'Believe:' Criss Angel Does Cirque, or Vice-Versa

It's a tough one, trying to write about Cirque du Soleil's new offering in Las Vegas, Criss Angel Believe.

Since previews began almost two months ago, the show has been a lightening rod for controversy, with Cirque afficianados saying there's not enough Cirque in the piece and Criss Angel fans disappointed by the lack of edginess usually present in his illusions and daredeviltry.

Like most Cirque shows, this one has a story but, also like most Cirque shows, that story is easily discounted in favor of just watching the proceedings. Here. there's something about an elusive love. There are also some illusions (Angel gives ew meaning to "catching the train") and killer rabbits (which was done much better in Spamalot).

The show also features the regulaton Cirque du Soleil clowns entertaining the audience before the show begins. I never liked that, as siccing entertainers on unsuspecting audience members never amused me. But, here, to my surprise, they are part of the action of the show and are really enjoyable.

The problem, I Believe, is in large part one of expectations. Mindfreak fans want Angel on Mindfreak, the daredevil stunts and the casual disregard for gravity and probability. Cirque du Soleil fans want the ethereal, gentle, artistic Cirque. In the attempt to compromise, each faction loses.

We hear the the show, like many of Circque's productions, is not set in stone. Things change, evolve and are modified. So there is hope here.

Criss Angel has, allegedly, a 10-year contract. That's a lot of time to fix things. He's a charismatic performer who knows how to grab and audience. Cirque is an establish brand that knows how to draw audiences. Hopefully, one day soon, we'll be talking about Criss Angel and Cirque du Soleil as, in this instance, as one. If that happens, the possibilities are endless.

Criss Angel Believe plays Friday through Tuesday at 7 and 10 PM at the Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Tickets are priced at $59, $79, $99, $125, $150, exclusive of taxes and fees.

For tickets, visit www.luxor.com