Michael Jackson rehearsing hard for comeback

Later this Summer, 20,000 fortunate fans will either witness the decisive finale of a pop music legend, or the greatest revival in musical history.

With his first show in twelve years due to open at London’s O2 arena on July 8, Michael Jackson is now deep in rehearsals. Four days a week the 50-year old singer endures eight hour rehearsals with ten backup dancers in a nondescript building near Burbank airport, under the eagle-eyed guidance of Kenny Ortega, regarded by many as the foremost choreographer of the past twenty years.

Fifty shows have been scheduled, and the whole run is sold out. But Michael’s critics — and there are many — doubt the troubled singer is even up to the task. The promoters, however, say the show will go on. “It’s going to be the biggest, most technologically-advanced show ever mounted,” Randy Phillips, the promoter’s CEO told reporters, with endearing reserve. He’d better be right: With a budget said to be poking holes in $20-million, Michael’s career would be toast if this doesn’t fly.

Insiders are tight-lipped about the show’s content, but rumors are now in full flow: Reports say the night will include a duet with Prince Michael [MJ's oldest son,] a stage full of lookalikes, and aerial dancing as made famous by Cirque du Soleil. As for the songs, Michael has promised his best, “I will be performing the songs my fans want to hear.” he told a packed press conference in March.

To mark his return, Michael is said to be perfecting a new move as unique as his moonwalk. Seven-hundred hopefuls applied to assist, and the eight men and two women who will dance at his side are said by Ortega to be the best of the best.

But with eight weeks to go, there are some doubts; MJ’s publicist and his co-star from Thriller have both filed lawsuits, and a New Jersey promoter is demanding a ‘Jackson Five’ gig. The promoters, however, have dismissed this new suit as ‘meritless’ and the so far, the show is still on.

Source: LA Times