Criss Angel Mind Freak

I have never seen MindFreak nor did I know anything about Criss Angel, okay fine, I knew he was ‘seeing’ Pam Anderson.
I have never liked magic or been interested in it, but I’m always one to try everything before spewing about it, so when I saw that the Modern Day Houdini was bringing a show to Vegas, I bought the tix online for the darkest, spookiest day of the year: Halloween.
Our section was 103, but we were seated at 203.
Why you may ask? B/​c the 10÷31÷08 was canceled for ‘Opening Night’, invited guests only, just my luck.
Well we turned on a little charm and we got in, too bad the show was a let down, but hey, it was FREE and the drinks were FREE too.
I think the coolest part of the show were the disappearances and reappearances. Everything else was so predictable and phony.
I noticed a lot of people were leaving early, but then again it was FREE and it was a tough crowd. Barely anyone was clapping or laughing-​it was Halloween in Vegas, people should be off their rockers at 10pm.
You be the judge, or pay and see for yourself.

This review is in reference to Criss Angel taping his show in Las Vegas, which he does from time to time out of his Production office at the Luxor Hotel.
He had a taping back on November 5^th of 2007. Originally it was supposed to happen at 6pm, then 7:15; it wasn’t until 9pm that we were told where to go to witness the event. We were asked to walk across the street to a parking lot under the shadow of the Luxor. There it was another hour before Criss finally showed up. He was apologetic and I understand the magnitude of his illusion (fire was involved), but waiting 6 hours for a five minute illusion was pretty crazy.
The illusion was excellent and I can’t wait to see it on TV (it will air on Halloween 2008) but if you plan to see one of his illusions live during a taping or something similar, don’t expect it to happen when it is planned and be ready for a long-​haul of waiting that night.

okay, don’t ask me why… but i find the mind freak verrry attractive!
maybe i’m into greek/​mediterranean guys? maybe i like guys who wear eyeliner? maybe i like guys who can throw cards at windows and have them stick to the other side of the glass? maybe i like guys who will look hot in my clothing? maybe i’m into guys with mind boggling powers — haha, no.
whatever it may be, i think he’s packin some other kinda magic! raWWWr!

Ya gotta see his show no matter how cheesy or hokie you think this guy is!
Reference backstory editorial write-​up by Bev:
OPENS SUMMER 2008 Las Vegas, NV — March 23, 2007/​PRNewswire/​— Cirque du Soleil and Luxor today announced a new show featuring Criss Angel, directed by Cirque du Soleil, set to open Summer 2008 at Luxor Resort and Casino. Always on the lookout for the next artistic challenge, Cirque du Soleil is working with Criss to fuse his revolutionary illusions and mind-​blowing artistry with acrobatics, dance, puppetry, music and poetry to tell a story, taking audiences on a bizarre and fascinating journey.
Re-​inventing the traditional magic show has been a long-​standing desire of Guy Lalibert, Guide and Founder of Cirque du Soleil. Five years of extensive research and development were spent exploring the world of magic and how to re-​define the experience. The crucial element, a young, edgy and talented artist and mystifier, was found in Criss Angel. With his incredibly unique creativity, Criss is now working with the experienced team of Cirque du Soleil creators led by Director Serge Denoncourt to bring this dream to life.
Since he was six years old, Criss Angel has immersed himself in a multitude of art forms, from performance artist to mystifier and provocateur. Since then, a relentless work ethic combined with talent, skill and vision has made Criss one of the most provocative artists of our day. From creator, producer and performer in his television series, specials and live shows, Criss has redefined the term «artist» for the 21^st Century. «I’ve spent 15 years creating and evolving a concept that the world of entertainment has never seen,» said Criss Angel. «Now, I’m thrilled to be working with Cirque du Soleil and Felix Rappaport and his amazing team here at the Luxor to create an experience that goes beyond even my wildest expectations. I am confident that this collaboration will culminate in what is destined to become one of the most exciting shows Las Vegas has ever seen and redefine magic in the same way Cirque du Soleil has redefined the circus.»
Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil, said, «This production represents a new, distinctive type of creation for Cirque du Soleil. We believe there is a market for an unconventional magic show with production values audiences have come to expect from Cirque du Soleil.» Gilles Ste-​Croix, Senior Vice President of Creative Content at Cirque du Soleil said «Cirque du Soleil has always worked with an acrobatic foundation for each of our shows; with The Beatles LOVE we were privileged enough to have The Beatles music as our center; with this project — magic will be at the core. We are excited to combine our years of research and creative expertise in the areas of staging, lighting, sound design, projections, costume and make-​up design with Criss Angel’s one of a kind experience as a creator and performer of illusion, special effects and magic.»
Felix Rappaport, President and COO of Luxor Resort and Casino, said, «This partnership represents a new era for Luxor. Cirque du Soleil and Criss Angel will bring a distinctive element to the property. We are thrilled Luxor is the place their creativity will come together.» Cirque du Soleil is world-​renowned for its distinct brand of theatrical entertainment. Since its founding in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has thrilled over 50 million spectators in more than 130 cities on five continents. In Las Vegas, Cirque du Soleil has a privileged partnership with MGM MIRAGE to create and present unique and innovative productions. The production at Luxor will be the sixth Cirque du Soleil show at an MGM MIRAGE property, joining Mystre, «O», ZUMANITY™, K™ and The Beatles™ LOVE™. Criss Angel is one of the most remarkable talents of our time and his fan base continues to grow. He had the highest advance tickets sales during his fourteen month 600 performance off-​broadway run of «Criss Angel MINDFREAK» which he created, produced, directed and starred in. Criss Angel MINDFREAK (the television show) is currently on schedule to film its 70^th episode in its unprecedented third season shot exclusively at The Luxor Hotel and Casino.
Prominent publishing house, Harper Collins will be releasing Criss’ highly anticipated first book, Criss Angel MINDFREAK: Secret Revelations in April 2007. Criss has been named 2001, 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008 Magician of the Year, making him the first five-​time and back-​to-​back recipient ever to be awarded these most prestigious accolades. Criss was also unanimously selected as the recipient of the 22^nd Louie Award for outstanding achievement in the art of magic.