Beginning as a street group with 20 performers in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has evolved into a global live entertainment production company. Presenting shows in over 40 counties, with a mission “to invoke the imagination, provoke the senses and evoke the emotions of people around the world,” its performances have done just that for before 90 million people in over 200 cities.

Its newest and seventh permanent Las Vegas production is “Viva ELVIS”, based at the brand new ARIA Hotel & Casino at CityCenter. Priscilla Presley, who married Elvis at the Aladdin Hotel (now, Planet Hollywood), collaborated with the show’s writer, director, set designer, and choreographers to help spark the emotional connection fans still have with “the King.”

Michael Jackson fans can expect the same royal treatment. Wasting no time, the website’s North American landing page is prominently featuring the “King of Pop” on its website and is offering up-to-date information about its 2011 debut and priority ticket access through its free Cirque Club membership (which offers additional perks such as last-minute ticket upgrades.)

The “About the Show” tab explores each production even further by providing still photographs of the acts, set designs, and costumes as well as interviews about the accompanying music. For those who wish to learn about the creative and technical minds behind the scenes, there are show creator biographies and fun facts about how the mobile carnie village is constructed. The “Boutique” section allows fans to bring the Cirque experience home in the form of DVDs, CD, books, apparel, accessories, and collectibles.

But for those who are looking to run off with the circus, the “Jobs” portion of the site houses some of the most interesting content (which typically is not the case on most brands’ websites). Each performance discipline is highlighted, including artist requirements and video demonstrations of daring feats such as cloud swings fire-knife dancing. It's a fascinating peek at the array of talented performers.

As a global company, Cirque du Soleil takes corporate and social responsibility seriously. With a philanthropic commitment to helping at-risk youth, the brand is involved in communities worldwide and highlights its activities on the “Global Citizenship” page. In addition to producing shows with eco-conscious themes and donating tickets to community organizations, Cirque du Soleil also mentors aspiring artists who live in underprivileged areas. Ticket buyers leave the checkout feeling positive, knowing that they have supported a brand dedicating to creating a better tomorrow.

If the sales surge in Michael Jackson's music following his untimely death is a strong indication of the legions of fans hungry to sustain their connection to him, then Cirque du Soleil can expect its Web traffic to pop as fans snap up tickets for Cirque's upcoming homage. It’s a good thing all is well under the big top.