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Michael Jackson's last rehearsal: 'just beaming with gladness'

O2 Arena

Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images

A billboard posted on the outside of London's O2 Arena, where Michael Jackson was to begin his 50-date residency on July 13.

Onstage at Staples Center, associates say, the performer radiated joy as he prepared for his comeback tour.
By Chris Lee and Harriet Ryan
7:40 PM PDT, June 26, 2009
Michael Jackson spent his final night alive in his favorite spot on Earth: the stage.

At Staples Center Wednesday night, the performer did a full run-through of his planned comeback concert. He and his company -- dancers, musicians, singers, aerial performers, choreographers and costumers -- planned to fly to England early next week for final dress rehearsals at London's O2 Arena, the site of the pop superstar's 50-night sold-out run.

By lunchtime Thursday, Jackson was in cardiac arrest. But in Staples Center's spotlight, he was in high spirits and totally engaged, according to a number of his collaborators. Energetic, optimistic and focused, Jackson gave no indication of what was to come, they said. The show's director, Kenny Ortega -- a journeyman choreographer and movie director whose career highlights include "High School Musical," the "Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour" and "Dirty Dancing" -- began work with Jackson on the intricate staging four months ago. On Thursday, Ortega recalled Jackson as bursting with enthusiasm and personally invested in the production's most minute details.

source: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/business/la-et-jackson-rehearsal27-2009jun27,0,7056102.story
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