Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino President and Chief Operating Officer, Chuck Bowling, Cirque du Soleil President and CEO, Daniel Lamarre and Estate of Michael Jackson Co-Executor, John Branca, announced last Wednesday plans for new project honoring  Michael Jackson, which includes a permanent Las Vegas show at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, plus a state of the art entertainment complex featuring a Jackson-themed lounge, an interactive memorabilia museum and a theater designed to replicate the iconic Neverland Ranch.

"Michael had a great affinity for Cirque. In my opinion, a couple of the Cirque shows I've seen are the best shows that have ever been made. Our intention is to top that." said John Branca, co-executor of Jackson's estate.

The plan was announced by Lamarre at a news conference announcing Cirque Du Soleil's new 'Immortal” tour due to kick off in October, 2011 in Montreal. Cirque du Soleil's $57 million "Michael Jackson, The Immortal World Tour"  will also hit 30 cities including New York, Miami, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

According to the announcement, the new Las Vegas show is stated to open in early 2013, however, Cirque du Soleil will preview to the permanent Jackson attraction during a special fan convention set to take place at the Mandalay Bay in December, 2011. The first ever Estate-authorized Michael Jackson Fan Fest taking place for a limited time only at Mandalay Bay beginning December 3, 2011.  This experience is expected to include a wide variety of elements such as an up-close look at Michael Jackson memorabilia, items from Neverland Ranch, photo opportunities in recreated sets from historic Michael Jackson videos, a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Michael Jackson The IMMORTAL World Tour, a main stage featuring contests, Q&A sessions with members of the creative team from Michael Jackson The IMMORTAL World Tour as well as other associates of Michael Jackson, giveaways and more. 

"The world may never again know a force in entertainment of the caliber of Michael Jackson. On behalf of the entire Mandalay Bay and MGM Resorts International teams, we are deeply honored and humbled to be home to incredible entertainment celebrating his legacy for new generations to come." added Mandalay Bay's President Chuck Bowling.