The first in a series profiling stars of the Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson show about to open in Auckland, Luba Kazantseva and Brandon Pereyda talk about their performance as swans in ‘Michael Jackson: Immortal.’ They perform to Michael’s beautiful composition, ‘I Can’t Stop Loving You.’
On the story behind the performance:
Brandon Pereyda: “It’s pretty much a love story, and it originates from when the Neverland ranch was recovered after Michael died, and there were two swans that were left – a black swan and a white swan, and they represent the idea of staying together, no matter what.”
Luba Kazantseva: “The story inspired the designers and [show creator] Jamie King to create an aerial straps love story for that number. Basically, we’re the swans, and I’m white, and he’s black.”
On what it’s like to be part of this show:
Pereyda: “Other Cirque shows have very diverse casts with many different cultures, but it seems even more so with this show. It almost seems like there’s a little bit of something from every country.”
Kazantseva: “It feels like a good mix of a rock’n’roll world, and a circus world, collaborating together. It’s a privilege to share the stage with them.”
On being part of a Michael Jackson tribute:
Kazantseva: “Who isn’t a Michael Jackson fan, to some degree? I can’t say that I was a fanatic, but I think he’s definitely a huge figure in the entertainment business, and it’s absolutely an honour to perform to his music, and work with his musicians.
It’s inspiring.”
Pereyda: “I’ve always enjoyed his music, but I think I love it more now. Being able to intertwine what we do with his music, I never thought that would be possible. And then listening to the band, hearing the music played live is a completely different experience as well. The audience reactions to some of the songs, you get shivers because they’re so into it.”
On their preparation for the performance:
Kazantseva: “It’s basically a lot of stretching. We do strength work during the day, but when we’re warming up for the act, it’s about getting as loose and flexible as possible for some of the tricks that we do, because the lines in the act are essential. So we’re doing splits and bridges for a good hour.”
On the challenges of this show:
READ MORE: http://www.mjworld.net/news/2013/10/28/neverland-love-story-takes-flight/
Source: The New Zealand Herald / MJWN / MJ-Upbeat.com
By Lydia Jenkin
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