Criss Angel: He wants to make you 'Believe'

You either love Criss Angel or you hate him.

The illusionist -- born Christopher Sarantakos -- has come a long way from doing children's parties in New Jersey. He found success with his 2001 off-Broadway hit "Mindfreak" and his A&E television series of the same name.

Now, read Times Staff Writer Chris Lee's story about Angel's decision to team up with Cirque du Soleil for "Criss Angel: Believe," a Las Vegas spectacle that Angel has predicted will redefine "what magic is and can be."

Well, we'll have to see about that.

One thing is certain: The costumes in "Criss Angel: Believe," and the level of detail contained therein, are jaw-dropping, even by Vegas' over-the-top standards. The official premiere of "Believe" is on Halloween at Las Vegas' Luxor.

In the meantime, take a spin through this photo gallery offering a behind-the-scenes look at the production's lavish gowns and costumes, intricate beading of the headdresses, and the magical makeup.

--Rene Lynch

Photo caption: "I'm not the most talented person in the world," Criss Angel says. "But what I pride myself on is being creative. I'm pretty good at coming up with new concepts. Just dreaming. Trying to think like a kid with no boundaries." Photo by Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times.

Comments

[sharna parkes]

i love but half off the stuf u do i dont belive but some i to u got to came to
newcastle to show all ur stuf to us newcastle people we will all love u
ur so madd i watch u all the time hope u write bac to me

[DRL]

Just saw the show. Was VERY disappointed! The so called redefining of "what magic is and can be" was a total bust. I have enjoyed Criss Angel's show for years and am a huge fan. However, this production does no one any favors. Even a child can see how the illusions are done - people changing places with Criss, Criss going through holes in the floor, wires (not the thick, obvious ones on some of the performers), the use of the video screen, etc. There was nothing new or mystifying. The story has potential and the scenery, costumes, and dancing were for the most part, impressive. But spending that kind of money to see a performer that has proven himself to be a "mindfreak", I expected so much more! The show was a waste of time and cash. I'll certainly continue to watch his TV show, but this performance will disappoint anyone with half a mind.

[Cindy]

I totally agree with DRL's comments. The show was a HUGE disappointment. What amazed me most was the number of people who actually walked out...and the show is not cheap. Criss Angel is obviously a talented guy and wants this show to work. Right now....it doesn't work...AT ALL. It is billed as being "not for the faint of heart" and too frightening for young children. HUH?? It was honestly very boring and kind of corny. Not like Criss Angel at all. I hope it is reworked for it's Halloween opening...or I'm afraid the reviews will be the scariest part of the show.

[MsMerlina]

I love 'Believe' - Saw it end of September. My friends and I all loved the show. We think this new Cirque de Soleil show starring Criss Angel is great! The current buzz is all very positive. The costumes, drama, magical trip - all very unique, beautiful, imaginative and very new, forward thinking, groundbreaking. What a trip! Kudos Criss, Kudos Cirque!!!

[vanillasky]

I saw this show on Sunday, October 12th. It is utterly ridiculous. It makes no sense and is poorly put together.

Angel is clearly riding on the coattails of his Mindfreak series complete with a full screen to prove it. In addition to that, we have horrid creatures to content with. Terrible looking monsters, dismembered rabbits and very poor humor.

Angel comes across as a Vaudeville performer, not a magician. Very disappointing and expensive in this economy.

[iBelieve]

Say what you want about him. I promise when I'm really old and you guys should think I'd know better; I'll still believe in him. To me, he means so much more than you'll know. I'm so glad he exists. He is the very one who taught me to believe.

I believe in Criss Angel and just like he said, I don't care what anyone else says. It doesn't matter to me.

[melissa]

DEAR IBELIEVE, your comments are lovely,but may i ask how old you are to put such faith in some celebrity you dont know in real life? in real life the
,people arond us are very normal and imperfect,but we only see a celebrity as they show their best well behaved selves.we dont see their real life normal side which is why in their lives the people who know them divorce them,or just dont worship them,only fans far away believe they are so wonderful.

[L. Caravello]

Some people are implying that Criss Angel is simply using Playboy Playmate Holly Madison as a way to gain global attention (PR) which will shift the focus away from all the numerous negative reviews the BELIEVE show has and continues to receive by guests.

I do not believe this to be the case. Criss Angel was well known for casually dating Holly a couple months prior to the September 26 preview performance.

Some people are implying that both Criss Angel and Playboy Playmate Holly Madison deliberately reenacted a stunt (Public Display Affection) at a local Vegas nightclub last week to replica what the media suggested her did back in July at LAX with famous actress Pamela Anderson simply to mock the media's stupidity and use it to gain immediate global attention.

I do not believe this to be the case as well. Again, those two have been affection for several months.

Why do so many automatically assume when two well-known high profiled individuals are spotted together it is automatically "PR". It is clearly obvious Mr. Angel and Ms. Madison are deeply attracted to each other and are now the Tommy Lee and Pamela Anderson of Vegas.

[karina perea]

hey people well im just a 13 year old girl but i loved the criss angel belive show it was awesome the costumes the comedy the MAGIC everything especially that my two favorite showcrews did it together GO CRISS ANGEL AND GO CIRQUE DU SOLEIL it was great