Michael Jackson's Family "Thrilled" About Cirque Du Soleil Show

Michael Jackson's estate has made a deal with Cirque du Soleil to develop projects based on the late pop singer's music and choreography - the deal encompasses touring and permanent shows .

The first of these projects will  feature an arena-touring show in which fans will experience a re-creation of a Michael Jackson concert, and this is expected to debut in the fall of 2011. It's anticipated that show will have an extended run in Las Vegas in conjunction with longtime Cirque du Soleil partner in Sin City, MGM Mirage.

The permanent show, which will also be in partnership with the MGM Mirage, is expected to debut in late 2012.

Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine Jackson says, "Our family is thrilled that Cirque du Soleil will pay tribute to my son in such an important way."

John Branca, Co-executor of the estate that brokered the deal told RadarOnline.com, "This will not just be a tribute to Michael's musical genius, but a live entertainment experience that uses the most advanced technology to push every creative boundary as Michael always did. Having attended Cirque du Soleil performances with Michael, I know he was a huge fan. We are excited to be partners with Cirque du Soleil to give Michael's fans a truly unique way to hear, see and feel Michael's music

Michael Jackson's estate will own 50% of the project and Cirque du Soleil will have the other half. The estate will equally share in casting, developing, building and producing the projects. The estate will also receive  royalty payments on various aspects of intellectual property used in the Michael Jackson projects.