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StumbleCriss Angel taking a break from ‘Believe’
Lights go off on on illusionist’s Cirque show this week
TOMASZ ROSSA / SPECIAL TO THE LAS VEGAS SUN
Cirque du Soleil spent a reported $100 million on “Criss Angel: Believe” and signed the magician to a 10-year run in the specially built theater at the Luxor.
Monday, Oct. 12, 2009 | 6:52 p.m.
Illusionist Criss Angel performs in the Cirque du Soleil show "Believe," which officially opened Friday night at the Luxor.
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The lights have gone out on Criss Angel’s Cirque du Soleil show, “Believe” – but not for long.
The cast and crew of the city’s most loved-by-Loyals/loathed-by-critics Cirque show is taking the week off as part of a previously scheduled break.
“I get six vacation weeks off a year and work 46 weeks a year,” Angel told the Las Vegas Sun, noting this week’s break is just one of his six week-long vacation breaks.
Angel and his cast proactively made up for their upcoming absence on Sunday with two extra shows
“This week I (performed) 12 shows, which includes two extra shows this Sunday, (which is) normally my dark day,” he said.
Critics have been predicting (and, at times, demanding) “Believe” would be axed ever since it opened nearly a year ago, on Halloween night, 2008.
Today, after more than 475 performances, the 90-minute magic-meets-circus spectacular is still very much a work in progress.
Still, Angel’s absence this week is not because he is being fired, dodging some scandal, or hiding from his unrelenting critics. Instead, the “Mindfreak” magician flew to Mexico this morning for some much-needed R and R.
“This Monday to Sunday I’ll be spending time with my entire family in Cabo, Mexico,” he said. “I return to Las Vegas (on) Monday and (will be) back to work with two shows on Tuesday.”
Angel has relaxed on Cabo’s sandy beaches before. The Mexican vacation destination has been his go-to getaway for years now.
“It’s tropical paradise,” he said, noting his plans for the week include “relax, relax, and relax – and yes of course a bit of work on some new projects.”
Love him or hate him, few can deny Criss Angel works hard. In addition to his 10 shows a week, five days a week Cirque schedule, he also shoots his popular series on A&E and is currently working on new illusions to incorporate into his stage show, too.
What’s more, Angel has yet to call in sick, mentally exhausted, or otherwise unavailable, despite a year of both “Believe”-related and personal ups and downs.
Compare that to Angel’s ex’s new “Peepshow” co-star, Aubrey O’Day, who didn’t wait a week before cancelling performances. Holly Madison, meanwhile, seems to have taken a lead from her former flame, and has yet to miss a single performance, despite recently feeling under the weather.
Melissa Arseniuk writes about Las Vegas entertainment and celebrity events. She can be reached at 702-948-7823 or by e-mail at melissa.arseniuk@lasvegassun.com.
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There's pretty much something for every taste in Vegas. My family and I saw the Believe show in July, for 1 of my 3 sons birthdays. They absolutely loved the show. My wife and I enjoyed it as much as, if not more, than any other Vegas show we've seen. As locals, we've seen quite a few.
As universally panned as this show has been, my cynical side wonders if the extremely positive review here is from someone with a financial interest in the show.
It's nice to know that Criss is getting some R and R. I hope he enjoys the rest of his vacation!
Critics by definition are going to be critical. But, while they may cling to their pen; Criss Angel has millions of loyal fans who will continue to support and embrace whatever endeavor he undertakes. We love Criss because he is an inspiration. No amount of criticism could ever discount his optimism or make his Loyals stray. We are very thankful for the continued kindness he consistently shows to his fans.
I wish I could get HOT CHICKS like Chris Angel
the show was not Superb - but far from being bad. it was very aestetically pleasing to the eye and pallette. and there holds great potetial.......further, Criss holds undoubtedly wonderful charisma -- and it shows.
Went and saw this show a few weeks ago and havent slept that good in years. Glad I didnt pay for it
Chris deserves to "disappear" for a week !! This show like all of the newer shows is constantly refining and polishing their act. Its a work in progress, stay tuned !!
you people do understand that his "magic" isn't real, right?
This is the worst show I have ever seen in Las Vegas. Can't believe Cirque put their name on this, I love all of their other shows but this one is definitely not worth the money.
Hey all you negatives posting here would love to be in Criss Angel's shoes for a day with all the chicks falling at that dude's feet, I know I would!!
I haven't seen Chris' show. But the comments remind me of how much I hated Seigfried and Roy's show when it opened at the Mirage in 1989. The show was expensive ($90). It was less of a magic show and more of a medieval rock opera. The magic was completely upstaged by the huge props (such as the mechanical dragon) and the gloomy production design. I enjoyed S & R's show when it was a smaller production at the Frontier, but when it moved to the Mirage, it was horrible. I love magic shows when they stick to being magic shows--eg. sleight of hand, amazing illusions, beautiful assistants in sequined leotards, dancers, etc. (What's Melinda first lady of magic doing now?) Even those "Magic's Greatest Secrets Revealed" shows don't ruin it for me. But apparently some producers don't understand that magic shows don't work when combined with a really big budget.
We have been going to Las Vegas for over 40 years and have seen hundreds of different shows. We don't critize entertainers too often, sometimes you get your money's worth, sometimes you don't, but like everything else in Vegas, it's different from what you get back home.
We saw Chriss' show about 6 months ago when some friends who live out there invited us as their guests to this show.
They told us it was third time they'd seen the show, and loved it! We no longer are friendly with these people.
The only trick he ever got to work was making 1200 Luxor employees disappear.
Wow- some fake positive reviews and one who hated Siegfried and Roy's show? These comments are getting more bizarre by the moment.
I recently saw Believe. I truly understand what the title means now: I am a believer that the critics were too nice about this show. It was over one and half hours (that's when I walked out) of Criss Angel imitating a crucified Jesus while Mindfreak fans admired him. The Cirque segments were decent, but few. I am an easy hick to impress from Northern Nevada. I love to even see the cheesey Vegas shows. Virtually all of Criss' magic occurred over one of the three trap doors on the stage. I could not figure out why more people weren't walking out of the show.