Michael Jackson's Tour is Gonna Be Awesome (fingers crossed)

If Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” tour at London’s O2 arena was as doomed as some reports would indicate, you’d think fewer people would want to have their names attached to the project.

According to reps who spoke to the Los Angeles Times, Usher choreographer Todd Samms is collaborating on the show, and Chris Brown choreography duo Rich and Tone Talauega were on hand during a recent casting call for dancers.

A person who is involved in the planning and execution of the tour disputes this. “Todd, Rich and Tone are all great artists in their own right who have amazing talents,” said the Times' source. “But they aren’t involved in the production.”

Kenny Ortega, who who he worked with Michael on his 'Dangerous' and 'HIStory world tours and choreographed Disney's hit 'High School Musical' is on board, though.

He is said to be working on a new dance move for Michael. The new moonwalk, if you will. But he will not go into further details.

"He's working on something new, but I'm sworn to secrecy," Kenny said. "To be invited to partner him again is a dream come true. He is a creative mastermind and inspires every one of us to climb to new places and conquer new challenges. He is the most significant artist and entertainer of our generation."

The pair have already started working with Michael's 10 new back-up dancers - eight men and two women - and rehearsals are well underway.

Randy Phillips, from AEG - the company staging the shows - has promised fans they will not be disappointed with the "state-of-the-art" production.

"The stage set, choreography, costumes, lighting, effects and overall production will be of the highest standard and are pushing state-of-the art," Kenny said.

As for the idea that Jackson isn’t going to be healthy enough to pull off the tour, the Times' source says, “Michael is focused, dedicated, healthy beyond belief. All rumors that indicate the opposite are bullsh--. Michael wanted to rehearse seven days a week, even, and we had to talk him into rehearsing six days a week.”

Jackson’s tour, his first extended concert run in 12 years, begins July 8.

If only we had tickets...

source