you before the show , with the entire ambience of the theatre . The exuberance and charisma of both performers was palpable . This was the show to see , so much so , that if you did not see it , you had never been to Las Vegas . In my mind , this is a show that could never be duplicated .
Until now …
On Friday , February 8 , 2019 , we had the privilege to see the new “ Mindfreak ” Criss Angel Show at Planet Hollywood . Criss Angel has been a controversial figure in the magic world - some magicians love him or hate him , for many reasons stated in the magic literature . Norm and I are not close to him , but each time we have met him he has been an absolutely nice and extremely gracious person . For us , his last two shows at the Luxor Hotel , have been good because Criss has delivered a fine show that has satisfied his fan base , the audience , and his producers .
This review consists of my objective observations as an onlooker going to see the show . I had no preconceived notions of what I was going to experience . In the magic world , there has been controversy regarding the origin and provenance of the effects and presentations that are used in this show . I have spoken and heard the views of people on both sides of the aisle , and both have valid points . I will leave the argument to those who are smarter than I . In the magic world , we all stand on the shoulders of those that have come before us . I refuse to let any controversy stop me from going to enjoy a show and see and decide for myself whether it was time well spent or not .
Since last year , the rumor was that the show was moving to the Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino , and that they were building a brand new space for Criss ’ show . All the buzz was correct and the new home of “ Mindfreak ” became a reality . The theater has a stunning lobby that prepares people for the show they are about to see . It is full of Criss ’ motorcycles , videos , memorabilia . Details like the giant cards on the ceiling , and various near holographic projections , contribute to the atmosphere . The lobby has a nice gift shop , and a well-appointed concession stand .
Entering the theater brings us into his world . High definition , giant screens on the sides and ceiling fill the space . The atmosphere is interactive , as people can post their presence at the show and using the hashtag # CrissAngelLIVE ensures that their social media posts about the show get projected on the screens in the theater . Also the audience is allowed to walk on stage to examine and get photographed with the straight jacket Criss will be using during the performance .
The show begins , and it is almost like one is watching a rock show , with throngs of screaming Mindfreak fans , with surrounding images and loud sounds that make your body vibrate . Criss Angel appears on stage , and it is pandemonium . The show is a seamless combination of magic , a visual smorgasbord of high definition digital and almost three dimensional images , music , fire and pyrotechnics . It is a full live immersion into the Mindfreak experience . The magic is energetic and dynamic . His touches on certain classics are impressive : Like the straight jacket escape where he is suspended on stage , and the rig is then flown right on top of the audience , to the segue into the Houdini Metamorphosis trunk routine . The touches he had on Lance Burton ’ s Sword Fight make it a completely new piece . The feel is that of a video game for this piece , with sparks emanating from the swords and a seamless mid-stage transposition without using a table at all . The stage setting for his dove routine seamlessly combines the live birds and digital backgrounds , where one does not know where reality and the
PHOTO : Tom Donoghue
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