Believe! Special Tickets For New Criss Angel
Cirque Magic Show Go On Sale Today!
April 17th, 2008

 

It’s official—just as Luxe Life exclusively revealed a month ago! Criss Angel’s new Cirque du Soleil magic show is titled Believe and special insider tickets go on pre-sale today (THURS) for preview and regular performances—now slightly delayed to start Sept. 1 with the gala premiere on Sept. 12 at his custom built Luxor theater. Criss has co-written the show with Serge Denoncourt who will also be the director.

 

Mindfreak star Criss explained his reasoning for the name Believe: On his death bed, legendary magician and escape artist, Harry Houdini told his wife the following; “After my death, many people will claim that they are still able to communicate with me. If their claims are valid, they will be able to tell you a code word—that word is “BELIEVE.” Click here to hear Criss, in his own words, tell his LOYALS why he chose the title “Believe” for his new show and how Harry Houdini’s widow kept a rooftop vigil for 10 years waiting to hear the “secret” word.

 

Criss keeps a valuable historical collection of Houdini memorabilia. Recognized as one of the most provocative magic and escape artists in the world today Criss says its his way of paying homage to the late great Harry Houdini, Criss chose “Believe” as the title for what he describes as “this unprecedented live experience. “Believe will be a haunting exploration deep inside the inventive mind of mystifier Criss Angel as he hovers between the land of the living and a surreal world uniquely woven together by the distinctive imaginations of Criss Angel and Cirque du Soleil,” added Serge.

Cirque also revealed for the first time details of the show and its total difference from other Vegas magic productions: “Unlike traditional magic-themed shows, CRISS ANGEL Believe transcends any preconceived notion of what it means to be emotionally engaged by the arts of mysticism and illusion. Imagine a fantasy, an allegory, a highly theatrical tableau of mood, reverie and emotion set against a backdrop of dreamlike darkness and light. Criss Angel stars as a surreal, enigmatic Victorian Noble. Along a path of imaginative exploration, he encounters Kayala and Crimson, two women who represent different aspects of femininity, four bizarre ushers, who will introduce the audience to the baroque theater of Criss’ mind and a high-energy troupe of characters and dancers who mix a multitude of styles into a high-energy visual feast, punctuated by moments of grace and sensuality.

“The stunning illusions in CRISS ANGEL Believe will not be presented as standalone elements, but as interdependent components using heightened imagery, fantastical creatures and impossible feats of legerdemain, all of which will be integrated into the dazzling, colorful fabric of the story.

Criss will perform the shows twice nightly at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday through Tuesday and get a break each Wednesday and Thursday. Tickets are priced from $59 to $150. For the first 11-days of previews prices will be discounted by 25% because Criss and Cirque plan this as the final stages of production—and based on audience reaction and participation might interrupt the performances to make any adjustments to increase the audience experience. These are only available as of today (THURS) to members of the Criss Angel LOYALS fan club, Cirque club members and Luxor resort casino MGM insiders. A later announcement will be made when tickets are available to the general public.

This is the first time that a Cirque du Soleil show has been built around one specific star performer. Criss conceived the original idea and is the illusions designer for the show. Ray Winkler is the set designer and Meredith Caron will design costumes with music composed, arranged and directed by Eric Sera. Wade Robson is the choreographer and John Farrel is the director of illusions.

Luxe Life has learned that the show will also feature projection imagery, acrobatic stunts and puppets. Criss, to date, has only revealed one illusion where the audience will be wrapped inside a howling windstorm, which will emanate from his mouth!

Cirque founder Guy Laliberté who heads the creative team with Creative Content chief Gilles Ste-Croix arrives in Vegas today (THURS) and when I meet him at the Bellagio this afternoon will ask him to add more information. Their next project once Believe is launched will be the Elvis Presley show planned for the new MGM City Center theater. Cirque currently has its productions of Mystère at Treasure Island, The Beatles Love musical at The Mirage, “O” at Bellagio and KÀ at MGM Grand.

 

Criss, who is currently dating Miss Nevada beauty queen Veronica Grabowski has told Luxe Life: “This will definitely be the most exciting and creative magic show anywhere in the world. It will take magic beyond what has ever been experienced before in Vegas.”

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Steve Wynn Brings Danny Gans Back To The Fold

 

Hotel mogul Steve Wynn has “stolen” master-impressionist and entertainer Danny Gans back to his fold—after eight-years of unique one-man shows at The Mirage Theater, which Steve built for him in the first place! As of February next year Danny will be starring solo in Wynn’s new Encore resort in another brand new theater!

The hotel honcho commented: “I built the Danny Gans Theater at The Mirage in 2000 as a result of being convinced that he would bring to our family a standard of performing artistry unequalled by any other single star in Las Vegas. The result has been obvious, and he has occupied that singular position ever since. On a very personal, as well as professional level, I am absolutely delighted to welcome him back into our newer family across the street. We are going to have a great time together—just like the audience. Danny Gans’ continuing role as the star of the Encore Theater underscores the individual identity of our new resort and underscores our ongoing, unqualified commitment to excellence in service and entertainment.”

The actor, singer, comedian and impressionist has been named Las Vegas’ “Entertainer of the Year” for 11 consecutive years. Known as “The Man of Many Voices,” he was hailed by People Magazine for reviving “the age of impressionism in Las Vegas.” Gans has been selling out his shows for almost 12 years in Las Vegas. Prior to his long run at The Mirage he was at the Rio resort casino property.

Luxe Life will have a full report early next week including the rumors now that he didn’t want to extend his almost expired contract at The Mirage for another five-year period.