Cirque du Soleil’s latest production — Michael Jackson: The Immortal — delighted fans in Portland, Eugene, and Seattle this month. The worldwide tour, which began in Montreal October 2, is travelling across North America over the next nine months. Shows in December are scheduled in Las Vegas and Phoenix; the tour then heads to Boise and several venues in California during the month of January.

The Immortal world tour combines the artistry of Cirque du Soleil with the phenomenal body of work created by the late King of Pop. The choreography of the many acts is amazing, and the performances — breakdancing, beatbox, acrobatics, contortion, pole dancing, and so much more — are timed perfectly with Michael Jackson as well as Jackson 5 tunes.

Attendees may near sensory overload with the show’s feast of memorable music, colorful costumes, extraordinary athleticism, lighting and projected visual effects, and a plethora of dance styles.

Songs from Jackson’s mountain of work — "Thriller," "Smooth Criminal," "Human Nature," "Beat It," "Black or White," and "Man in the Mirror," to name just a few — allow music fans to bask in an auditory extravaganza.

The show also features an international cast. Percussionist Taku Hirano and electric cellist Tina Guo contribute to the exhilarating concert feel of the production. Dancer Tomohiko Tsujimoto is a member of the recurring "fanatics" group that carries around and dances to music from their huge boom box throughout the show. Acrobats Daisuke Suzuki, Yuta Takahashi, Mitsuhiro Tamura, Tatsuya Tanimoto, and Narahito Tonosaki — all from Japan — also perform amazing feats of grace and athleticism.

Michael Jackson: The Immortal has left the Pacific Northwest, but the tour has only just begun. To learn more about the show, or to locate tour dates and cities between now and August 2012, visit <www.cirquedusoleil.com/michaeljackson>.