Las Vegas Weekly

September 29, 2008 · 2:18 PM

Angel fans, Luxor execs on Cloud 9, too

By Robin Leach

Photo: Larry Edwards

Criss Angel and Larry Edwards, post-show.

After the debut preview performance of Criss Angel’s new Believe show I wrote a report on the first-night crush of fans. CLICK HERE for our early Saturday morning coverage. In the midst of all the extraordinary excitement and action at the Luxor, I couldn’t find its president, Felix Rappaport for his comments, but we caught up over the weekend.

He told me: “On behalf of MGM Mirage and Luxor, we were thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive audience reaction last night to the first preview performance of Cirque du Soleil's Criss Angel Believe. I like to describe this show as the most artistic, most ambitious illusion show of all time. Criss Angel and the entire cast, crew and creative team are focused on fine-tuning this incredibly complex production over the next five weeks so that the world premiere on Halloween, October 31, will realize the show's full artistic and entertainment potential."

I was inundated with emails from fans, Loyals and regular theater-goers who watched the first show and raved about it. One typical email came from Vegas entertainer Larry Edwards. He was featured in a séance episode on the A&W hit Mindfreak show with Criss. Larry commented: “I’m amazed with the Believe show. The illusions and special effects were incredible. My favorite was seeing the ‘creature’ come to life. Criss has taken magic to a different level. Together with Cirque, they have brought Vegas shows right into the 21st century with a whole new standard of theatrical elegance and excellence. If you would like to be taken on a Magical journey I’m telling everyone to see Believe -- I am a true believer! Incidentally, Larry has created a unique headpiece for his gig at the Piranha nightclub -- made from solid rhinestones using wig-hair to craft the fish-bone and fishtail look!”

Photo: Larry Edwards

The piranha tank at Piranha Nightclub.

After the debut, Criss, his choreographer Wade Robson and all the show’s dancers celebrated at the CatHouse restaurant and club in the Luxor well into the post-midnight, pre-dawn hours!

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