[Updated] Michael Jackson's death: Director envisions 'We are the World' tribute
The director of Michael Jackson’s comeback concerts, Kenny Ortega, has said the show must go on -- even if the King of Pop no longer can.
Although plans are not yet confirmed, Ortega -- the choreographer and director behind such hits as “Dirty Dancing,” “High School Musical” and “Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour” -- is seeking to create a tribute to the singer using some of the choreography, costuming, musical staging and films Jackson engineered for his 50-date “This Is It” concert run at London’s O2 Arena.
“He’s so beloved in the world, somehow, perhaps we can find a way to pay tribute to his mind, talent, vision and heart,” Ortega told The Times hours after Jackson’s death. “Maybe part of what we were planning to do in London and beyond -- maybe we can share some of these ideas in a different capacity.”
[Updated 4:40 p.m.]The concert promoter, AEG Live, is preparing to annouce a refund policy for the nearly 1 million tickets for the 50 canceled shows. AEG spokesman Michael Roth said Saturday afternoon that “It’s too premature to talk about it."
He said he was “only imagining.” But the director outlined an idea to organize a creative collaboration modeled on “We Are the World,” the 1985 song written by Jackson and Lionel Richie to benefit African charities that enlisted a group of pop superstars, including Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Diana Ross.
“It wouldn’t take an enlightened thinker to come up with a way,” Ortega said. “There must be a hundred ways we can celebrate this man’s legacy. Broadway. Movies. Vegas. I hope all his artist friends will come together and have a real ‘We Are the World’ where we can share stories and Michael’s legacy in some great celebration. I’m sure they would love nothing more than to be a part of it.”
On Friday, Ed Alonzo, a concert magician Jackson hired to create illusions for his comeback concerts, said he had not been contacted by Ortega about carrying on work with the production, but said he remained open to the idea.
“Nobody has talked to me about it, but I would be happy to do something like that,” Alonzo said.
Ortega added, “I hope there’s a way to be able to still make that happen for Michael. He was so in love with this project and involved in the creation of all of it. This is some of his greatest work for sure.”
-- Chris Lee
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They need to issue refunds and that is the bottom line. They can do all the gimmicks in the world and not give people their money back, but the Michael Jackson is dead. Give them their money back! For heaven's sake.
Posted by: Joe | June 27, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Joe at 10:42. Of course, you're right. I don't know what British law is, but in the US, I think any change would mean you have a right to a refund.
Remember who's a participant, though. Philip Anschutz. Mr. Staples Center and LA Live. He'll do anything he can, I'm sure, not to have to issue refunds.
Posted by: Carol | June 27, 2009 at 12:05 PM
I really wish and hope that Mr.Ortega`s idea will be realized, I believe Michael will/would feel deeply sorry for the works he and his team have been doing if the show would completely fade out without having seen a single time.
No tribute could be delightning for our King.
My best wishes and biggest hope for fullfillments of our dream– with Michael joining high above us.
Posted by: akiko | June 27, 2009 at 01:59 PM
sorry, wanted to say:
No tribute will be more delightning than this idea for our King.
Posted by: akiko | June 27, 2009 at 02:02 PM
Kenny Ortega is bummed because he just watched his payday go away.
It's over, Kenny.
No one will see your choreography...at least until you foist it upon us at some point, breathlessly exclaiming "this was Michael's last dance" as you inevitably will. Probably on a morning show somewhere, replayed on the evening gossip rags repeatedly.
Get those dollar$ any way you can, Mr. Ortega!
Please.
Kenny hasn't changed since he has a dancer in NY- not one iota.
Posted by: Rob | June 27, 2009 at 02:13 PM
If it's to be a "We are the World" benefit, make it for charity. That would honor Michael Jackson the best.
Posted by: Mango | June 27, 2009 at 03:24 PM
People,
Mr Ortega is a wonderful human being,
I know him personally and he doesn't need the cash nor the fame.
he has acheived so much in his career ,that this concert series with Micheal was just down his line, lets not forget that Kenny has known Micheal Jackson for a period of 20 + years,
who else would have Jackson asked to help with his concerts.
through out the years Kenny has exceled to great status
only he can produce direct and control such a huge resposibility of tribute to the King of Pop.
Bravo
Kenny
Posted by: Antony Facciponte | June 29, 2009 at 01:36 PM