Cirque tells more about new Michael Jackson Vegas show

Cirque du Soleil's second partnership with the estate of Michael Jackson aims to be a thriller.

Cirque's Welby Altidor tells USA TODAY that Michael Jackson ONE will begin performances May 23 and take up residency at the renovated theater at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The show is a partnership between Cirque and the Jackson estate. The official grand opening is planned for late June.

The 90-minute show will feature five dozen cast members, from dancers to acrobats (no one will portray Jackson), and offer "a very close encounter with the music of Michael Jackson" and with the late pop icon's artistic vision, Altidor, "director of creation" for ONE, says.

Unlike Cirque's current touring arena Jackson show, IMMORTAL, the Mandalay Bay production will be more intimate and interactive, Altidor says. "It's another story about Michael's genius," focusing on his No. 1 hits. "There will be experiences above (the audience), on the side and in the front."

Cirque had what Altidor calls "unprecedented access" to Jackson's master recordings and will use them. "At times it will feel like being in the studio with Michael," he says. Tickets go on sale March 7 at cirquedusoleil.com.