I am starting to think that Jessica either works for Criss or knows him personally. Every time there is an article giving the show a bad review she is right there ready to praise it. Something is fishy.

I wrote about how the folks in the tourist industry were bad mouthing Believe a few weeks back in my column at Kevin Smith's Quickstopentertainment website:

BELAUGH BECRY BEGONE

Now that it’s out of previews, reports confirm that Criss Angel’s Believe at the Luxor is the biggest bomb to hit Nevada that wasn’t government funded. He might be the only performer that’s openly hated in Sin City. When we got on the shuttle bus at the airport, our driver talked trash about the goth magician. He was happy to quote the bad buzz. The guy at “Half-Priced tickets” slammed the show based what a pal told him. When I asked waitresses about the show, they warned me not to waste my time or money on a “TV magician.”

In all my time in Vegas, I’ve never heard anyone in the tourism industry completely trash a new show. They’ll cushion the negatives by discussing how hard it is to open a show and getting the kinks out during the previews. There’s always optimism in their voice. They know that a good show brings people to the city. Vegas needs tourist dollars. But they couldn’t resist mocking Angel and his besmirching the reputation of Cirque du Soleil. Rumor was that this might be the first Cirque du Soleil show to completely fail on the Vegas strip. The stories were so bad that I had to see it. How could I resist a trainwreck that supposedly ended with Angel screeching out the theme to Mindfreak? I wasn’t going to pay full price. Normally I’d beg for a press pass, but I didn’t want to feel obligated to review the show if the badness chased me out of the theater.

Turns out the Half Price ticket place had no discount offer for Believe. I roamed down to the Luxor to see if the box office had a bargain deal. They wanted $65 for the nose-bleeds. I wandered about the hotel looking at Angel’s designer motorcycle and car collection. What’s the point of owning a motorcycle if you’re putting it beneath glass? On the way out, they had “contest” to win Angel’s old car. The top of the ticket promised 2 for 1 tickets. While enjoying a drink, a Luxor waitress said you could get tickets for $20 a pop. I thought I was set with the coupon. For $20, I’d bring the old lady to see the Magical Cheese. However the woman at the box office told me that the coupon didn’t work for them. I had to take it “there.” She pointed at the counter for a time-share joint. The time-share folks informed me that I could get Criss Angel tickets for $20 each if I brought my wife on a tour of their new place. There was no way I was going to pay $40 plus 3 hours of my life to sit through 95 minutes of dancing rabbits. The box office remained staunch that the best deal they could give me was $130 for 2 tickets. For half that price I took my wife to Bouchon for brunch.

I can neither personally confirm nor deny the Criss Angel trainwreck. Why pay fat dollars for a skinny premise? Nobody said there was an number that had to be seen to be believed in the act. Supposedly the biggest magic trick of the production was making the Luxor decide he’s worth $85 for a 10 year contract. If Believe vanishes from the Luxor Pyramid, it might be Angel’s only illusion that gets a standing ovation.

I'm sorry for the snarky post Judy. I lost my Mom less than a year ago too. I am sorry for the snark and sorry for your loss. Glad you enjoyed your trip to Vegas and hope we see you again soon - CS

OK, I've got a theory as to why locals are not so fond of Angel. It's because Angel does not do a good job of representing the city of Las Vegas. His image tends to repel many people, not attract them. Most other Las Vegas mainstay performers make the effort to be available for publicity and put on a happy face. Penn and Teller smile through every single interview. Lance Burton is gregarious and entertaining. The Blue Men, Carrot Top, George Wallace, et al, are always enthusiatic.

And then there's sullen Chris Angel, who acts as if smiling would cause an embolism. Sure, he'll talk to the press, but do you think the LV Chamber of Commerce, or whoever produces commercials to appeal to tourists, is going to want Mr. Angel in their ads? He may actually be the nicest man on the planet when not in public, but his public face is simply that of a douchebag. He does not help the appeal of Las Vegas.

I know the "loyals" will see it differently, but they do not see Mr. Angel in the same manner most people who depend on LV being a tourist attraction do. Please, go enjoy his show. Perhaps word will spread that his show is worth seeing and he may thrive for years. But understand as well that his behavior certainly counts against him with the locals, and if you really want to success in LV you don't piss off the locals, you embrace them. If you help the city, you help yourself.

Saw some interesting comments on other blogs and threads.

There was a man who called for tickets to Criss Angels show on one day to try to get them for the NEXT night. He was successful. So successful that he was told that TEN seats in a row in the FRONT right in the MIDDLE were available, on the main floor right close to the stage.

In a followup to that, two other people, in two separate instances, both verified that information by calling the Luxor ticket office on the day of (or the day before) for tickets to BeLIEve and found out they were easily acquired, in multiple batches, all seated together. And all these instances were at the end of November.

If ticket sales are so robust and lucrative, how come good front row seats are easily accessible anytime, even at the last minute? I will give them the benefit of the doubt though. Because traditionally in Las Vegas, the slow time is between Thanksgiving and Christmas, picking up again around New Year's. Still, this sounds really bad for this gauky show. I bet the real statistics for attendance at this show are dismal.

Another man stated he tried to get tickets for next year. He was told tickets were not being offerred for sale after the December 31 show. He stated that he was told there were "technical difficulties" that needed to be fixed while the show "goes dark" (some Las Vegas show blabbergoog talk that means that the show is taking a break).

In another thread, the show is reported to be closed from January 6 through 22, 2009. It was said this was normal closing for maintenance of the stage, give the performers a break, fix things, etc.

I think it's interesting to note there are other Cirque du Soleil acts that have been running far longer and probably need a much needed break for maintenance and give the performers a break. More so than Criss Angel's stupid show that just started. You would think they would be the first to take breaks. And why are tickets not being offered at all for next year?

I say it's because those other Cirque du Soleil shows are successful...selling tickets and making money. Because BeLIEve is not successful at all, I would surmise that is why Cirque du Soleil is giving it a break first. Kind of weird timing though. The show will have run for only two months and all of a sudden there is a break. And this break is during a busy time in Las Vegas. Kind of leads someone to think that something is up.

There was another thread I read that was for magicians and their fans where a gentleman said he had inside information from the Criss Angel camp here in Las Vegas. Information that was funny to note (I thought). He said Criss Angel, during a practice of BeLIEve, was berating everyone in the show for them to pay attention to detail and that these mistakes cannot continue to be happening and that they must be fixed and must be fixed right now and to pay attention to what you're doing, etc. In this thread, the man continued by saying that during one part of the practice after this talk there where Criss Angel is caught by others, amd they dropped him during the practice. The author of that blog was implying that the performers perhaps did that on purpose and were letting themselves to be known that they didn't care for Criss Angel's little speech. Perhaps it was indeed an unfortunate accident. That may or may not be the truth. Oh gosh. I probably will get all the Loyals screaming for my head on a platter after relating that little tidbit and its implications....

I'm not sure if all of this information is correct. It's just what I read in other sites, and I basically paraphrased, but the content that I read is all there.

Whatever is happening, it seems to be piling up more and more and clearly spelling mounting examples of bad news for this screwy show. And rumors just seem to be swirling out of control without any stopping.

To Count Snarkula...Thank you for the 2nd post to me most people would not have taken the time, or cared enough to write back. I appreciate the kind words. I too am sorry for your loss, it's hard without "our Moms", and I sincerely hope things are getting better for you.

Oh and Count...since we can't agree on the Criss Angel Believe show...maybe we can agree on this aspect of the show. A lot of people have worked hard, and are depending on their lively hood regarding this show. (I'm not worried about Mr. Angel finances.) But everyone from the performers, to the stage hands, and those who work at the hotel are depending on "Believe" to be successful for their own bank accounts and mortgage payments. (Especially with the way things are now. Maybe everyone shouldn't be working so hard to sink the ship.) So here's hoping the "talented people, including Mr. Angel" get the kinks worked out to satisfy everyone, by giving everyone a chance involved with the show to do so. After all it is the holidays! Maybe we all could "believe in a little patience & understanding so people keep their jobs...I think that could be a believable ending.

"Happy Holidays" to you and yours Count and have a "Wonderful New Year"
from: (JW)

PS. We'll be back to Vegas

Okay, now REALLY! He's "parading" his girlfriend "in and out of all the restaurants". He LIVES in Vegas, and is going to restaurants with his girlfriend. Like we all do. It just so happens that they are both very recognizable. When we saw them at a restaurant, they were obviously trying NOT to be noticed. They were trying to have lunch. At a restaurant. In the city where he lives.

And I'll bet you money that many performers have their significant others sitting front and center or backstage. Actually, the night we saw the show, our seats were better than his "playmate's". So what if he introduces her.

I travel to Vegas many times a year, and love it. Given the "outfits" worn by cocktail waitresses, establishments like "Cathouse", shows like Thunder from Down Under, any sexual references made in Believe are quite subdued. It's all part of Vegas.

It's very obvious that Criss Angel is just not liked or respected in Vegas. And nobody can come up with a good reason, other than he doesn't smile. I'm hoping he overcomes all the pettiness and his show thrives. I know I'll see it again.

Criss Angel's BeLIEVE - A Wonderful Show to watch. I encourage all to go check it out.

First, I just wish to share that my husband, son and I all attended the Criss Angel's BeLIEve show on December 1, 2008. Not only did we thoroughly enjoy watching the BeLIEve show, which includes both the performances by Cirque as well as Criss Angel and his incredible illusions. In addition, we found Criss Angel to have well exhibited great charisma and stage presence. It was both refreshing and rewarding to witness. He came off so comfortable and relaxed that it became non-evident that it is a well scripted and rehearsed show. I would strongly & highly recommend anyone to go see this show and do not others to cloud your better judgement. In fact, my family enjoyed the show so much that upon our return to Las Vegas come November 2009, we plan to once again check out this show.

Second, I would like to also say that I find all you Las Vegas press reporters to be incredibly cruel and rude how you treat your local high profile entertainer with such little to no respect and consideration. Especially with the economy the way it is, one would think you'd try to focus on furnishing less negative energy and being more encouraging to bring in the tourists during these hard economic times.

As a magician, he is a fake, his tricks can only be done with cameras and with people in on the act that surrounds him! I give him credits for being a puffed up rock star wannabie. As a magician myself he has no respect from me, nor with most other magicians!

As for his "Loyal" fan base... lol... Even, no talent, no nothing, not even a wannabie C. Mansion has a loyal base!

People actually like Believe. I guess the LVRJ hate doesn't spread to all and your word doesn't represent ALL.

It seems like the wrong impression has gotten out about how the people of Las Vegas and the reporters here all are portrayed to be ganging up on Criss Angel. Not the case. Not at all.

The people of Las Vegas are very, very good at sizing up things. They usually can spot pretty quickly when something is happening right and if something is good. And they can also spot when something is basically hideously similar to what comes out of the northbound end of a southbound goat. Especially when it is entertainment in Las Vegas. And Criss Angel started out horribly when he came to Las Vegas.

Back in April, 2008, during the nationally televised Miss America Pageant, he created a ruckus. During commerical breaks, when NBC cameras focused on him, he flipped them the finger. Also during the contest, even though it had no bearing at the time because the judges had already made selections, he tried his darndest to get his then girlfiend (Miss Veronica Grabowski, Miss Nevada) placed higher, he hoped in the top 15, so that she would win. To make a long story short, a Las Vegas Review Journal reporter (Norm Clarke) had earlier asked him about this. After the pageant, Criss Angel, along with his retinue of bodyguards, spotted him and ran up to him and threatened that if he ever reported on him again that he would take out his other eye; a clearly blatant, with hateful criminal intent threat. (Norm Clarke had eye surgery where he lost an eye before due to a disease...hence he wears an eyepatch.)

Well, after many months of avoidance of reporters, double speak to the same reporters and subsequent avoidance of this whole issue because he got caught in lies and double speak, he FINALLY somewhat, kind of, sort of apologized to Norm Clarke. But it took SIX MONTHS after it happened and it mysteriously coincided with his grand opening of the BeLIEve show.

Las Vegans see this. And it is very, very transparent. It appears that his higher ups basically slapped him hard, said for him to be a good boy, act like a respected entertainer is supposed to act in Las Vegas, you have a show to do, let's put this stupid stuff behind you and concentrate on the show. I don't even have to point this out because it is apparent. And everyone sees it here locally. And if we see it, tourists will too. They are not dumb.

And on top of that, he does his darndest to be seen with other celebrity women. Actually, Richard Abowitz astutely pointed that out as evidenced from a picture taken with Tia Tequila, some reality show starlet. Earlier the night of that picture, both of them were in the same room together and completely ignored each other. But then the next day, BAM! Here's a picture of them with her sitting in his lap acting all lovey dovey. This whole thing was staged for publicity; something to further the transparent stupid personae he has set for himself. It's just another example of Criss Angel building his stupid personae he wants to convey to the public. And he does it anytime he can see a chance to slip one in there...especially if it fits in with his bad boy rock star wannabe image he wants to convey.

Now, he is with Holly Madison. A Playboy bunny. Breast enhancement. Nose job. Blonde hair courtesy of Lady Clairol. Another so called reality show starlet, courtesy of Hugh Hefner and a show that started in 2004. It ran it's length and ended in 2008. She is faced with stepping down in the economic ladder and living like we do. Since she has no fall back employment nor any job trade education at all, what does she do? BAM! Run, Holly, run, to Las Vegas and hook up with the cheap rock star wannabe Houdini with the Lamborghini. VOILA! Without any break in financial input, she is still living in the lap of luxury, and doesn't have to seek employment elsewhere (even though she could have easily gotten a job at Circus Circus as a maid). And she fits right in with Criss Angel's master plan...gotta get that bling thing going on, a babe on his arm (even though he's still married to a gal from the East Coast still). So, they are perfect for each other to strap into seats side by side in the train that is quickly running out of track and prepared to wreck.

Then, recently there was a magician's convention. A lot of big names were there in L.A. Who wasn't there? Criss Angel. Who was not even nominated for anything? Criss Angel. Which basically without mentioning anything threw out there that he is not respected by other magicians at all.

To continue, you have Richard Abowitz here, along with other reporters locally in Las Vegas that have been reporting on this extraneous crap that has been happening locally. It's not like they are picking on Criss Angel. It's out there. And it's noticeable. And it's stuff they can report.

Then comes the grand opening on October 31, 2008. The local entertainment reporters here go see it. And they have seen many, many acts along and off of the Strip. They can tell if something is entertaining. They can tell if it is something worth the money to go see. They have had experience at these things. And all of these reporters have chimed in. They pretty much unanimously say this show is lacking. Criss Angel demonstrates zero talent, no stage presence, the show being nothing at all like his TV show (which people come and expect to see) and it has no redeeming entertainment qualities other than to say the stage is breathtaking, the costumes, the musc, etc. But all the positive things are Cirque du Soleil. All else is Criss Angel and his stupid idea screwing up the whole show. And these reporters, I might add, are put in a horrible situation where they are actually trying to say something nice about this show, but they can't. In this way, they are serving Las Vegas. Because it is IMPERATIVE they tell the public what is going on. It doesn't matter if it is bad news. This serves Las Vegas to clean up after itself and warn tourists off so they don't become mad and disgusted and feel like they are being ripped off. On the other hand, if it was a good show, they would have no problem endorsing it. Sadly, Criss Angel's show has been basically labeled as total dreck (which I guess is short for "dynamic wreck"...I dunno where that term came from...I just made it up).

So, in summation.... The locals aren't ganging up on Criss Angel. The reporters aren't ganging up on Criss Angel. He is doing this stuff to himself. All by his lonesome. And all everyone in Las Vegas is trying to do is tell people what is going on. Whether you believe it or not, it's basically up to you.

Criss Angel is only using Holly Madison to promote himself, build up his persona nationally and to talk the focus away from all this bad press.

News from the Criss Angel site. He and his beloved girlfriend are going to be interviewed on Larry King Live on December 22, 2008. I find this amusing that Criss Angel wants to have yet another interview with Larry King to brag about how wonderful he is and how happy Ms. Madison satisfies him sexually on the show.

Criss Angel is so predictable, he's at best the funniest joke on the Vegas strip.
I only hope Ms. Madison doesn't get all the attention with the Girls Next Doors show, Hugh Hefner and the other ex's and take away from how wonderful and how Criss was the first to do this, that and the other because that will only cause a major stir, a major fight amongst the happy lovey dovey couple.