Breaking news: More delays for Angel's 'Believe'
I am writing from New York City (and, not New York New York casino) where my cousin is getting married (congratulations, Alison). Funny thing is that sharing my flight this morning out of Vegas was Review-Journal columnist Norm Clarke, heading to New York for his own reasons. I have documented on the Buffet Clarke's conflict with Luxor headliner Criss Angel. And, while waiting to get on the plane, Clarke and I speculated about the latest gossip we were hearing about "Believe," Angel's show which, after some delays, was supposed to have a "Gala Premiere" on Oct.10.
By the time Clarke and I landed, that "Gala Premiere" had been moved to Oct. 31. The decision to delay the official opening in favor of more preview shows immediately follows 400 Cirque employees being given a special performance of "Believe" yesterday, where we are told they "reacted very positively to what they saw." The press release does not explain why this positive response has resulted in the show's grand opening being delayed. But Cirque is offering up an executive for interviews next week to explain further, and so we will see. (photo by Sarah Gerke: Criss Angel on 7/23/08)
I agree, Richard. Congratulations to Allison. Hope you have fun at your cousin's wedding.
Have fun and get back safely.
Posted by: ColinFromLasVegas | September 13, 2008 at 07:51 PM
Drove back from Vegas this weekend worried about traffic: shouldn't have, the I-15 was wide open. These are some tough times for the Vegas economy, I haven't driven 90 mph home starting at noon on a Sunday in many years. I do believe our borrow-and-spend economic model has run out of gas. And what are our choices: McSame running on an abortion/gay marriage platform or Obama (growing up in the Midwest, it is tough for me to get over that picture of him wearing a turban). Regardless, Vegas is really suffering, trust me, I go all the time and have never seen it this slow.
Posted by: shiny | September 15, 2008 at 01:47 PM
No surprise Richard. The Cirque people speak French, Angel speaks Bozo.
Posted by: TipAndRing | September 15, 2008 at 05:30 PM
A Friday night, Halloween and Criss Angel? Sweeeet!
Posted by: Debbie | September 15, 2008 at 06:35 PM
From CrissAngel.com
Felix Rappaport , Luxor president, addressed the rumors for me: "Criss has been absolutely wonderful in this gigantic process. He has been so disciplined and diligent. He's kept himself in amazing physical shape for the long hours of rehearsals and practice. Construction delays in reconfiguring and redesigning our theater caused the first set of delays to our first planned dates. It is a monumental undertaking bringing the marriage of dramatic theater and spectacle to the incredible magic that Criss performs.
"He cannot be faulted in anyway. He is a perfectionist and Cirque brings all of its genius to the superb production. What we have already seen is breathtaking and exciting in every possible way. We are very happy with how it all looks and is presented. We fully understand and respect both of their desires for total breathtaking perfection. We understand they want everybody to leave the theater saying 'wow -- we have never seen anything like that before.' I am fully confident that adhering to the originally planned five-week preview cycle we will all showcase the very best show ever presented in Vegas. Both Cirque and Criss want this to be absolutely amazing for the opening night. Magic and spectacle will return to the Strip with the world's best magic show. Guests will want to return time and time again to see the most beautiful mesmerizing show in the history of theater."
Posted by: Debbie | September 16, 2008 at 07:29 PM
If it gets postponed way too much, he's gonna lose his fanbase. Shouldn't have even sold tickets until everything is settled. I dunno if this show will even come to be.
Posted by: Saphron | September 17, 2008 at 07:00 AM
Who thinks the show will be delayed again?
Posted by: me | September 17, 2008 at 02:28 PM
I do not see it being delayed again. Oct. 31st is perfect.
Posted by: Debbie | September 18, 2008 at 10:40 PM