MJ-UPBEAT - Cirque’s ‘Michael Jackson’ Topeka show canceled

Cirque du Soleil has canceled its plans to offer two performances at the Kansas Expocentre of its show, “Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour.”

The Montreal-based company announced in a news release late Friday afternoon that it wouldn’t offer performances previously scheduled to take place in July at Topeka; Auburn Hills, Mich; Salt Lake City; and Rio Rancho, N.M.

The release said: ”As the tour enters its final leg, certain schedule adjustments were required to maximize efficient logistics and routing. These adjustments have an impact on the aforementioned cities.”

H.R. Cook, the Expocentre’s general manager, responded: “We were looking forward to bringing the Michael Jackson show to Topeka, so naturally we’re disappointed with this news. We intend to continue working with Cirque du Soleil so that we can find a way to bring another of their incredible shows to the Kansas Expocentre. Cirque was very pleased with the response from our community when ‘Dralion’ was here in 2012, and they’re anxious to return.”

The Cirque du Soleil news release said refunds would be automatically provided to all customers who bought tickets online and by phone.

“Customers who purchased tickets in person must return them to the point of purchase for a refund,” the release said.

It said those seeking more information about refunds regarding the Topeka performance should contact (785) 291-5524 or www.ticketmaster.com.

Cook said the Expocentre this past week conducted a “very successful” presale of tickets to the show, which was scheduled to take place July 18 and 19 at the Expocentre’s Landon Arena.

But Cook said 10 minutes before tickets were to be made available for purchase by the general public May 16, Cirque du Soleil directed that ticket sales be put on hold.

Nearly 15,000 spectators saw a performance of Cirque du Soleil’s debut in Topeka, “Dralion,” during its December 2012 five-day, seven-show run in Landon Arena.

Tickets for the Michael Jackson show were to have cost $125, $95, $80 and $40, not including applicable fees and taxes.

Source: cjonline / Tim Hrenchir / MJ-Upbeat.com