Update: more bad news for 'Criss Angel Believe'
Usually after a show is roundly trashed by critics, thoroughly mocked on the Web and even had its celebrity opening (lacking A-list celebrities) ridiculed, a silence follows during which the show is allowed to sink or swim on ticket sales.
That is not happening for "Criss Angel Believe."
The bad news seems endless and continuous for Cirque's and Angel's collaboration. New York Times and USA Today writer Steve Friess has noted on his blog the plummeting ticket sales on the secondary market for the show. Cirque does not give out the numbers for how many tickets it sells directly beyond the widely reported claim that "Believe" had a fantastic $5 million in pre-sale tickets. (And, if the show really cost $100 million to mount, that only leaves $95 million to go before breaking even.)
Meanwhile, readers of the Buffet will remember this warning I issued to Angel and Cirque: That while my review of the show that caused them such consternation would not make much difference to sales, they should really be worried about the bad word of mouth coming from taxi drivers.
Anyway, today, in a front-page story, the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Doug Elfman talked to 16 taxi drivers about, among other things, shows in Vegas. He did not ask about any specific shows, but he reports the hostility to Angel's show was clear: "A handful of the 16 drivers say a lot of riders claim they get turned off by 'Believe,' and quite a few walk out." As I noted, this is buzz that will kill a show in Vegas.
Meanwhile, in a review of Lance Burton's show at the Monte Carlo on Friday, Review-Journal critic Mike Weatherford takes a step back to appreciate how much more enjoyable Burton's traditional magic show seems after Angel's innovations. Weatherford notes: "Angel's show needed to find a new path. We know now their path led to a brick wall and that all the clutter of 'Believe' only accentuates the beauty of simplicity in Burton's traditional style."
And it is not over. One of the harshest critics of "Believe," the Las Vegas Sun's Joe Brown, has started a series in which he is reviewing one of the Cirque shows in Vegas every Monday. And so, unless Brown's opinion has changed or the show improved, Angel and "Believe" are scheduled for yet one more drubbing.
Still, the show is not massively discounting tickets or obviously trying to fill seats by flooding the town with comps. Therefore, at least on a monetary level, "Criss Angel Believe" is, for now, passing the one test in Vegas that truly matters: selling tickets. But how long can that last into a 10-year contract in the total absence of anything positive in terms of the reactions from audience and critics?
Meanwhile, Cirque and Luxor have brands to protect. And this show nightly costs them goodwill from customers who feel fleeced, having paid Cirque prices for such a bad show. At least (not that I am expecting a thank-you note from Cirque or Angel) all the bad press for "Criss Angel Believe" helps out there, acting like a surgeon general's warning on a cigarette pack, putting the bad news out front. You have been warned. Now, if you have got to see "Believe," you have probably read somewhere in advance what a stinker of a show Angel and Cirque have turned out.
Photo credit: Sarah Gerke
What's that old saying: "All the evil you do, comes back to you." Karma!
I can't say I feel sorry for him. He brought this on himself. And he has insulted many professional magicians. Need I name names? No. And his fans as well.
Turning people away that were invited to a "meet and greet" because your name was mispelled on the list, is no way to treat fans.
Now I understand that there are about 7 people waiting for him to come out with his lady love. He has a sharpie in one hand and her in the other.
Good luck, Criss. I hope you marry Holly and have some stability in your life. I wish you many pretty bambinos.
Just remember, the girl you left behind. Maybe she wasn't famous, but her heart was in the right place. I hope Holly's is as well.
Yen
Posted by: Yen Woo Ping | December 01, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Hello,
I am seeing Criss Angel BeLIEve this Saturday. While a few random taxi drivers and several obvious skeptics do not like the show -- what does it matter to the general public? Outside of a few scattered Los Angeles and Las Vegas blogs & newspaper articles, the general public does not "know" how "bad" the show supposedly is. (I argue that it is not nearly as "bad" as some reviews claim.)
I live on the east coast. Most people that I have talked to don't even realize that Criss Angel has a live show; once they are told this, they all express interest in seeing it. As long as there are optimistic people who express interest in the show, the show will survive. And survive it will. It will take more than a few random blogs/articles and word of mouth from a few taxi drivers to bring down the final curtain.
Criss Angel knows how to endure under pressure and scrutiny. He'll make it through.
--Jessica
Posted by: Jessica | December 01, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Enjoyed your article, Richard.
To add to the horrible news for Criss Angel, MGM, Luxor and Cirque du Soleil, especially regarding ticket sales.... Look at Doug Elfman's article in the LV Review Journal. Under the comments section, a gentleman posted that someone can buy a specific ticket online (before coming to Las Vegas) to Criss Angel's BeLIEve show and the cost for it is $200.00. But then, that very same seat costs only $65.00 when you are physically at the Luxor and go over to the ticket office to purchase it! And I don't have any reason to doubt the validity of that gentleman's observation.
If true, that sort of fluctuating ticket price shenanigans needs to be looked at by someone! It clearly gives everyone the impression Cirque du Soleil, perhaps along with Luxor and MGM Productions, is doing ANYTHING and EVERYTHING they can do to try to recoup the millions they spent for this stinker of a show.
Posted by: ColinFromLasVegas | December 01, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Criss Angel better get Holly Madison a starring role in that Las Vegas fiasco if he plans on saving his a$$ and career.
Posted by: Leanne | December 01, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Richard,
They are giving out discounted tickets for Believe . You can get a 2 for 1 offer for 79 dollars and everyone who books a room at the Luxor gets a 20% discount for Believe.
If you go to the boxoffice they will give you a discount to fill seats.
For the second time in a row Criss Angel's Believe didn't make the top Ten Vegas shows.
I don't think your statement that they are selling tickets is correct. You're still able to get complete rows of 9 seats in the front section for every night.
Posted by: Me,myself and I | December 01, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Queue the usual list of Loyalist apologists who have not seen the show but will be along any minute to defend it to the death
Posted by: Jim W | December 01, 2008 at 02:50 PM
People always go on about the bad, well i think this show is great and fantastic, people should be SUPPORTING Criss Angel's Believe.
Posted by: Charlotte | December 01, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Very true, JIm W. And that's what makes me mad.
These stupid Loyals, who act like they basically lick the ground where Criss Angel walks and spout this "Criss Angel can do no wrong" horse manure, have absolutely no concern about how it effects tourism in Las Vegas. They are not from here or even visiting Las Vegas, but they defend Criss Angel tooth and nail just because he's Criss Angel, stars in their eyes, going goo goo gah gah nutzo over anything he does. By their mindless zombie blathering based upon his website and only what he does on television in his show, it is totally misleading tourists who pay money to see his steaming pile of crap at the Luxor! Because from all appearances they go in there expecting one thing and it's something entirely different.
These Loyals (nice touch, Criss...name them something to give them a sense of unity...much like a cult...I wonder if you get a Criss Angel decoder ring with your membership?), when anyone says anything negative about him, scream and rant and jump up and down and cry and exhort everyone to leave Criss Angel alone (much like that androgonous dude in the Britney Spears video that's on You Tube...I forget his name), and they are not even concerned about how his failing show and no talent fanny perpendicular effects the integrity and professionalism of shows in Las Vegas. That's what really, really makes me mad.
And you can easily identify who they are. I just hope the public that comes to Las Vegas can see through this stupidity. Loyals do nothing but screw up everything, encouraging people to pay money for a below standard show. Wake up, Loyals, not everyone looks at Criss Angel with rose colored glasses like you all do. I actually feel sorry for all of you. Because one day you will grow up and his shining metal luster will fade to rust and you will move on to other things that are actual quality entertainment. And hopefully you will grow up and find out that Criss Angel is just using your blind allegiance to further his need for more money and fame. Actually, you will be surprised to find out that he cares nothing at all for you. I've seen comments from insiders that say he does laugh at his fans. Pretty much all the time.
Gosh, I would really, really love to see Criss Angel go somewhere else other than Las Vegas and take with him these stupid Loyals who fawn all over him. I actually envy New York City, because you are probably glad he moved away and is doing his idiocy somewhere else. He and his dumb fans who blindly support him, are not helping Las Vegas, ruining the quality of entertainment on the Las Vegas Strip as evidenced by a totally horrible, no talent show and a bunch of brain dead idiots defending it all the time. The idea is to try to get tourists to come to Las Vegas as their tourist destination, not chase them away. But Loyals don't care about that. It's all Criss Angel siss boom bah rah rah rah crap to them.
This show, from all indications that I see, is nothing but complete false advertisement. Forget this "open your eyes" crap talk by Loyals. Forget them discounting all the adverse word of mouth about this show (which, by the way, increases by the minute). It all boils down to that people expect to go see marvelous wow things at this show and are totally and completely disappointed when they discover it's something else. They witness something entirely different; a feeble attempt at some kind of artsy fartsy attempt at some Hollywood production like Criss Angel is going for some kind of Academy/Tony Award or something. Give me a break. From all indications I see, Criss Angel can't act at all. He exhibits zero stage presence and shouldn't even be up there.
I just want to make sure tourists don't get snowed by these fanatics, shills who are paid to say good things about this stupid show and others who exhibit nothing but a vested interest in the lamebrain show's undeserved success and who reap money from it at their expense. They all get together and wave their hands and dismiss local Las Vegas theater/show critics like they don't know what they're talking about, they're a bunch a yokels, etc. Really, really stupid. I would rather believe one reporter in Las Vegas than a hundred Loyals. Hands down. You listen to them and buy tickets to a completely stinky show, all you're going to get is boredom, time wasted and money that went down the drain. I've even seen comments from audience members that they would have gotten more satisfaction by gambling their money away rather than see this dumb show.
BeLIEve that.
Posted by: ColinFromLasVegas | December 01, 2008 at 03:55 PM
Colin....I would just like to know if you have actually seen the show????
I have seen the show twice, once when it first opened and again at the Gala Premier. Things within the show have changed since the show opening and yes I did enjoy it very much.
I do agree with you that there are still a lot of things that could be improved on and I'm sure they are still working on it. Just like other Cirque shows they improve things as time goes on.
Yes, I am considered a loyal but I for one do not appreciate the way you portray us, yes there are some that do go overboard at times but it's wrong to lump us all in the same category. I for one admire his drive and ambition to achieve his goals, as with anything you can have setbacks and you try to make changes to improve the problems, which I feel they are trying to do. It just takes time.
Perhaps they opened too soon, and with this show being a Magic and Cirque combination there lies the problem. People are comparing this show to other Cirque shows and other Magic shows and to me thats part of the problem, it is a completely different compilation of art and magic.
I only wish the best for this show and I hope that things can get ironed out, Criss and Cirque have worked extremely hard to make this happen. If they want a true feel for what people think about the show they should hand out surveys for people to complete at the end of the performance to see where the problems are.
I did enjoy the show, but I also did see where improvements could be made.
Posted by: Maggie | December 01, 2008 at 06:59 PM
SHUTUP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love him!!!!!! And the people bashing him are friggin jealous! U guys r big big butts!!! And I saw the show and it was awesome!!!!!!!! He is the best! So Shutup especially if u haven't even seen the show! U haven't a clue!!!!
Posted by: coconut | December 01, 2008 at 07:00 PM
It is very, very scary that he is able to manipulate these young children called "loyals." I find it to be sort of like the following Charles Manson had. They will do anything for him and defend him and slay dragons for him. And then we have the older loyals. More middle-aged women that fawn over him and hoping to get a photo op. It really is amazing to me that he has this sort of hold on these people. Enough to go and ruin their bodies with tattoos of this character!
What is it exactly that drives them? I don't see Hans Klok with this following and he looks like he should be on the cover of Gentleman's Quarterly. Obviously handsome and talented. What is the hold?
I think it is the gothic glamour in the gutter look that teenagers adore. Remember the good ol' days of Marilyn Manson? And maybe alittle of the latest flavors of the month, "The Jonas Brothers." These kids will scream and howl for these people, but next year, it's a new batch. It's sort of like the Gremlins. You pour water, they get wet and then turn into monsters.
Posted by: Vanillasky | December 01, 2008 at 07:03 PM
ColinFromLasVegas,
Please -- get over yourself. I can see that it is difficult for you to understand that Criss Angel has a fanbase no different than any other artist on the planet. I don't worship the ground Criss walks on and I certainly don't agree with everything that the man does. I simply appreciate the fact that he is a talented magician/illusionist, in the same way that I appreciate a musician's talent at making music, playing instruments, writing songs, etc.
All of this constant "BeLIEve / Criss bashing" from you is not only inappropriate, but uncalled for in many cases. If you genuinely don't like the show, then that is fine. You are entitled to that opinion. But to constantly belittle the show, and Criss himself, at every chance you get, is childish and immature behavior, to say the least. If you can only understand one thing that I say, understand that there are people in this world who have a different opinion than you and enjoy Criss Angel's art and his live show, even though you do not.
One more thing --- Criss Angel calls his fans "Loyal" because they are "loyal" to him and support him, it is as simple as that. It is no different from Grateful Dead fans being called "Deadheads," Josh Groban fans being called "Grobanites," etc. Every fanbase has a 'name' and "the Loyal" is Criss'.
--Jessica
Posted by: Jessica | December 01, 2008 at 07:59 PM
We went to Vegas last month and spent 3 nights & 4 days at the Luxor. During our stay we saw "Believe" & "Carrot Top". We had a great time at 'both shows'. Both my husband and I enjoyed Believe very much & Criss Angel. And I would see it again. Having seen the show I think the critics are being very unfair to the show. I think everyone thought they were getting a "Mindfreak Show", it's not that. People need to sit back and just enjoy the ride, it's not a show that's to be taken "literally", it's a fantasy! It seems like the critics couldn't really berate the actual A&E Show "Mindfreak", so they seem to be having fun tearing down the "live show". Why is it when someone becomes successful we enjoy then tearing them down? We look for anything and everything, be it true or not. All my life I've enjoyed magic. I don't want to know how they do the tricks, or do an illusion, I just want to enjoy it for what it is. Something I don't understand, and wonder how did they do that (without really wanting to know). Critics...like him or not..Criss Angel is an extremely talented man. I hope whatever the "kinks are with the show", (and I don't think there are that many) - that everyone involved work them out. Why is there need to have Criss and the show fail? I'd like to see the so called "critics" get out of a straight jacket that fast...or walk down a wall. Maybe Criss does it so well that he makes it look easy...I think not.
Posted by: Judy | December 02, 2008 at 12:00 AM
We need more idiots to waste money, it keeps the economy going. So for the sake of the economy, go see Believe when you can't get tickets to the good Cirque shows!
Posted by: Bobak | December 02, 2008 at 08:36 AM
Ummm, sorry Judy, but your credibility went by the wayside when you said you went to see Carrot Top. Again, I saw this trainwreck on Halloween. It is ridiculous, stupid, banal, and a complete waste of time. You cannot fix something this broken.
Posted by: Count Snarkula | December 02, 2008 at 08:56 AM
Per Jessica's statement: Criss Angel calls his fans "Loyal" because they are "loyal" to him and support him
Dear Jessica and all you other "loyals", how does Criss Angel respond to your continous, devoted support of him?
Fact IS: Criss Angel has become more and more distant with his "Loyals" as he moves ahead in his career. Criss Angel's fan club and website are no longer in his control. It is entirely run by his corporation.
Fact IS: Criss Angel is only sweet with his "loyals" when he needs to ensure his income cash flow.
Fact IS: Criss Angel sees himself as a bonified superstar. Therefore, unless you can increase his celebrity he has no reason to associate himself with anyone else. Mr. Angel seems to believe by having his celebrity gossip friend Robin Leach brag about his relationship with Playboy Playmate Holly Madison it will fix all this continuous BeLIEve disaster and all it is doing is making them both look like "celebrity has beens".
Posted by: Fact Is | December 02, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Luxor should be worried. I was on a family trip to Vegas this past weekend to see the Jonas Brothers at MGM and see the Strip for the first time.
I am a bit of an aging (well 29) East Coast hipster, but I can appreciate all kinds of culture and we enjoyed seeing all kinds of Vegas-y sights during our visit.
But when we popped into the Luxor to see what it was like, the combination of the dreary casino and the boasting of a Carrot Top show and this Criss Angel mess (I am out East but all you need to do is read Perez Hilton to know it has been panned top to bottom, and I am no fan of Criss Angel...I am sure the fans know) left me feeling that the whole hotel complex was just a bit of a creepy freak show. I guess if that's your bag!
Posted by: Liz | December 02, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Oh and Vanillasky...for the record, there is nothing in common between Criss Angel and the Jonas Brothers besides brown hair. (And they are not flavors of the month, they are just enjoying peak success, the guys have been touring and producing records almost nonstop for over 3 years.)
Posted by: HeyNow | December 02, 2008 at 09:54 AM
Right!!! Like I'm really going to listen to a taxi driver's opinion on Criss Angel's Believe. I think I'll make that judgement for myself, thank you very much. Different strokes for different folks. Some think it's awesome while others don't. So what? Why are all the critics after Criss Angel? Why is everyone so happy that this show is possibly not doing well? No, I'm not a loyal, but I like Criss Angel and I am a fan. I don't believe people should put the guy down for trying something new and persuing a dream that he's had for years. There's been lots of movies that hit the box office that had high expectations to make millions and crashed and burned. So what? Life goes on. You pick yourself up and you dust yourself off and you move forward. So what if the show doesn't make it? Criss Angel doesn't really need that show to prove anything to anyone or show his talent. His T.V show Mindfreak is awesome in itself. Also, after having watched the CSI episode "Sleight Of Hand" where he played the character Luke Blade Criss has a great career as an actor or director ahead of him. He is a very talented man. Bottom line, I still say it's too early to make the prediction that this show is not going to make it. Give it some time. With the economy the way it is people can barely afford anything now days. That's probably why ticket sales are down.
Keep rockin Mr. Angel.
Jenn
jweepingcrow
Posted by: Jenn | December 02, 2008 at 11:47 AM
I just returned from Las Vegas and had the pleasure of seeing BeLIEve. Our entire group found it very entertaining and enjoyable. Maybe you people just don't understand the show. Maybe Criss Angel's creativity is too much for you to understand.
I also don't understand the constant bashing of Criss Angel as a person. I am certainly not a "loyal", but I have met him by chance in Vegas and he (and Holly Madison) were very gracious and polite. Give the guy a break...it must be hard to read nothing but garbage about yourself day in and day out. And much of it coming from people who haven't seen the show or met him.
Go to the show, have an open mind, sit back and enjoy the entertainment.
Oh, and the Luxor is a great hotel. And Carrot Top is one of the funniest shows I have ever seen!
Posted by: VegasAlways | December 02, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Rumor has it the show is closing on December 31. Check your box office. Shows have been cancelled in January. So if you want to see it, HURRY, HURRY, HURRY. Get your luggage together, you plane fare, your hotel and your bottle of Maalox. And don't let those "David Baram" impersonators fool you. It is not him. They just like to scare everybody so the "golden boy" can come out those doors hammered and not have to stop for your sorry behinds because HE IS TOO GOOD.
As for the Jonas Brothers? LOL~ Let's see who knows them by next year? Probably the same people that are still chasing "The New Kids On The Block."
Posted by: Vanillasky | December 02, 2008 at 05:15 PM
If it closes, despite the peeps who did enjoy the show...you can thank LVRJ. I have never seen such lies and one sided tongue in cheek articles about ANY show on the strip except Criss. LVRJ, you claim to be for your town and helping out in these hard times...you have failed miserably. You are reporters right? Then how come I can predict EVERY article about Criss. That is not reporting.....that is holding a grudge and abusing your power to do so. Away from here....I've ready plenty of awesome reviews. Yet you do not acknowledge? Why is that?
Posted by: Debbie | December 02, 2008 at 06:54 PM
vanillasky
The shows are not cancelled. All Cirque shows are taking 2 week breaks in January and February. Also tickets are available for March, we are planning on going to see it then and they are selling tickets for the days that we will be there. I am going for 5 days and I plan on seeing it as much as possible.
Posted by: Jade | December 02, 2008 at 06:58 PM
I was recently in Las Vegas, and went to see Believe. I actually quite enjoyed the show. It is not a typical Cirque show, obviously, but what do people expect? You KNOW Criss Angel is a magician, not a dancer. Everyone is all about the bashing, and no one gets the good out there. I would go back to that show again in a heart beat!
Posted by: Heidi | December 02, 2008 at 07:08 PM
Cool Heidi But it falls on deaf ears here. Collin will be here any minute.
Posted by: Debbie | December 02, 2008 at 07:42 PM