Criss Angel Believe

Magic show to "Believe" in

Staff Report

The legend goes that when famed magician Harry Houdini died, he gave his wife a code word.

"After my death, many people will claim that they are able to communicate with me," he said, explaining the code word would be the only way to verify if their claims are valid.

That word, "believe," is now the name of a new Las Vegas show that combines the artistry of Cirque du Soleil with the magic of famed illusionist and star of A&E's "Mindfreak," Criss Angel.

"Criss Angel's Believe" is unlike any other show on any other Las Vegas stage. Like most Cirque shows, there is a custom-built theater with a fancy red curtain. There are dancers and there are clowns.

But then there is Criss Angel, the first personality to ever star in a Cirque show. The collaboration marks a new journey for both the Canadian-based circus troupe and the television star.

At the top of the show, a montage of video footage shows Angel performing stunts from "Mindfreak" including his daring levitation above the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas. Angel then appears on stage as himself and interacts with the audience, which includes many of his rampant fans, known as The Loyals.

But after an illusion goes awry, Angel enters into a dream world where he takes on the role of a Victorian noble on a voyage of darkness versus light and lust versus love.

On his way, he encounters a cast of unique characters, much like Alice does in "Alice in Wonderland" or Dorothy in the "Wizard of Oz." While Alice was chasing the white rabbit and Dorothy was searching for the Great Oz, Angel is seeking the love of his life, Kayala, a white angelic figure who he desires for marriage. Each time he is reunited with her, a dark lustful force, named Crimsom, appears to rip them apart.

Directed by Serge Denoncourt, Angels illusions are interwoven throughout the show as part of the story line. This is accented by the diverse troupe of characters, dancing choreographed by Wade Robson, innovative costumes by Mérédith Caron and mystical imagery.