Michael Jackson Fan Fest World Premiere
A Michael Jackson memorabilia exhibit opened on December 3 at Mandalay Bay in conjunction with Cirque du Soleil’s extended tour stop of Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour.
Michael Jackson Fan Fest at Mandalay Bay are a spectacle unto themselves. Everything from his outfits to the performer’s cars are featured. Each item gives fans some insight to the iconic rock star. Fan Fest is in Las Vegas through December 14. The exhibit is on display in combination with Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour.
Michael Jackson Fan Fest is the first display of the King of Pop’s possessions and career pieces supplied by the Michael Jackson Estate.
“It is very much a fan-friendly event, and it’s ... going to give you a really good up-close feel,” said Shepperd Zuffelato, senior marketing manager for Cirque’s North American division. “It’s going to take you through his entire life and showcase things that have never been seen before, very personal items and also career-oriented memorabilia.”
Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine, and his three children Blanket, Paris and Prince who were also present along with Michael's brothers Tito and Jackie, toured it privately just hours before the show’s premiere Saturday night.
The exhibit incorporates interactive elements, including the opportunity to walk through the spaceship set used in the video for “Scream,” a video presentation that offers an inside look at “Immortal” and a chance to play the video game Michael Jackson The Experience.
Other items of nostalgia from Jackson’s career on exhibit include the star’s Fantasy glove collection, the red jacket he sported for the 1984 American Music Awards and a statue used for the “HIStory” tour.
Guests have been booked for Q&A sessions throughout the event’s operation. Jackson’s brothers Tito, Jackie and Marlon are set to appear Sunday, with Joseph Vogel, the author of “Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson,” scheduled for Friday and Saturday.
Hundreds of items were on display, loaned by the Jackson Estate, including platinum records, Emmy awards, books from Jackson's Neverland ranch, costumes and music video memorabilia.
One of the more popular attractions at Fan Fest was Michael Jackson The Experience video game. People were invited to take to the stage and challenge each other to a dance-off using Wii technology. Fans, some dressed in Michael Jackson-inspired outfits, sweated, grimaced and gyrated through Jackson hits such as "Thriller," "Billie Jean" and "Bad."
For more information, including hours and ticket prices, go to michaeljacksonfanfest.com
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