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Report: Plot For Criss Angel Believe Altered

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Without spoiling too much, Criss Angel Believe used to be the tale of a tragic accident and the journey through the subconscious of an overworked, dying magician. However, iTricks is now getting reports that the Luxor Cirque spectacular has eliminated the “Tesla Coil accident” element of the plot.

In the two shows we’ve seen in person, it’s safe to say the Tesla Coil staging was never the most breath taking of all show’s set pieces. However it did establish a very important narrative device. We’re curious to hear how they’ve replaced it.

If you’ve seen the show in the last few days please email JustinRobertYoung@Gmail with details on how the story moves now.

This is further indication that the creative team behind the show is continuing to hone the production, just in time for the one-year anniversary on Halloween.

Posted by Editor on Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 at 12:32 pm.

  • timothydrake

    Hmmmmm… So the show that opened last year at Halloween DIDN'T continue a full year and now it's going to be NOT the same show? Hmmmmm. A good lawyer could get me out of my bet based on this tidbit of info. Hmmmmmmm ;)

  • http://iTricks.com/news JustinRYoung

    Stop it Tim, don't be a welcher :)

  • timothydrake

    LOL Justin. I am going to have too much fun living up to the bet to ever want to welch on it. I was just speaking from a legal/technical point there earlier. LOL

    Funny how a show Criss said he was 100% happy with is still considered a work in progress almost a year later. Hmmmmmmm ;)

  • http://iTricks.com/news JustinRYoung

    I know Tim, I was just teasing.
    In all honesty, let's assume Criss was keenly aware of the problems with the
    show. What is he supposed to do in the opening months of his mega-hyped
    Cirque show? It's a rough position for all involved but when the momentum of
    money and time get moving, sometimes hard decisions are the only ones to
    make.

  • Brookie

    maybe it just got replaced with something else big, so that they wouldn't have to change the entire plot.

  • timothydrake

    I knew you were teasing.LOL I would also be doing the same thing if I were in Criss's shoes. His mistake was in promising new magic never seen before and NASA technology to use it.. not in the way he handled the bad bad bad press when the show debuted. Fans can like the show all they want but it is among the lowest ratings ever on Tripadvisor.com. Its number 495 of things to do in Vegas in ratings. 80% of those who see it HATE it. ( giving it 1 or 2 stars) Cirque does not want the show to be reviewed again because they know it will be more of the same.

    Yet… saddled with a dog of a show….Criss continues to wag the dog and keep people interested in seeing it and him. For that alone I take my hat off to him. I have said it many times….. not a fan of what he calls magic but a great admirer of his PR skills. He has proven himself a master of that. For that reason he deserves any success he has enjoyed.

  • http://iTricks.com/news JustinRYoung

    To be honest, the show improved between the two times I saw it. Them
    altering the “accident” angle is potentially a very cool step in the right
    direction depending on where they decide to go with the plot.

  • timothydrake

    Maybe improved but still getting mostly BAD reviews. I feel bad for the people who paid the big bucks for tickets while Cirque takes time to get it right.

    http://las-vegas-hotels.tripadvisor.com/Attract…

  • friendinflorida

    haha Tim. I actually work for lawyers and, nope not gonna work :) I can't wait to see what you got cooked up. Even tho I have won the bet, I gotta a feeling it will still be egg on my angel face :)

    I have mixed feelings on the Tesla being eliminated. I actually enjoyed the “shock” of it during the show, but can also see how the story line could be improved w/ something else.

    I really did enjoy the entire show. I would pay the money again. The only part that confused me was the end w/ the roses. Not sure how that fit in. But overall, it really was a great ride. Haunting, scary, surprising, sexy, funny. Full range of emotions. The De Kolta Chair, Richiarid inspired, was spot on when I saw it.

  • friendinflorida

    oops sorry Richiardi. Know how certain people are crazy w/ spelling..lol.

  • HAL

    Justin, you actually paid to see the show twice? Can they stop the show from being reviewed again? 495 of things to do, how many are on the total list, 496? And the Tesla coil, wasn't that supposed to be this big life or death stunt on Mindfake, and now he can do it 10 times a week, more of his BS. I guess this show runs what, 2 hours? How many 'MAGIC” effects are in the show? If the reviews are still this bad after a year, how much can it improve in the next year? My suggestion would be to scrap the whole bunny story, and do a real 'MAGIC” act. But being the 'VIDEO' magician that he is, I doubt that he could come close. Like you said, he promised this magic we've never seen, and he's right, we never seen it.

  • Justin_Sane

    Just wondering FIF, when the show ended did it appear to you that 80% of the people walking out HATED it? … as the obvious evidence shows and Tripadvisor Drake is so eager to point out. Btw, Tripadvisor Drake is a really BIG fan of David Copperfield right, just like Video Magician Hal? Hmmm..very interesting.

  • HAL

    When it opened, and long after, 80% was a low estimate of those who said it was terrible. I believe Criss just put out a DVD package with all the Mindfake episodes. I would never pay for it, but it would be interesting to count how many tricks are done with edits and computers. I have a big list from the one's I've recorded. We could never keep count of the stooges. How can someone so bad be worshipped by so many, even if they are women?

  • HAL

    Thanks for the tip aout Tripadvisor: I just read the first 25 reviews, 2 were good. Comments from “PEOPLE WHO SAW THE SHOW” included….Criss, you owe me an apology and $300….Tricks were pathetic….wires were seen….Clowns ran half the show….put your money in slot machines….metal detectors were there because people probably wanted to kill Criss.(Good one) Only the AC kept me awake….One disappointment after another. Can anybody think of another show with so many bad reviews? Henry Kissinger singing Beatle songs would be better. I'll bet the birds wish they could quit the show. Is it possible Criss doesn't know how bad so many think he is? He's 495 out of 572, how bad can the remaining ones be? Any bets yet if he'll make it another year?

  • timothydrake

    Justin.. Facts are facts. You can look at the stats on tripadvisor yourself and a bar graph will show you the number of people who gave it one star or 2 stars. That will show you where I get the 80% figure. Yes I am a fan of Copperfield but I don't see how that affects things. I deal in facts and facts only. BTW… if you read the tripadvisor reviews you will see that MOST are posted by fans of Criss. If they are disappointed and post a negative review about it .. don't blame me. Blame the show they are disappointed in.

  • kristofor

    I would like to point out the same thing that Noel Britten did at Magic Live which is if you look at Vision air which is rated 493, two better than Criss Angels Believe, a person who got arrested, lost money and show tickets, and almost died in a crash landing…. on average had a better time than those who attend Criss Angels show. Now that is comedy.

    Hope they rework the whole show.

  • HAL

    For Halloween, Criss is going as a Magician. When kids come to his door, and say 'Trick or Treat', they know all they'll get is treats. Glad to see somebody agrees that beLIEve is the worst. I'm a Copperfield fan too, I can't see how the two can be used in the same sentence. Have to check to see who is after Criss on the list, maybe I'll recognize some of the names.

  • timothydrake

    For the record and only because I don't want this thread to become a mess like that other one. I never said the show sucks. I have not seen it so I can't judge it. I can only say that most who see it do not like it and critics have given it bad reviews.

    I have read enough to think I won't like it but I will indeed see it to judge it for myself before actually reviewing it. There is an audience for anything. Some people who see Believe DO like it. Good for them if they feel they got their moneys worth. I am guessing FIF would see it again if given the chance. Correct FIF? Who am I to argue with that?

  • HAL

    If 80% say it’s bad (I think it’s really higher), wasn’t George Bush’s approval rating better than Criss? SUCKS seems to describe it fairly. Is he really trying to make the show better? He’s on Twitter all day with those stupis pictures, getting his ass massaged and phony cops. He belongs on Comedy Central.

  • Troy in LasVegas

    Regarding FiF's comment – “I have mixed feelings on the Tesla being eliminated. I actually enjoyed the “shock” of it during the show, but can also see how the story line could be improved w/ something else…”

    I saw the show opening night of previews. I knew the story line as “A trip insides Criss' mind” but not the details of how we got there. When the Tesla Coil effect happened my first thought was “Great. They killed Criss on the very first show. That is gonna hurt production.” It slowly began to sink in that it was part of the show. Especailly as my guest, who had seen dress rehearsals, did not seem concerned.
    I do agree, it will be interesting to see what direction it now takes.

  • HAL

    Why didn't I think of that? Kill Criss in the first show, they might have had a hit. He could have been doing Mindfake 25 by now. Which has more of a plot, 'beLIEve' or a porn film?

  • SNG

    I saw the show just last weekend…here's the rundown.
    Levitation entrance.
    Master Prediction System.
    Tesla Coil (I want one in my yard)
    Burned Criss to Real Criss transpo (In big catapault looking thing…huge)
    Dove Act (respectable)
    Dove flight over the audience (cool)
    Aerial Act
    Interlude looking thing
    Girl vanish…then evil girl into tree transformation.
    Acrobatic rabbit act.
    Criss appearance in chair (ala Burton)
    DeKolta/Tip Over trunk
    Creature comes to life/Mascot Moth
    Metamorphisis (standard, uses fire instead of cloth)
    Horizontal Walking down dress (pretty cool)
    Cut in Half

  • friendinflorida

    JustinSane. The night I was there, everyone I saw leaving the show were smiling and talking about the show and the illusions in a positive way. The Believe store was packed after the show. I don't think people would buy stuff from a show they hated.

    You are correct Mr. Drake. I would see the show again. The person that saw the show w/ me had never even heard of Criss. She loved it. All the way thru the show she kept grabbing my arm going “look, look, how?”. It was a great night.

    Troy, your funny bone is showing again..lol. The “shock” I enjoyed was not Criss getting fried, but the sharp crack, smoke and noise that went along w/ it. Made you jump in your seat.

    SNG – the Aerial Act was very sexy and beautiful.

  • Amy

    I saw it twice with two people who knew little about Criss but both loved it. Once during the preview period and the second time during spring break. I'll be there on Halloween night, so can't wait to see any changes that are made!

  • HAL

    NAME: Thanks for the corrctions on my grammar, I checked and you are right. See, I do admit when I’m wrong. Nobody, however, has shown I’m wrong about Criss’ magic act. (Hope I have the punctuation right). I was just reading that James Randi has cancer. He says, when I die, I wan’t to be cremated, and have my ashes blown in Uri Geller’s eyes. Could we include Criss in there too?
    SNG: Please tell the truth, did he do the sawed in half “EXACTLY” as it was seen on Mindfreak?

  • Anonymous

    I just left the 9:30 show tonight, it was my first time seeing the show so im not certain what had changed. The tesla accident is still part of the show. Based on the above description above, the entrance was not a levitation but a staged fan “loyal” who brought up a banner on an oversized sheet and it was used to transpo Criss into one of the clowns. If someone can give me a better description of the previous show I could tell you what was different. The main point being the narrative is still there as of tonight. He did mention after the monster illusion that “I guess we’ll keep that one” so I’m sure changes are being made.

    As for my opinion of the show… Not as god awful as I expected. Not nearly as food as I hoped. In person, he comes across way less “douchey”

  • HAL

    SHARON: Can we look at your commnts? You say I destroy websites. How can I destroy websites if what I say isn’t true? People answer because they see I might just know what they don’t want to know about their idol Criss.
    If many people don’t wan’t to know how tricks are done, why would the ‘ Masked Magician’ have two hit series? Many of his revealed tricks were done by the great ‘Criss Angel’, like levitating building, hummer, wood chipper, elephant appear, bike vanish, (which aired before Criss did it, it’s a very old trick, saw Copperfield do it live many years ago) etc., etc. How can these less talented than Criss magicians (as they all are) do the same tricks as Criss? I’m sure Criss doesn’t tell them his “SECRETS”. Maybe because Criss’ secrets aren’t really his.
    I know there’s no chance of getting on Larry King, they want ratings, not truth. I could however, as I said, show “PROOF” of how Criss does his magic. I would love to do it with him there, and let him explain how he can really do the nonsense that he has you believing he does. He does the impossible, because it is impossible. He is the Milli Vanilli magician. But, there’s one born every minute, that’s why Sylvia Browne is rich. You use the same excuse as all these Loyals who don’t want truth, you simply say you don’t want to know how he does these ridiculous stunts. I think you already know, and realize that much of what I say is right, but afraid to admit it, because then you couldn’t defend Criss and claim to have real intelligence. If you wont check anything else, check youtube “criss angel fox13″, the Implosion farce….tell me they’re wrong. Put your money where your posting mouth is, or are you afraid of the “TRUTH”. He’s a FAKE.

  • Anonymous

    “Facts are facts”..If anyone wants to believe THAT website and their alleged factual reviews go right ahead. I’ve read reviews bashing the show last year on dates where the show was dark. It seems the haters forgot to do their homework. It’s O.K to see the show, hate the show and post a review but it’s NOT O.K to pretend you saw it and bash it. So….if T.D and FIF are right…to get that 80% hated it number…Either a) Most of the few people who hated it are posting their reviews while the majority who liked it aren’t…which is unlikely. If T.D is wrong and FIF is right b) Most of the bad reviews are BOGUS right from the start posted by shameless and overly dramatic scumball haters using multiple accounts. Not like there’s any of those around on the internet. The reviews and the 80% hated it simply don’t jive with REALITY and FIF’s positive witnessed account. It only jives with the lunacy that defines the extreme Angel hater.T.D. you called it a “monstrosity of a show” last week and a “dog of a show” this week. Then you say “I have not seen it so I can’t judge it”, but, “I have read enough to think I won’t like it”. O.K Tripadvisor Drake whatever works for you.

  • friendinflorida

    Lucky girl, Amy, for the Halloween show! Let us know how it goes.

    Just found this, which reminds me of the feeling of Believe except w/ a chick. Bat for Lashes-Daniel. A timeless story.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00ZHah-c0hQ

  • friendinflorida

    Luck girl, Amy, for the Halloween show. Please let us know how it goes!

    Just found this, which reminds me alot of the story/feeling of Believe. Except it has a chick. Bat for Lashes – Daniel. It is a timeless story.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00ZHah-c0hQ

  • friendinflorida

    Sorry, in a music mood tonight. Freak on a leash? Amy is amazing.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2N8T_NawSU&feat…

  • HAL

    Seems like I’m getting e-mail posts that aren’t making it to here. About the reviews: Why would people say they don’t like the show if they really did? Why would Criss’ lovers not take the time to give it a good review? I think the figures are pretty accurate. They all say his magic is old and lame. He promised the greatest. As usual, he’s all BS. The reviews were really bad from the start, and there’s no improvement now. You don’t have to see the show to realize how bad it is. If you check the reviews for the next 6 months, they will still be terrible, unless they get wise and get rid of the cause (CRISS). What do they do with a TV show with bad ratings, they CANCEL it. If you could get an honest answer from Cirque, I’ll bet they’re sorry for the big mistake they made. For this to go for nine more years, the small percent of those who like the show will have to see over and over. Cirque, end the torture, admit you made a mistake.

  • LOYAL_Jaci

    I'm seeing the show tomorrow night.
    I'll update with FULL details when I get back :D

  • LOYAL_Jaci

    Friend – Literally just watched that music video the other day.
    I love Bat For Lashes music vids…they're so unique and twisted.

  • friendinflorida

    Ha, thank you for that. Glad to know I'm not alone Can't wait to hear your review Jaci.

  • HAL

    And in the 'How stupid does Criss Angel think we are'? category. Remember the 'Walking through glass' demonstration? He takes the owner inside the room with him. After he comes through the window, this guy is ranting about how great Criss is….”He just walked through my window”. How could the guy be in there, and not see how the trick is done? Why doesn't Criss just tatoo “STOOGE” on these people's foreheads?

  • friendinflorida

    It has nothing to do w/ being stupid Hal. Walkin thru glass is actually one of my favs. Again, I don't care how the trick is done, but only how it makes me feel. Which is actually pretty good. And, don't kid yourself, your wife does watch when your not lookin. :) Glad to see Criss has made such an impact on your life.

  • HAL

    FIF: Sorry, my wife wouldn't watch Criss if you paid her, she describes him as 'creepy'. You are the PERFECT fan, those who don't care how he does it. If you can't figure out walking through glass, it's a pity. He got a two for one with those stooges, first the chain around the neck, then the glass bit. These people deserve some kind of an award for acting so amazed. All it takes to figure out Criss' tricks is simple logic, and maybe some video knowledge. The first logical assumption is, nobody could do these 'STUPID' things he claims to do as you see them. Just think logically for a minute. Could anybody jump through a fireball on a bike without getting 3rd degree burns? If somebody was levitating from buildings, wouldn't there be hundreds of people there, not just the 30 that he had. There's actually a shot with one guy under him, who isn't even looking up. Same with walking down a building, what did they do, clear the whole area first? Criss' fans aren't the brightest beings on the planet, they believe anything. Remember the Lambo vanish joke? He had people sign waivers not to reveal the trick. There were pictures on the internet, taken from different angles, showing how simple it was. Even a dummy like me figured it out with the go-cart, before the Lambo. Criss has made an impact on my life, I get a laugh every time I watch him. When I no longer can figure out his tricks, I'll get checked for Alzheimers.

  • Loyal_Rannie!!

    OMG I just found this site right when I'm about to go see this show … sooooo exited, I will review it once I see it I'm sure this will be great Criss roxxxx…. haters hate cause they can't do what he does

  • Brookie

    friendinflorida don't give this guy a second thought he's just getting off on all of this. Just ignore him like I have been. With that being said knowledge comes from desire, if you want to learn something you will, if not you wont. Stick that in your juice box and suck on it.

  • LOYAL_Jaci

    My personal review of the show can be described in two simple words…
    “Spectacular, spectacular”
    Packed house last night, the people sitting in the back sure know how to scream
    (that'd be me)

  • HAL

    The people in the back were probably yelling, “I wan't my money back”. A typical Criss fan, Spectacular, spectacular is ONE word twice. If it was a packed house, everybody must have weighed about 300 Lbs. Another brilliant statement, 'Don't give the guy a second thought'. That's OK, one thought will get the point across. It would be interesting to know the average IQ of all of Criss' fans. The Loyal on the A&E board, who hasn't had a man in 6 years, cuss nobody can compare to Criss, claims her IQ is 130. Maybe she forgot the decimal point, it's 1.30? Kelly Bundy would be a typical fan. Other criss admirers, such as Lindsay and Britney, etc., seem to have drug and alcohol problems. His friends might be questionable also, Carrot Top, Flava whatever his name is. Please…..

  • Loyal_Rannie!!

    That's so weird Jaci, I was at the show but didnt hear you screaming… I love Criss, it was awesome to see him live, I even tried to go backstage to meet him but had security almost literally push me out OMG!!!… The show really is bad, it's spectacularly bad even I admit it but who cares it's all about the my man Criss being himself. The show does suck though, great to be able to witness something like that live!!!

  • HAL

    WOW….Loyal_rannie “A LOYAL” saw beLIEve, and says the show SUCKS. Can't say you weren't warned. At least you're honest. They should be required to put up a big sign under beLIEve saying “THIS SHOW SUCKS”. I know Criss thinks he's the greatest, but how must the cast members feel, having to be in a show that gets nothing but bad reviews?

  • LOYAL_Jaci

    Rannie – Did you go to the 7pm or 9:30 show? And I'm sorry you didn't like the show, but at least you enjoyed seeing him live. :) Can I ask what exactly about the show you didn't like?

  • Justin_Sane

    7 or 9:30 show? Neither Jaci. Btw Did 80-90% of the people NOT clap at the end of the show because I heard through reliable sources people usually hate it. What was the vibe of the people after the show? Positive or negative? Did most of the people leave early? Was the place empty?

  • HAL

    I received an e-mail from Joe Monti who worked with Criss for 2 seasons. He says there were NO camera tricks. I asked him to tell me which tricks/stunts he worked on, and I will try to show him exactly where the 'video magic' was. I truly hope he responds, and if he does, I hope iTricks will post the results. This applies to anyone who really wants to know if Criss is telling the truth when he says he doesn't use video to do his act. nana12027@comcast.net

  • HAL

    I received an e-mail from Joe Monti who worked with Criss for 2 seasons. He says there were NO camera tricks. I asked him to tell me which tricks/stunts he worked on, and I will try to show him exactly where the 'video magic' was. I truly hope he responds, and if he does, I hope iTricks will post the results. This applies to anyone who really wants to know if Criss is telling the truth when he says he doesn't use video to do his act. nana12027@comcast.net