Criss Angel’s New Show: Scores Of Readers Chime In

An army of readers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal have posted comments about my Monday column, which chronicled how deeply many people hate Criss Angel's new "Believe" show. What are people saying?

Texas Frenchy wrote on September 30, 2008 07:37 AM: We were at the Saturday night show. I have been to other Cirque du Soleil shows, seen magic acts but this was a hard show to follow and wasn't impressed with the magic. The Cirque performance was like previous shows but without any great acrobatics or any really story to follow.. I think this was made for someone who would do some acid before walking in. The four of us were disappointed. But I guess it was a easy to watch because there was nothing to try and follow through the show.

Marie wrote on September 30, 2008 03:19 AM: I don't understand how people can be so mean. Like I said Criss had a very successful broadway show, it was not a tv show! I know people who saw him live and they said he was fantastic. I wish him and anyone else in this world the best with anything they set their mind to do. All of you should be ashamed for being so mean and rude. Grow up!

Lisp Angel wrote on September 30, 2008 01:57 AM: What did you expect from a lisping New jersey 1980's Hair Band wanna be Camaro Driving Magician. His tv show is all Camera tricks.. take away the camera and all you have is this trick , and he is soooo creepy...anytime a hot chick rolls thru town you have this creepy guy drooling over all of them. Bring back the Sigfrieds Tiger and put him in this show.. I would pay thousands to watch him get eaten alive.. but oh wait.. looks like the ticket buying public (what little is left in this economy) will do that for me.

kracs wrote on September 29, 2008 10:39 PM: i was a fan, now i think he's an as#

Tom, Burbank wrote on September 29, 2008 10:00 PM: To Loyally His, Hocus Pocus it's time to focus. If you had taken the time to actually read the article, you'd know that Doug deliberately didn't see the disaster, er, performance, and the article isn't a review of the show ("I didn't see the show, which stars the TV illusionist in a Cirque performance, because I wanted to purely chronicle fan reaction to one of the most anticipated new shows on the Strip in some time, ..."). It seems the Titanic isn't the only thing sinking nightly on the Strip.

RHG wrote on September 29, 2008 09:28 PM: I guess this egotistical, arrogant fraud isn't so "magical" when he doesn't have the "magic" of a TV camera to help out. But, I guess the real "magic" was in getting people to pay to see his phony act.

dancer wrote on September 29, 2008 09:16 PM: I have been personally worked with the choreographer on the cirque due soleil "believe". His name is Wade Robson. He is so wonderful and his choreography is great. I am saddened to hear that the magic was terrible, but that the dancing was good.

You would think with Wade and Chris coming together to create something magical. I hope if the show stays bad, then Wade Robson pulls out and works with people who deserve his talents.

Freaked_Mine wrote on September 29, 2008 09:13 PM: and I mean that. Mined. as in GOLD. He isn't losing any sleep. The sucker who fronted the $85mil may be swimm'en wiff da fishez? Christ Angel is so "hawt" tho. I'm devilishly tormented in hawtness.
TOUCH me!! (tssssssss)

Dan Tripi wrote on September 29, 2008 08:53 PM: Guy's it's Criss Angel, what did you expect?
He can't do magic for anyone besides the camera, even then he still needs to edit it.

-the chad wrote on September 29, 2008 08:50 PM: From where I read, it sounds like Bekah, Loyally His, and Virigina Sandy must work for the show, their comments sound like PR

Mike Hunt wrote on September 29, 2008 08:49 PM: Glad I got my money back because they were not ready in time. What goes up must come down

Vegas Vic wrote on September 29, 2008 08:26 PM: From the things Angel has done in the recent past, it's a wonder this show even got off the ground. If he's going to act like a spoiled child when his "girlfriend" is not chosen in some contest, he's got no business dealing with the public in ANY manner whatsoever.
Marie wrote on September 29, 2008 12:29 PM:I wonder if any of you could do the things he does.
Oh, you mean like threatening a columnist for not giving his girlfriend glowing reviews??? You're right. I couldn't do that thing.

Eric wrote on September 29, 2008 08:21 PM: "He broke into song. I said, 'He's singing. Now we're leaving.""

Talk about a memorable quote.

Now that themed casinos are biting the dust, maybe the whole Cirque b.s. can follow them.

Wain Newtun wrote on September 29, 2008 08:02 PM: Corey impersonater. That was hillarious, but you spelled your name wrong you tard.

bob wrote on September 29, 2008 07:44 PM: This Show want last a Year!

Robert Henderson wrote on September 29, 2008 07:35 PM: Ouch.

Somebody bring Criss a tissue. This has got to hurt.

The good news is Luxor will be able to give a reference... either good or bad.. on an Attorney for getting out of ten year entertainment contracts.

That reference should be ready in about 6 months. Hope it's a good one.

Linda wrote on September 29, 2008 06:57 PM: How can people be so judgemental? There's a reason the tickets were 25% discounted. It's still a work in progress!

jeffrey Walter wrote on September 29, 2008 06:52 PM: this review is hysterical and scathing!!!

Criss Angel's Mommy wrote on September 29, 2008 06:39 PM: DISCLAIMER- The one on the Ticket.

My Son is practicing MAGIC.

Kind of like when a Doctor practices MEDICINE. Only different.

If one of his ILLUSIONS looks totally bogus to you, please jam this ticket stub into your left eye.

The drink ticket that was provided, at no cost, should be simultaniously jammed into your right eye.

Now that you can NO LONGER SEE.....
The V.I.P. Buffet on the way out should NO LONGER be an issue.

KEEP WALKING! IT'S AN ILLUSION!!!!!!

How dare you show up and pretend my little boy has a future "Right off the Bat" He just learned to apply eyeliner.

He makes BUTTERBEAN look like a WORLD CLASS ATHELETE. WHAT A CHOKE MONSTER!

BOYCOTT THIS RIP-OFF FAST!

LUXOR WILL PAY FOR THIS MISTAKE.

Dennis Rosen wrote on September 29, 2008 06:31 PM: I am not surprised. I am not really specifically familiar with what this fellow does, but he seems a bit scruffy and an oddball and I am surprised that the MGM Mirage powers that be invested that much money in him.

Jerry & Lisa wrote on September 29, 2008 06:10 PM: I was at Friday’s show (5th row center) and do have to admit I was disappointed. After the aggravation of the preview shows being canceled three (3) times, changing flight plans, and arguing with ticket associates, this was not the show I anticipated. My wife who is a big Cirque fan and also watches “Mind Freak” with me did state that she thought that Cirque should be embarrassed to put there name on this one. I don’t see why they took cell phones and cameras as there was nothing new to steal. Maybe the best is yet to come, but I paid a lot for those tickets and don’t feel that it was worth the money. The biggest slap in the face was the speech Criss Angel gave at the end of his performance, that his fans got him here. Then you had to walk through the lobby where a lavish buffet was set up for the VIP’s and the fans just had to keep on walking… Criss is a street performer maybe a live stage is just not the way to go.

corey levitan wrote on September 29, 2008 05:54 PM: I object to Tobias Beckwith using the comments section on this R-J Web page to shamelessly promote his boss's show at the Palace Station.

Furthermore, if anybody wants to really be entertained, they should read my "Fear and Loafing" column on Sunday.

Sincerely,
Corey Levtan

tme wrote on September 29, 2008 05:54 PM: lol....the show is HORRIBLE...enuf said, i flew in from Cincinnati 2 c it

mike wrote on September 29, 2008 05:16 PM: LOL Ha Ha Ha Ha... Chris is a jerk.
Fianlly he gets what he has coming... lol lol lol

Tobias Beckwith wrote on September 29, 2008 05:16 PM: Sorry to see the devastating article on Criss Angel's premiere. Criss is a talented innovator - apparently overwhelmed by the machinery of Cirque du Soleil.

I was especially sorry to see the comment, quoted from a patron, that "If you want to see magic, go to the Magic Castle in L.A. While the Magic Castle is a wonderful institution, it can't match even the smallest of Vegas' spectactular magic shows. If you love magic, STAY HERE and see Lance Burton, Mac King, Davide Copperfield, Penn & Teller or my own show over at Palace Station: "Jeff McBride - Magic at the Edge." Vegas is the world capital of magic -- with the BEST performers in the world bringing their magic here.

Sincerely,
Tobias Beckwith
Manager to Jeff McBride

Harry H. wrote on September 29, 2008 04:32 PM: Doesn't everyone know that his mindfreak show is nothing more than TV editing? The 60's sitcom Bewitched did the same thing, only nobody was stupid enough to give her a Cirque show in Vegas.

Silly people

Ken wrote on September 29, 2008 04:31 PM: I love the comment about Angel having a tough guy image. Hardly.

I'm actually happy to see this act fail. Cirque has some great shows in this town but they need to quit filling every hole MGM comes up with. Eventually, you will lower yourself to the level of guys like Angel. And then the brand suffers.

They need to retool quickly and not let this drag on. Bring in someone like Dita Von Teese to keep people from leaving twenty minutes early.

And don't let this schmuck sing. This is Vegas. We're supposed to know better.

Captain obvious wrote on September 29, 2008 04:28 PM: Thanks for your insight loyally his....errr... I mean Chris Angels mom.
The show stinks, and Chris has no talent.

Criss Angel - Epic Failure wrote on September 29, 2008 04:18 PM: Perhaps if they replace Criss Angel with a real magician that has charisma, presentational skills and most importantly talent they will be able to save the show?!?

Loyally His wrote on September 29, 2008 04:18 PM: Obviously Mr. Elfman went into Believe with a preconceived idea of Criss Angel and Believe and a closed mind, refusing to change his opinion. Are we to understand that he was not able to find one person in attendance who enjoyed the show? I find that to simply be impossible. Clearly he went out of his way to only talk to those who were disappointed, obviously not a fan of Angel's work to being with.

This show is in preview stages. You are not going to see the entire completed show in a preview setting. Props are not finished, sets are raw and rough, you will see guide ropes as costumes are not in their final stages. I agree with Bekah, it is very true that if anyone took the time to read the disclaimer regarding the preview performances you would know better of what to expect. A preview is just that. A preview. Larger illusions are not going to be revealed in a preview show.

Mr. Elfman neglected to comment on some great elements of Friday night's performance, he only focused on the few things that are still being worked on. Everyone is in for a spectacular performance once the show is officially up and running. Criss and crew have worked extremely hard to bring Las Vegas the best show it has ever seen and trust me, the best is yet to come.

david wrote on September 29, 2008 04:05 PM: That's what staged tv and bad actors can do to the good reputation of well-established circus shows.

If you wanna see an extraordinary magic show with twice the pruduction quality and magic, check out Kevin and Caruso in Miami.

i think their site is http://www.kevinandcaruso.com

Chris Angel looks funny on tv, thou. I'll give him that. OH! maybe he could do better as a comedian! yeeeeah!

Brittany Spears wrote on September 29, 2008 03:30 PM: He ruined my career in just a few weeks. He sucks as an illusionist and has no talent otherwise.

DO NOT GO TO THIS SHOW --- YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED!!!

Nick, NYC wrote on September 29, 2008 03:22 PM: I work on a Broadway show and Previews are just that and are open to change but this show sounds like a complete disaster. Good luck to everyone who put all their time and energy in to producing this

Taylor Martin wrote on September 29, 2008 03:14 PM: Someone said my little magic show here in Indy was better. I didn't believe them. Now I do.

I spend about $200 every month to put on a local magic show. Sounds like I'll me making more profit off of it than Cirque.

Taylor
indymagicmonthly.com

Mama Bear wrote on September 29, 2008 03:14 PM: MGM properties are being led down the primrose path by old school wannabees who are trying to sell stuff that nobody really wants. But, they really don't care, because they will tell you anything to separate you from your money!!

Tom, Burbank wrote on September 29, 2008 02:51 PM: Bekah, Marie and Jessica (Rabbit?) have been really mindfreaked if they think that an $85 million show gets to the preview stage and is still this bad but will be fixed by the premiere. The show's been troubled from the beginning. If I'd known it would be such a bomb, I'd have gotten a ticket because I missed the implosions of the Sands, Dunes, Landmark, et al. AbbracaDRABra, for sure.

Virginia Sandy wrote on September 29, 2008 02:42 PM: C'mon people, give the kid a break! These are only trial runs. Don't be so quick to judge. All those fans who call themselves "Loyals" should, perhaps, look up the meaning of the word loyal in the dictionary.
Criss has worked so hard for this. I don't know how many times I've stood less than 4 feet away from the boy & saw the gleam in his eyes as he talked about how this 15-year dream of his was finally "coming to fruition".....and each time, I'd think of how lucky his mom, Dimitra, is to be witness to one of her boys getting his dreams realized in this hard world. How many mothers get that wonderful experience?
And I could just slap those ignorant asses who spouted off about his tears when dedicating the show to his dad! Apparently they've never lost someone who was truly close to them. Last year, when we were presenting him with the Cancer Society Memorial to his dad, I can assure you that there was nothing theatrical about the tears in his eyes or the sadness in his voice. We should all be so lucky to have someone whose passing touches our hearts like that!
I hope Criss, his family and the entire Believe cast and crew know that there some of us who are behind them all the way! We Believe!

Bekah wrote on September 29, 2008 02:39 PM: what people need to keep in mind is the show is in PREVIEW stages. This means the show is not finished yet. There are lots of things to be worked out. What you saw was just a glimpse of things to come, there will be bigger and better illusions and the ones in the preview performances will be enhanced.

Those who are attending the preview shows need to re-evaluate their thinking. It was never stated that the show you would be seeing would be the actual finished product. If you took the time to read the disclaimer on the Believe website you would be aware of this matter.

It is completely biased and unfair to critique a show in such early stages. The performance is still in its raw form.

When attending this show you need to keep in mind that you are NOT going to see a replica of a Mindfreak episode. You are seeing a show done by Cirque with a magical element. I simply cannot stress enough that this show is in PREVIEW and is UNFINISHED.

It is a shame when critics and fans have to become rude. Criss is a dedicated worker and with the show still being in preview stages he is not finished with his work. The show will continue to develop and grow as time goes on. The reason for preview shows is to make sure things run smooth and that they are ready for the premier night. Of course not all the illusions and special effects are going to be involved in PREVIEW shows.

Give it time people. Good things come to those who wait.

randy wrote on September 29, 2008 02:34 PM: I am a big fan of his, or I was...clearly this show was terrible. And to now realize that the majority of what he does on tv has to be set up with actors, etc., is a real disappointment...The magic is gone for me now, too bad.

Oh, and the show cant be saved, unless they completely remake it from scratch.

The cirque stuff was great and the music was too...

Patrick wrote on September 29, 2008 02:29 PM: I turned down a pair of tickets to see the Foo Fighters on Friday to see this peice of utter garbage. (Thank God I saw them on Thursday.)

There is no story.

There is little magic. And what magic there is, is very lame.

I kept waiting for the show to get good, it never did.

Both franchises Cirque and Angel traded on their names for this awful show.

I didnt expect to see "Mindfreak" and I also didnt expect to see "Cirque." I expected to see a combo of the two and unlike Peanut Butter and Chocolate together, this show tasted like crap.

Waste of money.

LLW wrote on September 29, 2008 02:25 PM: That show was 75 min. of my life I can't get back- I'd at least like my money back.

Foster Grant wrote on September 29, 2008 02:25 PM: A lack of practice is NOT the problem with this show. I saw it Saturday with rabid Angel fans and they were embarrassed. Angel should have been embarrassed. Cirq folk were WONDERFUL!!! But Angel (and his obvious doubles) kept taking the stage.

Fans of his muscles should note that "cumberbund-like" belt hides more than just his "flying" harness.

Funny how collapsible capes and hoods cover Angel at the same 3 points on the floor for EVERY disappearance, or watch to see him dash up-stage through smoke. And if the body on that chain-saw table looks human to ANYONE, you need to look at more people! I suspect the torso was cast from Angel 10-15 lbs. ago, or "touched up" - it's the only time one sees what is supposed to be his "waist."

I expect the only "mind freak" going on is Angel backstage just before the start of this bomb each night (Oh, be good if he could improvise his patter to reflect when there are and are NOT two shows nightly, but that's obviously beyond this clod's skills.) It's hard to sort out which parts are most uncomfortable in this show for the audience - when Angel speaks, or when he performs "tricks." Both made me queasy.

Finally, neat trick with the "Surprise" 'We love you Chris' banner, with Angel usually out of synch with the supposedly live video on screen. Time lag can be sold as a tech effect, but the words and movements STILL have to match, and they don't. Oh, and Chris, don't start peeling off one costume before disappearing behind the video screen. And we know your double sometimes comes out the other side.

It's as if this guy has done only TV magic. Sadly, sloppy magic on stage can't be "cleaned up in post."

Disappointed Fan wrote on September 29, 2008 01:48 PM: I was very excited to see this show. I talked about it to everyone for weeks. I went to the Saturday show. It was awful. I still don't kow what it was about. I went with a group of over 10 people, the half that stayed awake was very disappointed. Very little if any magic, a confusing storyline, and screaming the song Mindfreak. This is not a fix the kinks issue. This is a fix the content of the whole show. I actually felt bad for Criss because he is so talented and a great entertainer, everyone was leaving before the end. I am still a Criss fan and if I knew he was going to do his trade mark magic by making people disappear and float I would give it another try. I am cheering for him and hope he doesn't lose to much iin the way of money and his reputation on this bad production.

haha wrote on September 29, 2008 01:36 PM: I doubt many people could do the things he does on Mindfreak. not everyone can afford an editing team that good. I mean, his editing team should win Magician of the Year- not him. And they should get it as co-winners with the stooges he pays to fill his crowds of 'strangers'.

lauren wrote on September 29, 2008 12:47 PM: this show is probably as bad as his special he did when he "escaped" an imploding building!

All in a day's work wrote on September 29, 2008 12:36 PM: If this was a Broadway Show, the plug would have been pulled, already.

It's a shame that all those people will be out of jobs.

The real pisser is somehow the Republicans will be blamed for the unemployment numbers going up, certainly not Criss Angel and his poor presentation. So maybe this was Angel's gift to Obama's campaign, more smoke and mirror's.

Marie wrote on September 29, 2008 12:29 PM: It is really sad when people have to be jerks. I'm sure once the show premiers and is out of the preview stage things will be worked out. This man seems like a good person, hard worker and is very creative. His Mindfreak show is awesome! I wonder if any of you could do the things he does. Lets not forget he had a VERY successful Broadway run

arggg wrote on September 29, 2008 12:24 PM: GREAT! my husband and I cannot stand this guy however are being dragged to the show in a week by realitives visiting who want to see the show. Now I know in advance I'll get a good nap..lol

sonni wrote on September 29, 2008 12:18 PM: I would love to hear more from anyone else that went to the show, I am shocked and disappointed. My daughter gave up a trip to disney land to come see this show for her birthday. Is it that ridiculus? I heard it was scary... not according to this article.

JMHO wrote on September 29, 2008 12:15 PM: Ok course it was going to be bad. MindFreak is a TV show where they can edit and work in special effect before the segments are aired. This was live and there was no way to enchance this.

ULF Christina wrote on September 29, 2008 12:06 PM: Criss don't give up, all the Loyals know that you are going to give a high quality brilliant production as soon as you have worked out the kinks. We love you and support all your efforts!

Jerry Foster wrote on September 29, 2008 12:02 PM: Thanks for the warning. I would not have gone to the show anyway. I can get there by car in four hours. There are many other magicians in Vegas I would rather see. Sadly Mindfreak on television got very old very quickly with all the stooges and edits, and simply impossible magic that other magicians do not have the luxury of doing in front of a live audience.

David wrote on September 29, 2008 11:56 AM: this show was horrific, and i watched hans klok. my gf had comped tickets for the first show. 1st someone tell mr. angel people don't like bunnies that much. 2. tell him he cant sing and 3. an open bar and gratuitous nudity wouldnt have saved this show.

GladK wrote on September 29, 2008 11:48 AM: Well you have to admit, he does have some fetching liquid eye-liner and a nice chiseled bod which evidently he's quite proud of. Perhaps when Believe folds Chippendales can hire him as toilet attendant.

Bob E wrote on September 29, 2008 10:28 AM: Jessica - can you pass around some of that Kool Aid you're drinking?

casinocon wrote on September 29, 2008 10:21 AM: The commercials for the show are so bad I have to turn the chanel when they come on. I guess they really are indicative of the quality of the show. Mr. Angel and Cirque has had PLENTY of time to work out the kinks. I guess what you see is really what you get -- a bad act.

Rotten wrote on September 29, 2008 09:48 AM: Poor Jessica...
Did he give you a Back Stage Pass and let you work the invisible strings and the trap door thinga-ma-jiggy?

Maybe it would be safer if you went Christmas Fishing with Scott Peterson.
Now that guy knows how to make things temporarily disappear. Can you swim?

Snake Oil Boy has you up his sleeve.

Tough Guy Image? Village People Offspring at best. It's Magical...

steve wrote on September 29, 2008 09:33 AM: Anyone dumb enough to pay money to see this guy almost NEEDS to get ripped off as some sort of karma-tax on bad pop culture.

These are the same people that bought Vanilla Ice records.

And isn't this guy sort of already worn out?

Jessica wrote on September 29, 2008 08:15 AM: "Believe" is certainly salvageable -- they don't call these shows "previews" for nothing! Remember, the show barely a few days old at this point. Like all shows, nothing is "perfect" when you first start out. I have faith in Criss and that the show will do well by the time of the Gala premiere, and beyond.

--Jessica

BUZZLYTYEAR wrote on September 29, 2008 07:09 AM: MAGIC? HARDLY, ANGEL IS A HACK ALL CAMERA TRICKS.

huh? wrote on September 29, 2008 05:32 AM: If everyone would look at the billboard that says Believe, one will notice the the center three letters are more pronounced than the others and spell out lie.

Go figure

Rotten wrote on September 29, 2008 05:09 AM: Tell Mr. Angel, He needs to add another "S" to his first name.
"C"(cancel)"R"(reservations)"I"(in advance)"S"(show)"S"(s*cked)"S"(sh$t)
He owes me $55.00. Drink was good. it woke me up. His fan base are our new Trekkies. BEAM THIS SHOW DOWN.

Vegas wrote on September 29, 2008 05:06 AM: Why is the poor performance a surprise?

What has this guy ever really done?

Has he had "starter" shows on the strip? Or, just those contrived tv shows.

I had wondered if the magic of Cirque could make it work. Evidently not.