Michael Jackson ONE

A Cirque du Soleil tribute at Mandalay Bay that sets Michael Jackson’s songs to dance, acrobatics and big visuals in a dedicated theater.

Michael Jackson ONE is a Cirque du Soleil production at Mandalay Bay, created with the Michael Jackson Estate and built around his music. It opened in 2013 and has been a regular on the list of Las Vegas shows for fans of pop music and dance ever since. The show uses a mix of recorded vocals from Jackson's catalog, dancers, acrobats and large video and lighting effects to retell the energy of his stage performances rather than telling a biographical story.

The production is built around his songs rather than a strict storyline, which allows the show to jump between styles: playful, dramatic, nostalgic and high-energy. Fans will recognise many of the biggest songs, and dancers recreate familiar moves and costume looks. Acrobats add aerial and floor acts to a stage that is richly lit, and video elements fill the space behind and around the performers.

The theater at Mandalay Bay was built for the show and is on the larger side, with a wide stage and a lot of room for effects. The sightlines are good from most seats, and the sound is a big part of the experience. If you want to see the dancing and the stage patterns, aim for a mid-level seat with a clear view of the whole stage. Closer seats get you the energy, while further back you see the big picture.

Mandalay Bay is at the south end of the Strip, and the theater is a walk from the main lobby, so allow 10 to 15 minutes. The resort has a good range of restaurants, and the Mandalay Bay shops and bars are near the theater. If you are staying at the other end of the Strip, plan your transport in advance, because rideshare queues after the show can be long.

The show runs for roughly 90 minutes and plays most evenings of the week with a couple of dark days. Check the schedule, and look at the age policy if you have children with you, as the show is aimed at a general audience but has its own rule on young children.

Michael Jackson ONE is a good choice for fans of his music, for groups with a mix of ages that all know the songs, and for visitors who want a Cirque show that feels closer to a concert. It is also a good pairing with Shark Reef Aquarium, which is in the same resort, for a south-Strip day and night.

To make the most of the night, book a seat that suits what you enjoy. Fans of the dancing should look for a mid-level section with a clear view across the stage, while those who want the loudest, most immersive sound may prefer to sit a little closer. Dress is casual, and many guests wear something fun for the occasion. Eat early at one of the resort's restaurants, and plan your ride home before the show ends so you are not caught in the exit crowds.