Local scribe predicts problems for Cirque over Criss Angel
April 24, 2008 | 1:26
pm
Steve Friess is one of the best known and most prolific writers in Vegas. He wrote the book "Gay Vegas," the first tourist guide to Vegas for gays, edits a weekly pod cast and does a Vegas blog. He is best known for his regular coverage of Vegas for USA Today and The New York Times. He is one of the handful of print journalists who cover entertainment full time along the Strip.Today Friess offers in his column in Las Vegas Weekly (where I am on staff) some of the harshest words yet against Cirque over the company's $100-million show at Luxor opening in September with headliner Criss Angel. A firestorm has been raging in the press since Angel physically threatened local Review-Journal writer Norm Clarke (another of that handful) after the Miss USA Pageant at Planet Hollywood.
"Indeed," Friess writes, "with Angel, Cirque is now laying in a bed of nails with one of the most controversial and egotistical figures on the American pop landscape...The Cirque suits in Montreal must be sweating, but they also failed to either make a public statement condemning Angel’s threats or force him to apologize (to Norm Clarke). They’re powerless, it seems, and thus it’s only a matter of time before they helplessly watch their enormous investment be hijacked by a man not given to respecting much of anyone."
I hope Friess is wrong about this. Angel is under a lot of pressure right now creating a show by September, and he is obviously a passionate person. Also, the few times I have interviewed and spent time with Angel the man has been polite and disciplined. But his unrepentant and unacceptable behavior toward Clarke, not to mention all the other Criss Angel-Miss USA drama that have been reported by me and others, has totally challenged my old assumptions about Angel.
Friess is right to single out Cirque for not making their headliner behave like a professional. I know if I had physically threatened Criss Angel or any other Vegas headliner, I would be unemployed no matter the circumstances. Yet Cirque is either unwilling or unable to get Angel to apologize and retract his threat to blind a man.
I want to add that Cirque's connection is part of what makes this story so surprising to locals. Angel was just another cable television star who taped in Vegas before Cirque made him its first headliner in the company's history. And before this incident (and I do not mean just with reporters), Cirque, of all the entertainment companies in Vegas, big and small, enjoyed an unblemished and probably unequaled reputation for being a class outfit on every imaginable level. In one night Criss Angel changed that seemingly forevermore. (Photo by Sarah Gerke)
beating a dead horse here, Abby. Yeah, Criss is a dick, we get it!
Posted by: lucas | April 24, 2008 at 04:43 PM
Oh my gods, are we STILL harping on this? Is there nothing else going on in Vegas, much less the world, that could garner your attention? As Lucas said, the horse is dead. Move on.
Posted by: Talyn | April 24, 2008 at 06:48 PM
Okay, I'm tired of being semi-calm about this so I'm just gonna let it out. Criss needs to stop being a retard and start thinking straight!! He's doing stupid stuff and no one is freakin telling him to stop! So before I start yelling anymore I sign out.
Posted by: Loyalnobody | April 24, 2008 at 06:49 PM
I use to be a big fan of Criss Angel's but must admit thru time I don't have as much respect for him. I like what he does but not the outspoken habits he seems to be displaying. Isn't he suppose to be a role model for younger people and his backlashing over his girlfriend and threatening someone else who's a journalist, makes me think Criss's judgement has gone down the tube. I am in no hurry to see his show as he has discouraged me from Vegas because of what's transpired recently.
Posted by: nellie sue | April 24, 2008 at 07:00 PM
Criss Angel is a press whore wannabee celebrity who at best is lucky to find a pretty lady. He maybe rich trash since he wears so much jewelry but he is so into himself I bet the jerk doesn't give a dime to anyone but himself first.
David Copperfield has no competition with Criss Angel. David remains to carry more class and dignity in one hour than Criss Angel will every have throughout his lifetime.
Criss Angel, please go back home and let the real stars shine in Vegas. Trash should be left out on the streets not where quality entertainment lives.
Posted by: Chloe | April 24, 2008 at 08:31 PM
Cirque hires on street trash now for their star performer? WOW, I guess hard times are hitting Vegas along with the rest of the world.
Posted by: Roxanne | April 24, 2008 at 08:42 PM
Cirque hires street trash to be their star performer? WOW, I guess hard times are hitting Vegas along with the rest of the country.
Posted by: Roxanne | April 24, 2008 at 08:45 PM
in case u all didn't know angel has had a long relationship with cirque, he's already had a 2 yr run on broadway in ny with cirque, the show was amazing, and was a huge hit in the city. as for what happened, with norm clark, angel was mad because norm had insinuated in a previous article that angel tried bribing one of the judges, and the guy is very passionate so what, get over it, he's show is going to be awesome weather u all attend or not, there is only a hand full of u boring people anyway that care about what no one else does.
Posted by: noneofurbiz | April 24, 2008 at 11:11 PM
For pete sakes,your all smutt writers,Steve F.,you,especially that Norm guy.Quit trying to dignify your jobs.Why do all you drama queens think you have the right to chase people around with your cameras and micrphones,spread rumors and lies and then ask for apology's?Cirque knows you for what you are,that's why your being ignored.I cant wait to see the live show,I for damn sure are not going to be swayed by smutt writers.The only people that will be swayed are silly people that believe you guys are real journalists.If thats not all bad enough,your now going to ban together to show your power and try to bring your target to their knees?PLEASE,HAVE ALITTLE DIGNITY.CAN YOU ALL PLEASE MOVE TO ANOTHER PLANET?
Posted by: bettylouh | April 25, 2008 at 02:10 AM
All this because of his college age girlfriend. What a joke he has become. She is using him for pr and going to leave him anyway and he will lose everything.
Posted by: Susan | April 25, 2008 at 04:15 AM
Mindfreak 4 airing in less than 2 months, Cirque show "Believe" to begin in 4 months.
This entire hookup and everything related is nothing more than a Media Ploy (aka PUBLICITY). Ladies and Gents, please look outside your rose colored glasses and see what is really happening here and don't allow it to blur your better judgement.
Posted by: MysteryMan | April 25, 2008 at 08:52 AM
Cirque people at Luxor should be concerned. Their star billing (soon to be) has uncalled for brought bad press to himself and to his future employers. Plus the target of his tirade is a well respected journalist who has way more credibility in this town than Cirque's new star has. Not to mention the fact that he allegedly verbally threatened this journalist with bodily harm...the kind of harm that is considered a felony. Cirque people at the Luxor have every right to be concerned when millions of dollars fly out the window, perhaps even re-think that whole show.....
Posted by: ColinFromLasVegas | April 25, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Seriously..this needs to stop and I don't think that any of what Norm Clarke has reported in his last article on Criss; is truly VALID! If it were true and VALID; why have we not heard a word from him on this issue since?????
I have been reading a lot of different views on Norm's article of Criss threatening him and so-called other threats; and not one reporter or journalist is in any way shape or form, willing to back this guy up(except for the few people who actually give a dam).So why are we still trying to badger and harass Criss with this garbage? Do we not have other ,more important things in life to talk about? Or is the world full of plain gossip and childhood gibberish? Dare I say, is this a kindergarten classroom????
I think Norm and his little entourage seriously need to WALK OFF and SHUT UP!! It's nothing but a mere attempt to deceive the public. Where's the tape recording of this so-called threat or WITNESSES to this attack?? I have seen nor heard nothing on any of this.
VALIDITY! PROOF! Good God in heaven; this is nothing but a circus in itself.
You want a good story? Go check out dear Mr. Jim Callahan's website here http://www.jimclass.com and trash talk him. OH..WAIT..maybe you shouldn't do that. He might charge you with slander.! I am surprised that Mr.Criss Angel hasn't done so thus far.
Posted by: Penelope | April 25, 2008 at 12:38 PM
I wish people would leave Criss alone. I get so tired of these lies. You know what, I can make up stories and write articles on them too, doesn't make a difference. You guys need to get a life. Like Bettylouh said, have a little dignity.
Posted by: LoyalBiz | April 25, 2008 at 12:53 PM
"She is using him for pr and going to leave him anyway and he will lose everything".
that really depends on how you look at it. He could also be using her for publicity. Since she's, Miss Nevada (But, If you've actually seen a shot of this chick ,you wouldn't think much of her)
Anyway,
Why can't people just see this for what it is. AN exaggerated stupid story and even if it is totally true, it's all the more publicity and headlines for Criss. I doubt that any of these negative stories about him are going to sway anyone away from seeiing this show. Look at Paris Hilton. She makes millions for acting like an asshole fame whore. SO you Criss fans, Loyals or whatever, have nothing to worry about.
Posted by: Las Vegas sucks | April 25, 2008 at 02:20 PM
I think it's funny that everytime someone writes something that sheds this guy in a bad light, there's like this flurry of responses complete with capital letter words, exclamation marks and multiple question marks. Those who yell and scream the loudest are paid attention to more.
There's no doubting this incident occurred. There is no videotape of it or recording of it. Why should there be? The guy threatened the journalist and didn't want anyone else to hear it. Because what he was doing was not right. Norm hasn't said anything else about it because he don't have to.....he reported it once and that's it. And he has no reason to make up something like this. Norm's integrity is not at stake here because he is the victim and he don't have to prove anything to anyone. Cris Angel's integrity is though and it seems like it's now damaged badly. He allegedly said it and it appears he meant it. It definitely appears to be true because he hasn't said another word about it and he seems to have no intention to apologize or even address the issue. And that's what Cirque people are concerned about. Big money is involved and his soon to be new employers are worried about their investment. That's what that article is about that we're commenting on (just to get us back on track).
Doesn't matter what happened anyways. It's all over. He's doing this stuff to himself. Just like when Paris Hilton and Britney Spears come into Las Vegas and act stupid...like it's their playground and they do whatever they want. Yes, I am categorizing him in with these two ladies. We see it happen here all the time. They do it to themselves.
Posted by: ColinFromLasVegas | April 25, 2008 at 06:46 PM
Ok,so Norm hasnt said anything about it and either has Criss or Cirque.Cirque hasnt made a statement to the press about being concerned either colin from vegas.Its not right to assume things and state it as fact,not fair play colin.Vegas sells itself as a playground and always has,thats how every business there makes their money.The nightclubs there even pay as much as a half mill to have these stars come play and the tabloids make their money reporting their smutt and then theres a huge part of the public that cant wait to hear the latest on it all.Criss Angel is the target of taboids right now till they decide who to choose next that the public would love hear sesational gossip about.I predict that when season 4 of mindfreak starts the pubic will be wowed again once more because he has a huge amount of talent and Cirque will bring him over-the-top and you all will shut the hell up.I just feel sorry for who's next. 90 percent of you know nothing about Criss except what you hear from smutt writers which is a real shame because there is a huge part of Criss that is beautiful,and i could list many,many examples but you all dont want to hear it so it's a big waste of my time.
Posted by: bettylouh | April 25, 2008 at 08:30 PM
criss is not takeing it back because it did not happen that way. and come on now it is vegas worse things happen all the time i have seen reporters threated by gaurds all the time there who are you trying to fool. criss is a good role model criss the man not the image people think he is the true person and how he treats the ones around him that is truly a great man and role model. know him before you judge him
Posted by: kristi | April 25, 2008 at 09:22 PM
Friess wrote a tour guide for gays and has a vegas blog and you talk about him like he's The Demi-God of all writers and we should bow at his feet and believe everything he says because he has The Truth Of Vegas.Omg,he had harsh words to say about Cirque and Criss Angel.I really feel their not responding to you all because they see this the way it really is,a circus.Their not shaking in their boots like you think.Their not the ones that are powerless to make Criss apologize.You are the ones that are powerless because you cant get them to bow down before you,"The Almighty Powerful Smutt-Writers of Vegas".When Criss's 4th season starts and then the live Cirque show starts your all gonna have to find someone else to pick on because it's gonna blow everybody out of the water and I hope you people can humble yourselves and apologize to them for all this non-sense because your gonna miss a mind-blowing show.All this "alleged USA pageant drama"...I dont believe a word of it,and "threatening a blind man",come on that was not a real threat at all and you all know it.Get over your-selves you bunch of drama queens.
You want drama?Here,I'm offended by all this mess you've created and i'm getting together with all my other granny friends on the block and were coming down there and demanding an apology and if you dont were gonna get everyone in our "granny land"to boycott the smutt-writers of vegas society.yup,if you dont your gonna end up going out of business because we are the powerful ones,without us,you dont have a job!
ROTFL,thanx for all the laughs you give me,what a stress reliever.
Posted by: bettylouh | April 25, 2008 at 09:42 PM
I just happened to come across this article. Gee, an entertainer with a big ego causes a stir and gets in the press. Let's see . . . I don't recall that ever happening before. Then again, look at all the big egos causing a stir but never get in the press because they aren't famous. I guarantee you, this certainly isn't the worse thing going on in Las Vegas. Move on.
Posted by: Whatever | April 26, 2008 at 07:17 AM
I think Luxor should rethink all of this and possibly buy out the contract. He is not going to make it for 10 years. By then, he'll have done some awful things worse than this. The man is out of control!
Posted by: yen woo ping | April 26, 2008 at 09:36 AM
You know what colinfromlasvegas--blow it out your ear. You can't even print proper english. What the hell would you know of Norm and his entourage "personally"? You suck and I am dam well tired of reading the b/s on here.
Bettylouh- You're right on one thing. Criss is a good person. All loyals know that. Anyone who can say something on this site in a negative way , has NO clue as to who the real Criss is. So shut up about a person you know nothing about.
Lastly; I have no intention of bothering with anymore on this subject and I figure that any loyal or fan of Criss should probably do the same.The more you give these vultures to feed on ; the longer they're going to hover over the insane drama they've created. So if you care about Criss at all; just drop it and move on.
Posted by: Penelope | April 26, 2008 at 10:21 AM
What I find humorous about this "incident" is that you would never know that it happened if you did not have access to the Internet. Some of these online articles about this incident portray it to be such a "huge" deal, but if it was, why haven't any of the mainstream media picked up on it? I have not found a single, printed article in any entertainment magazine about the Miss America pageant, Criss' supposed on-camera tirade, and/or Criss' run-in with Norm Clarke.
If there really was trouble, I am sure the mainstream media would have picked up on it, but they have not. This leads me to think that this incident was either taken entirely out of context, or perhaps did not even happen at all.
--Jessica
Posted by: Jessica | April 26, 2008 at 05:22 PM
I must answer Jessica's question: That's because CA is not a big star and nobody cares!
Posted by: yen woo ping | April 26, 2008 at 06:56 PM
Yeah, it's pretty freakin' weird that the main people involved in this have chosen to keep quiet about it and perhaps let it go. It's all the other so-called "reporters" out there who feel they need to keep it going and just maybe escalate it. Maybe they should go find themselves real jobs. This "reporter", especially, seems to be able to find nothing else to write about. A bit obsessed with our Criss, Mr. Abowitz??
Posted by: LoyalSandy | April 26, 2008 at 07:32 PM