy that continues to transcend generations.

Michael Jackson: The IMMORTAL World Tour takes place in a fantastical realm as the audience discovers his inspiration and wellspring of his creativity moving through various scenes representative of Michael’s long and storied career. Along the way the audience will be treated to more than 30 of Michael’s songs (performed by Michael), in addition to numerous bits and pieces of songs that have been used for soundscapes and transitions. A stellar group of musicians have been assembled, many of them who have had direct contact with Michael.

A hallmark of Cirque du Soleil is spectacular stagings and this show does not disappoint. Props and scenic designer Michael Curry, who was one of the designers on Michael’s THIS IS IT concert tour, has developed props that serve as storytelling devices. It took more than 9,000 hours to create all the props and puppets used in the show.

Few stage performers have created iconic looks which were directly related to specific songs like Michael Jackson did. In Michael Jackson: The IMMORTAL World Tour, there are references galore to Michael Jackson’s legendary outfits. The costume designer, Zaldy Goco, was also Michael Jackson’s exclusive designer for the THIS IS IT concert series. The production brims with imaginative costumes and outfits. There are more than 250 costumes in the show and more than 1,000 pieces total, including accessories, shoes, hats, and head pieces.

Then of course there is the dancing. Outstanding choreography and amazing acrobatic feats are synonymous with Cirque du Soleil. The fusion of the characteristic wonder of a Cirque du Soleil production and the music/dancing of Michael Jackson is absolutely breathtaking, truly something to behold!

The video projections in Michael Jackson: The IMMORTAL World Tour not only act as storytelling devices, but play a key role in making Michael’s presence palpable. Production Designer Olivier Goulet integrated video content such as footage of Michael’s performances and real-time projections of the performances on stage. The total video projection surface is more than 5,300 square feet, larger than a basketball court.

I got to chat with Atlanta singer jMarie, who sings in the show, and how she feels about being apart of this huge show.

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RCM: How does it feel being asked to be part of “The Immortal Tour”?

JM: Like a dream come true. I was just reflecting on the whole experience the last couple days, being on break from the tour, and all I could do is thank God, this is definitely a dream job. To be able to work and share the stage with incredible musicians that actually worked with Michael (Don Boyette, Jonathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett, Jon Myron Clark, Bashiri Johnson) it’s such a blessing.

RCM: What does Michael Jackson’s music mean to you?

JM: Everything! Michael was a genius at what he did. His vocal ability, his writing, his ability to manifest what’s in his head musically, and execute that vision fearlessly, he is the type of artist a lot of us look up to now and for generations to come.

RCM: This is such an elaborate production. Are there any obstacles you face with this show?

JM: Yes! Trying to make sure I stay in my zone during the shows. I always experience something new in the show from the Cast/Dancers, or hear something different from the Musicians, and I’m in awe every time. However, I’m making sure my head is in the game, so to say, there’s so much to see. I love that! Never a dull moment.

RCM: Who are your influences as a singer?

JM: Michael, for sure. Whitney Houston. I’m loving Jessie J and Coldplay. They’re incredible.

RCM: Have you seen “Michael Jackson: One” in Las Vegas? What do you think compared to “The Immortal” Tour?

JM: I haven’t! I’ve caught performances on TV here and there, but I can’t wait to check it out on my next break!

RCM: What was it like working with Kelly Clarkson, Maroon 5 and Kelly Rowland?

JM: Both Kelly and Kelly are such amazing, down to earth human beings. To follow their music and then have the opportunity to help out with their work vocally was an honor to say the least.

RCM: What is your favorite Michael Jackson song to sing in the show?

JM: I Just Can’t Stop Loving You…I get to sing Siedah Garrett’s part alongside Michael’s vocals, and it’s an awesome feeling every time …I used to sing along to it as a kid, in my room, and so when they told me I would have the opportunity to sing it for the show, I freaked out a little bit.

RCM: Do you think this show is different than the other Cirque du Soleil shows?

JM: Yes. Some of the Casts get to interact with the audience in this show. We see people on their feet, dancing and singing along, which I think is so cool because it fuels our energy even more, so we love that. This show still has the awesome Cirque vibe with the Acrobatics, Flyers, contortionist, nonetheless it has a party, concert vibe.

RCM: What is your favorite moment in the show?

JM: There are so many moments, and a lot of it happens in between sets, behind the scenes. However during the song Beat it…there are moments that occur between the Dancers and Musicians that has me in tears every time we perform it, and the dance/fight sequence in that performance has me laughing so hard that I can’t even sing some of my parts sometimes.

RCM: What can fans expect at this show?

JM: Expect to party and have fun. The dancers, acrobatics, lots of colors and lights combined with his music, it’s contagious so expect to dance and sing with us all night long… and expect to be moved, it wouldn’t hurt to bring some tissues;)

Michael Jackson: The IMMORTAL World Tour will perform at the Sears Center 6/27 and 6/28 both at 8pm.

For more information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/michaeljackson.