"Criss Angel Believe" has a fan
Someone told me this was actually posted on the official site for "Criss Angel Believe," and I did not believe anyone would be so shameless. I was wrong. Sure enough, the man who dismisses critics has finally found someone with an opinion worthy to quote on his show's site. Yes, Criss Angel offers the praise of the noted theatrical critic and connoisseur, primarily known as his girlfriend, Holly Madison. Her endorsement of "Criss Angel Believe" is featured on the official website where critical praise would fit, were there any to offer. Instead, Madison opines: "Believe is fun, beautiful and amazing! I love it - I'll see it again and again." And, true to those words she has repeatedly been reported to be in the audience, seeing the torturous show again and again. That's karma. Of course, there is no mention that the two are dating; otherwise her precious and rare (is her opinion protected by the Endangered Species Act?) positive reaction to the quality of the show might seem, well, biased. (photo by Sarah Gerke)
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Gee, Richard, I really enjoy your articles about this knucklehead. Because you tell it like it is and can see through all the transparencies. You have a harder job than I do though. I CLEARLY don't like this idiot because of past behavior in Las Vegas and I firmly believe he is giving entertainment a bad name in Las Vegas, proving to chase tourists away rather than get them to come here. You, on the other hand, have to stick to the facts and try to contain your opinion a bit. I laugh because you have been accused by Criss Angel fans about being biased against him, but the hilarious thing is that you aren't even looking for things, and you see them happen right before you and report on them accurately...and not blinded by his television personae...like some of his unquestioning horse-with-blinders blind obedience zombie fans.
Actually, I think Holly Madison didn't articulate correctly about being a fan. From the comments I have seen of the show BeLIEve, especially when Holly Madison is sitting in the audience (and I have seen comments where she has sat through at least a 100 shows now), it's more like she is a PART of the show...because it seems he goes out of his way to point out to the other audience members that she's there, please applaud because she's sitting there looking beautiful, gotta get her in the limelight too, she's mine, bought and paid for daily, look at me, I got a Playboy bunny for a friend (hinting at carnal delights but leaving it up to the audience to think what they want), stopping the show and gloating here, pay attention, you should probably adore me more type stupid stuff he does to cover up his lack of talent. The pure commercial innundation of this Criss Angel/Holly Madison thing goes on and on and on, probably to cover up his suffering talent. Next thing you know, it'll be in the news that Holly Madison got Criss Angel's name tattooed on her butt. (Oops. I better not give him any ideas...) But what the heck...if she enjoys being window dressing, go for it. Keeps her in the money earning a paycheck. We don't see love here at all. And when we do see love, it's ALWAYS in front of the cameras. I see two users sucking the life out of each other.
And on top of this stuff, Criss Angel has a pending divorce hearing! And all of this stupid stuff is in the news?!?!?! Oh my gosh.... Criss Angel's soon-to-be ex-wife won't even have to hire a private detective...she just needs to record entertainment gossip shows on the TV to present to the judge. She'll rake him over the coals and make the Michael Jordan divorce settlement look like nothing.
I'm just amazed this show is continuing in light of all the bad reviews, bad press and the recession going on. Not to mention Criss Angel's checkered, arrogant and criminal past here in Las Vegas. Why Cirque du Soleil and MGM Productions continue to throw money and sanction/host this incredibly bad show and it's controversial low budget star is beyond me. Only thing I can think of is because he is supposedly a "name" star, and just his face/name on the marquis will draw people into it. And then people go in there and find out this guy can't act his way out of a paper bag even if he had a scissors in his hand. I would think that Cirque du Soleil and MGM Productions basically don't care they are misrepresenting what the show is about, thereby making customers feel they were taken advantage of and ripped off, resulting in sullying both of their names just for the sake of raking in money. I think this is all going to bite them in the derrier in the end for future shows if this no talent headline performer charade continues.
Posted by: ColinFromLasVegas | January 07, 2009 at 09:42 AM
Madison opines: "Believe is fun, beautiful and amazing! I love it - I'll see it again and again."
"BELIEVE IS FUN, BEAUTIFUL AND AMAZING! sounds like the direct words out of Criss Angel's mouth. Now I know he must have paid her well to help endorse his show. There's the proof in a nutshell.
I laughed so loud it hurt
Posted by: J_Jillian | January 07, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Another great article Richard. Keep them coming.
I always enjoy reading your articles. You supply the facts and the facts always stand out.
Another great assessment ColinFromLasVegas.
I have read numerous blogs as well and is does appear crystal clear that Playboy bunny Holly Madison is PART of his show since she is spotted weekly in the audience and mentioned in Criss Angel's performance. Wether its real or fake, it makes for great entertainment. Their relationship of course, not the BeLIEve show since it is a real sleeper.
Posted by: HD | January 07, 2009 at 10:46 AM
I saw the BELIEVE show.
It was fantastic.
Holly was not there at that show and Criss DID NOT make any reference to her
so I think you posters are just lying thru your fingers.
Criss Angel is an incredible entertainer and he will not fade out due to people like you.
Posted by: Ashleigh | January 07, 2009 at 02:47 PM
Ashleigh,
Criss only mentions Holly when is in the audience in his show and from what I hear she is there alot.
Kinda funny, that he only comments about her when she is there and doesn't say a word about her when she isn't.
Posted by: me | January 07, 2009 at 04:29 PM
you people do not understand. Criss has fallen in love with Holly and he's very excited to talk about her in public. He's so happy that you jerks cannot see it so you want to hurt him.
Posted by: Ashleigh | January 08, 2009 at 07:30 AM
For the life of me I can't see why Criss Angel would want to date somebody who is pure used up trash. He must be losing it if this is the type of female he wants to be with.
Posted by: Pure used up trash | January 08, 2009 at 07:30 AM
Holly my grandfather wants to date you. He is in your range of old guys. He is 87 years old.
Posted by: Carlos | January 08, 2009 at 07:30 AM
I hate to break the news to you Ashleigh but its folks like you that fuel this sort of media frenzy which only creates great global attention with no financial expense put out by the subject matter for advertisement fees.
Posted by: highlydisgusted | January 08, 2009 at 09:04 AM
I have to hand it to M. Angel and Miss Madison. They had enough sense to change their first draft of the review: "I loved it. It was much better than Cats. I'll see it again and again."
Posted by: Amazing Alexander | January 09, 2009 at 09:50 AM
Colin is right on as usual!!!,we dont see love just CONSTANT PUBLIC DECLARATIONS that keep them BOTH exactly where they LUST to be: THE CENTER OF ATTENTION like the minds of 10yr old children, who use everything they have to boast of themselves.
Posted by: melissa | January 09, 2009 at 04:00 PM
I thought the romance was a publicity stunt.
Am I wrong about that, or have I just become jaded....
Posted by: Pam | January 09, 2009 at 04:01 PM
I love Criss Angel. I think the guy is really talented. He needs to start over. He has so much talent and he just got lost on the way. If I was his agent I would adivse him to drop Holly Madison (she makes him look like pure trash) keep his sexual comments to himself and pay more attention to what he loves which is his art. Keep Holly in the closet.
Posted by: Tracey | January 10, 2009 at 08:24 AM
Look, I saw the show. It was a bit rough around the edges when I saw it, but I loved it and couldn't wait to see it again. I think it's a matter of personal taste when it comes to whether or not you like the show. I like surreal, bizarre, and dark things. That's why I'm drawn to Criss's art. He is talented. He has charisma and personality. He has a heart and truly cares about others.
It saddens me that people who aren't affected by his art feel the need to attack his character. Am I saying he is perfect? No. Nobody his perfect. Despite the fact that he does an illusion where he walks on water, he is not God. I myself have had some unsavory moments in my life that I wish I could change. Who hasn't? I don't approve of everything he does, but I don't have to. Nothing will change the fact that I am moved by what he does on stage. It does irritate me that he feels he has to throw his relationship with Holly out for the world to see, but it doesn't change how I feel when I see him perform a demonstration or see his show. I saw it twice and was moved to tears (because of the storyline) both times.
Why waste your time pointing out the short comings of someone else when we all have short comings of our own to take care of?
Posted by: Renee | January 10, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Hey Renee, I'm confused. what brought you to tears: the drugs (poppies), the bondage scenes of S & M, or Crimsons sexual orgy with all those ushers in the flaming fires of hell? did it bring you to tears because criss obviously needs serious help, or do you just share Criss's ideas for a good time!
Posted by: melissa | January 11, 2009 at 03:49 AM
Well, Melissa, apparently I share his idea of a good time. I stated in my previous post that I like things surreal and dark. So if you all want to judge me the way you judge Criss, go right ahead and judge.
I quite enjoyed the sexual nature of the show. It didn't bother me one bit. The point of the show is the audience is pulled into his dream state as he is unconcious from the "accident" at the beginning of the show. Can you tell me one person who has a completely tidy and linear dream. I dream crazy stuff all the time. Stuff that I didn't even know I had in my head. The fact that he and Cirque took the concept of a dream, wove in different allusions to different literary and cinematic classics, and brought it to life onstage is great. I truly admire him and Cirque for their work.
But as I said, if people would stop worrying about what other people are doing and just worry about themselves, I think this world would be a better place. So you didn't like the show. Fine, that's your perogative. If your a member of the press, write a review about the show, but leave Criss's character out of it. That's all I'm saying.
Posted by: Renee | January 11, 2009 at 08:21 AM
Renee,
I'm with you, I saw it twice myself and can't wait to get back to see it again. I loved the dark images, and I agree with you it is all a dream and my dreams too are just as messed up. And the sexual stuff, what adult has not had crazy dreams. Criss and Cirque have put together a great show, and I hope to see it again soon.
Posted by: Jade | January 12, 2009 at 05:32 AM
So I think I've read about 10 different blogs and stories on Believe tonight and Colin you have wrote on every single on of them saying they should shut down the show. Well you might hate Criss and not care for the show but they are about 70 of us backstage that work our butts off to make that show work. We can't control how he is onstage but for the last 2 weeks we have sold out every show so he must be doing something right. However, think about us back there when you talk about how MGM and Cirque should just scrap the show. We have families, kids, etc... that depend of us to bring home a paycheck, especially in these hard economic times. I understand a lot of people don't like the show and that's fine, everyone is entitled to their opinion. But we care a lot about what we put on stage too and that show is part of us as well as Criss. Just my 2 cents...
Posted by: WorksForCirque | January 12, 2009 at 05:33 AM
I understand, WorksForCirque.
But I want to point out that I have never (and in the future will never) talk bad things about the people in Criss Angel's show. The focus of my comments has been and always will be its screwy headliner star. I have heard that the production and all the people who contribute behind the scenes and on the stage, that it is simply magnificent and professional. These people, from all indications that I see, genuinely toil to do the best they can to provide quality entertainment. Not a bad word has been uttered about them from all the comments I have seen. But I feel sorry for all those who work to strive to make it better because, from all appearances and comments I have seen in the past, present and probably the future to come, this show is doomed for failure due to bad reviews and audience rejection. And it all cannot be placed on the shoulders of the people who work to present the show behind the scenes and on the stage, but it seems to center around every time when the no talent Criss Angel steps on stage and opens his mouth.
And please don't label me as a Criss Angel hater. I'm not. I just understand what is going on locally here in Las Vegas and am pointing it out. I understood what this knucklehead was all about even before the show started in its preview form. It all started when Criss Angel threatened a Las Vegas Review Journal reporter (Norm Clarke) back in April 2008. And got away with it. And it is the fact that Criss Angel told anything and everything to any reporter about it to deflect blame away from him. Then, after six months went by (SIX MONTHS!), and coinciding with grand premiere of BeLIEve, he sort of kind of apologizes. I just see (and others do also) what kind of person he is. I am still amazed at his arrogance about the whole matter as evidence by his past behavior. It is a kind of long story, but it has been all put down on paper in the news locally here in Las Vegas. Criss Angel has never been of the caliber of a celebrity who works in a multi-million dollar show on the famous Las Vegas Strip. And his reprehensible behavior seems to continue without let up.
I wish I could help provide you with someone to point a finger at for all the ills of your star headliner, but I'm not the person that is responsible for the problems and controversy about this show. Your comments need to be directed to your bosses about getting rid of the clown that headlines the show and all the subsequent bad press he brings. I would venture to guess that all problems about this show will disappear once he makes some kind of exit from it. Perhaps replace him with someone else. I actually hope they do that and the show continues, rather than the people who control the purse strings of BeLIEve and just do a knee jerk reaction and close down the show. Perhaps your comments should be addressed to Criss Angel too. But I don't advise you to do that. Because from all indications I see, he's a little tyrant and will fire anyone who even looks at him funny.
I do understand that this show is your livelihood, WorksForCirque. But, there are audience members that pay money too and seem to be totally and completely disappointed and feel they have been ripped off. And, from comments I see, the adverse reaction to Criss Angel mounts and mounts and never stops. These peoples' interests should be looked after also by someone. I saw one comment that stated that BeLIEve is the worst theater that has ever happened since April 1865. In these difficult economic times, these people have some kind of say in this matter and should be paid attention to also. Tourists come to Las Vegas and desire to see quality entertainment....the type of entertainment Criss Angel has clearly demonstrated he is unable to provide. And these tourists are the lifeblood for the economy of Las Vegas. Criss Angel right now is doing nothing for Las Vegas but contributing to chasing them away. When the days come around that you look out and see continual empty seats in BeLIEve show, don't blame me.
I do want to wish you good luck to you in the Las Vegas entertainment field in the future though, WorksForCirque.
Posted by: ColinFromLasVegas | January 12, 2009 at 07:34 AM
Dear WorksForCirque
Please do not be mad at ColinFromVegas because he continues to voice his opinion of the celebrity that is showcased in the Cirque show BELIEVE. If the show falls thru, blame the one responsible for delivering such a poor performance. Hopefully you will not have to be forced to lose your job and that he will be replaced with an incredible illusionist who also knows how to act and has stage presence and charisma.
Posted by: WitnessToBELIEVEDisaster | January 12, 2009 at 09:51 AM
You must also remember that Colin only states one side of the coin. That is the side of this "movie" that runs in his head about the demise of Criss Angel. The other side of the coin is this....
not all reviews are bad. I actually read one review where the person said he was so very glad he didn't listen to the critics because he really enjoyed the show. I hope Colin that this makes you happy that people are reading your constant, book long biased half truth posts and actually sending people away from Vegas who might just want to come and see Believe. Who are YOU to make up their mind for them? Pretty arrogant in my book.
Regarding the Norm issue, a heated verbal exchange between a star and a papparazi is nothing uncommon and is far from criminal. Have you seen Brittany Spears antics? Makes Criss look like a puppy dog.
Believe is selling tickets thru April, I'm reading more and more positive reviews, it has been in and out of the top number 10 slot for weeks which I think for a new show in this economy is pretty outstanding. As stated on Larry King, Criss has a Foundation for hurting children which he plans on raising millions for this year. Plus Criss begins taping the new season of Mindfreak soon.
Bottom line, the sky is not falling chicken little....lolol.
i
Posted by: Debbie | January 12, 2009 at 01:14 PM
There's an interesting article in Las Vegas Weekly I read today. The gist of the article shows the similes between La Reve (when it first started) and compared it to Believe (which is just starting). The journalist basically said that La Reve started and was absolutely horrible and, after Steve Wynn and his people looked at it and made changes, it evolved into what it is now....a successful show that is still running. Switch to Believe: The journalist in this article said the same thing is happening at the beginning. And the best thing to do to salvage Believe is to direct their attention to fix what's broken in it. And the article states there are two main things broken in it:
(1) It's too dark. It needs to be lightened up. In order to get a wider following and catch a wider audience, and
(2) The most important part of fixing it is to get rid of Criss Angel. The rest of it's okay. All the production people, actors, actresses, music, etc. are fine. It's said the whole production suffers because Criss Angel appears in it...no talent...no stage presence....no ability to have a rapport with a paying audience. In the article, it was stated there are magicians/illusionists in town that have shows that cost way less to go to, but the entertainment value of those magicians is remarkable and audiences are highly entertained, getting more than what they paid for in entertainment value...far more than Criss Angel could ever hope to provide. And these magicians, though paid less, have more talent and magical slight of hand abilities in just their pinky fingers than Criss Angel ever will get.
There were other points in the article, but it seems like, from articles like this, the adverse pressure seems to be mounting on this screwball headliner. No amount of added illusions are going to fix this wreck of a show. I read that five illusions are going to be added to the show. I say it's more like six. Because the sixth illusion will be discovered when people leave and look in their wallets/purses and discover that money disappeared....and they got nothing in return for it!
I fail to see where there are increasing glowing reviews of this show. I see nothing but the opposite happening. And those in favor of the show always point at the top 10 selling show this, record breaking money numbers this. Those figures mean nothing. Mainly because they cannot be accurately figured out. There are so many outlets that sell tickets and they don't all get together and release information en masse like that. The only ones that know the whole picture are probably the Luxor and/or MGM Productions and/or Cirque du Soleil, and they will tell you anything you want to hear, especially if it gets you to shell over money to them.
Call me a "hater" and/or a "basher", but I'm really, really trying to look at this thing impartially (like I know Richard is trying to do), but all I see are articles praising this dumb show put out by people who have a vested interest in its continuance because they get paid for doing so or by fanatical Criss Angel fans who lick the ground he walks on and give him adoration he does not deserve at all. It's like these people scream and raise the dickens about journalists picking on Criss Angel and slamming him around and bashing him, but all I see is that these people saying this are actually guilty of the same bias they are pointing fingers about, but the bias leans toward Criss Angel can do no wrong type stuff.
The article in Las Vegas Weekly is actually very surprising. Along with a sheer volume locally of other articles I see that slam into Criss Angel.
I laughed at one comment that this show is the worst theater since April 1865. The comment is not exactly that funny, but when you think of the average Criss Angel fan, they probably don't understand it....because their high school American history lesson hasn't got that far yet and they don't know what happened on that date.
I have never seen such a negative backlash against a star headliner in Las Vegas. But then, look at who it is and his checkered history in Las Vegas. I think Criss Angel is out of town right now. Which is a good thing. That means the contestants in the Miss America beauty pagent are safe. As well as the reporters covering it. We just have to make sure the mayor backs off....with his pool filled with gin.
There is no one to blame but Criss Angel. And the articles keep coming. Stick a fork in it. Criss Angel is done for.
Posted by: ColinFromLasVegas | January 17, 2009 at 07:59 AM
The problem with BeLIEve IS CRISS ANGEL.
Criss Angel is so full of such ego that he cannot see past his own proclaimed prior accomplishments. This man lives in the world and mind of the yesterday. BeLIEve canno thrive on yesterdays, it needs to focus on what to do to salvage for all the tomorrows to come.
Criss Angel and his Playboy Bunny should reside on the island of Mexico and allow real magicians and actresses to do what they so crave and desire to do and put the care that is needed to make it a success
Posted by: Chayna | January 18, 2009 at 04:56 PM
Yes, the articles keep coming...but they are from the same old dudes. Trying to look at it impartially......PLEASE. I was born at night....but not last night.
Criss is the reason for the show. Without Criss....the show would be meaningless because it was built around him. No one else can fill those shoes.
"fanatical Criss Angel fans who lick the ground he walks on and give him adoration he does not deserve at all" Are you seriously, with a straight face going to say that to people, who because of the inspiration given by Criss and his art battle cancer, strive for a better life, overcome fears, reach for their goals all because of his art and the message it gives. That is not bias, it is fact that the "haters" refuse to see. Go ahead....tell me I'm wrong and prove just how ignorant you are.
Posted by: Debbie | January 19, 2009 at 06:48 PM
Debbie, you said it perfectly. Criss Angel IS the reason for his Cirque show BELIEVE being such a failure.
Criss Angel is superb on TV but truth be known it is because he is a genius at Directing, being in complete control of his environment taking on his own TV show. Criss Angel is fabulous at being TV & computer editor, this is no secret. Mr. Angel has developed a production company located downtown Las Vegas that is based soley on computerized editing for Entertainment media.
However when it comes down to LIVE performance Criss Angel lacks real stage presence and real showmanship.
Criss Angel has no control over LIVE performances and therefore he SUCKS
Posted by: LB | January 20, 2009 at 09:39 AM