Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

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Richard Kaufman
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Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Richard Kaufman » April 2nd, 2009, 8:18 pm

From the Las Vegas Sun website blog:

Luxor makes buffet, Criss Angel and LAX a packaged deal
By Amanda Finnegan March 26, 2009 3:12 PM

Tough economic times have prompted casinos to offer some rare deals, like $25 all-day buffet passes, buy-one, get-one free room rates and more than half off show ticket prices -- but Luxors newest deal may raise the bar.

Luxor is calling its new promotion all-inclusive, modeled after the packages many tropical resorts offer.

The all-inclusive package includes a room, all you can eat at the buffet, two tickets to Criss Angel Believe, two tickets to BODIESThe Exhibition, two tickets to Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, two day passes to the Nurture spa, two VIP passes to LAX and Cathouse, and check-in at the VIP lounge.

The package runs for $210 a night (upgrades are available with more expensive rooms) with some cheaper nights scattered in, until the end of the year. A two-night minimum is required.
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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Pepka » April 3rd, 2009, 1:41 am

I've seen the bodies exhibit. They've been stripped of their skin, some of their organs, dismembered and placed in bizarre poses all for our amusement. Haven't they been through enough without being associated with that trainwreck called Believe?

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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Cugel » April 3rd, 2009, 3:22 am

I'm confused. Are they part of the buffet deal?

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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Michael Close » April 3rd, 2009, 4:07 am

How much is it if you don't have to go to Believe?

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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby John Lovick » April 3rd, 2009, 4:17 am

Q: How much is it if you don't have to go to Believe?

A: It's $100 more, but it's worth it.

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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby John LeBlanc » April 3rd, 2009, 9:36 am

John Lovick wrote:Q: How much is it if you don't have to go to Believe?

A: It's $100 more, but it's worth it.


Oooohhhh. That's, uh...funny. :)

John


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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Richard Kaufman » April 3rd, 2009, 11:09 am

I've heard that most of the figures in "Bodies" are Chinese people who died in penal institutions.

I've heard that most of the people watching "Believe" wish they were dying in a Chinese penal institution.
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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Jonathan Townsend » April 3rd, 2009, 11:16 am

Thanks Richard, do you feel it has potential as part of an effective interrogation process?
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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Richard Kaufman » April 3rd, 2009, 2:00 pm

Heard an interesting rumor today: the latest scuttlebutt is that Believe is shortly going to close down for "rehab." Cirque is going to buy out Criss Angel and, when the show reopens, he won't be in it.
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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Timothy Drake » April 3rd, 2009, 2:29 pm

Richard Kaufman wrote:Heard an interesting rumor today: the latest scuttlebutt is that Believe is shortly going to close down for "rehab." Cirque is going to buy out Criss Angel and, when the show reopens, he won't be in it.


May be a rumor but SOMETHING has to be done. Cirque can't use the " work in progress" or "evolving show" lines any longer. ( its been 5 months) It's time to admit utter disaster and move on.

Best,

Tim

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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Jonathan Townsend » April 3rd, 2009, 2:38 pm

Or they could call in Sid and Marty Kroft and make it fun.
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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Timothy Drake » April 3rd, 2009, 2:47 pm

Hi Jonathan,

I'm guessing you are making a reference to Lidsville? Can you explain the reference? I've seen it mentioned several times in reference to Believe but don't know the connection.

Best,

Tim

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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Jonathan Townsend » April 3rd, 2009, 2:55 pm

Hi Timothy,

I don't mean to be the least bit opaque about this - the basic story of a person trapped in a fantastic world of psychological oddities with a magician character was handled in a fun way on that TV show

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lidsville

And the folks who made that show had a way with costumes and sets which might be compatible with both the mechanics of conjuring and the space requirements of dance.

-Jon

* and just for fun - it seems timely since Britney's big single 'womanizer' sounds similar to the theme song and she's got a magician working with here... why not complete the circle and bring on the Krofts too?
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Reason: Lidsville!!!!, Lidsville!!!! (think Mindfreak theme)

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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Timothy Drake » April 3rd, 2009, 2:59 pm

Thanks Jon,

I was a big fan of the Kroft stuff but think I out grew it by the time Lidsville came out. I can remember a little about it however. Too bad I never not to see the indoor amusement part in Atlanta they built as well.

Best,

Tim

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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Naphtalia » April 3rd, 2009, 3:24 pm

Sadly, at the mention of Lidsville, I can still sing the entire theme song....

of course, if I try to sing when Irma's around, she stops playing piano...doesn't want to encourage me.

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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Tim Ellis » April 3rd, 2009, 6:05 pm

Hmmm.. Criss out... maybe the Masked Magician wil get a gig back in Vegas after all...

"See how he flies down from the ceiling... now, how did he do it? Watch as these Cirque performers are lowered down on cables!"

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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Richard Kaufman » April 3rd, 2009, 6:43 pm

I heard the rumor yet again today that this incarnation of the Masked Magician is actually John Pyka. Has he posted a denial of that on here?
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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Jim Maloney » April 3rd, 2009, 6:52 pm

Richard Kaufman wrote:I heard the rumor yet again today that this incarnation of the Masked Magician is actually John Pyka. Has he posted a denial of that on here?

I believe he denied it very strongly over at the Magic Cafe.

EDIT: Here's the Cafe thread.

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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Kevin Connolly » April 3rd, 2009, 7:08 pm

Richard Kaufman wrote:I heard the rumor yet again today that this incarnation of the Masked Magician is actually John Pyka. Has he posted a denial of that on here?


That's what I heard. Isn't his other name, Grand Cool J or something on the credits of the show? I know I collect Houdini, but my source is really good.
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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby David Alexander » April 3rd, 2009, 7:19 pm

How much intelligence does it take to figure out this is nonsense? A couple of minutes with Google would show this as stupid.

Why would Val Valentino hire someone to play the MM when he is the show's producer? He already knows how to be a whore so there's no need to hire someone else as Val is so experienced. That and a number of sources list him in the credits as the MM.

See: http://www.film.com/tv/magics-biggest-s ... d/23849201

The Internet Movie Database almost always has the most complete set of credits and Pyka isn't in any of them.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1245872/fullcredits#cast

Clicking on Valentino's listing you'll find that he's listed as the Masked Magician http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0884349/

Pyka issued a press release back in December stating categorically that he was NOT the Masked Magician. See here:
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuse ... =457549216

If you still think Pyka is involved in this, please email me as I have some investment property that you need to buy.

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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Richard Kaufman » April 3rd, 2009, 7:34 pm

David, you still have investment property?
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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Kevin Connolly » April 3rd, 2009, 7:48 pm

Thanks. I'll stick to my source and Houdini. I have better things to do than watch someone get her panties in a knot. Enjoy. :)
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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Ray T. Stott » April 3rd, 2009, 8:23 pm

Michael Close wrote:How much is it if you don't have to go to Believe?


$300 per person w/o Believe tickets - 5 day night stay required in a special room with 17" color TV, with no remote control, next to the express elevator shaft and two coupons redeemable for McDonald Happy Meals. :D
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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Jim Riser » April 4th, 2009, 1:16 pm

Ray T. Stott wrote:
Michael Close wrote:How much is it if you don't have to go to Believe?


$300 per person w/o Believe tickets - 5 day night stay required in a special room with 17" color TV, with no remote control, next to the express elevator shaft and two coupons redeemable for McDonald Happy Meals. :D




Ray;
The correct term at the Luxor is "Inclinator". You forgot to mention that the room features doors falling off of the wardrobes, curtains coming off the rod, and multiple burnt out light bulbs. The only parts of the Luxor that seem to have seen any money spent on them in recent years are the club areas and casino areas.

About the only thing worth going to the Luxor for anymore is the Human Bodies exhibit. This is located in King Tut's former resting place. Who knows what happened to Tut?

You may still see Tut here (scroll down):

http://www.jamesriser.com/StereoImages/ ... Vegas.html

Jim

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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Richard Kaufman » April 4th, 2009, 1:29 pm

Okay, it's time for me to admit that I am the Masked Magician.

I put a bandana over my face and teach tricks to my daughter.

If my wife is in the room she yells "STOP!" until she can leave because she doesn't want to know how tricks are done.

My 7-year-old daughter, on the other hand, now knows how to use a Phantom Tube. :) I wanted to take her to see "Bodies," but she didn't want to see naked people. I wanted to take her to see "Believe," but she read the bad reviews and didn't want to go. She said, "Papa, it's better to save the money for ice cream this summer."
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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Ray T. Stott » April 4th, 2009, 2:31 pm

Who knows what happened to Tut?


Jim,
The smart money says that Tut was spirited back to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

The Luxor had the Pharaoh on 99 year lease for exhibition but Howard Carter's ghost began haunting the high roller Baccarat pit resulting in every Oriental player making a 9 hand so management decided to abrogate the lease agreement for financial reasons.

The same legal team is now working to relocate Criss Angel and a mime troupe into the big room at The Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) for a 20 year engagement.
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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Richard Kaufman » April 4th, 2009, 2:34 pm

Jim, I used to be able to "free view" pretty easily, but can't seem to do it anymore, at least when looking at your images. Perhaps it's middle-aged eyeballs.
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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Jim Riser » April 4th, 2009, 3:29 pm

Richard;
Try the tips on the web page for viewing. My eyes are older than yours - so no middle-aged eyeballs excuse. When you "get it", the 3D views inside the tomb are really cool. It's just like the old View-Master images.
Jim

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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby CraigMitchell » April 4th, 2009, 4:01 pm

Not working for me either

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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Don Knox » April 4th, 2009, 4:49 pm

Worked for me - after I relaxed my 57 year-old eyes - the center image was suddenly there and you can scroll down and keep the center image. The second set with mostly outdoor shots really stand out.

Thanks for the shots Jim.

Don
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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Terry » April 4th, 2009, 6:57 pm

Ray T. Stott wrote: Who knows what happened to Tut?

Jim,
The smart money says that Tut was spirited back to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

The Luxor had the Pharaoh on 99 year lease for exhibition but Howard Carter's ghost began haunting the high roller Baccarat pit resulting in every Oriental player making a 9 hand so management decided to abrogate the lease agreement for financial reasons.

The same legal team is now working to relocate Criss Angel and a mime troupe into the big room at The Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) for a 20 year engagement.



You have solved the problem with the Believe show. . .it's the curse of King Tut!!

It has brought death and destruction to those in proximity and nothing could better describe Believe. . .

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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Larry Barnowsky » April 4th, 2009, 10:15 pm

I believe that the buffet/theatre tickets/room deal requires that you attend Believe and they will be taking attendance! :)

Seriously, if you want to see some great theatre in Vegas with a little magic thrown in, go see Phantom of the Opera at The Venetian. Jim Steinmeyer was the illusion consultant. I've see Phantom on Broadway and this was as good or better.

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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Richard Kaufman » April 4th, 2009, 10:42 pm

Ugh ... sorry, Larry, but the idea of turning Phantom of the Opera into a musical has always disgusted me. Watch the silent film with Lon Chaney instead. The idea of a singing phantom is just nauseating.
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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Timothy Drake » April 4th, 2009, 10:51 pm

Richard Kaufman wrote:Ugh ... sorry, Larry, but the idea of turning Phantom of the Opera into a musical has always disgusted me. Watch the silent film with Lon Chaney instead. The idea of a singing phantom is just nauseating.


Sorry Richard,

I'm with Larry. Phantom is a masterpiece. If you haven't seen it you don't know what you are missing. 21 years on Broadway ain't nothing to sneeze at.

Best,

Tim
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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Chris Aguilar » April 4th, 2009, 10:59 pm

I've never been a fan of any Andrew Lloyd Webber production. His music just isn't something I enjoy.

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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Timothy Drake » April 4th, 2009, 11:02 pm

Good.... If you can get any Phantom tickets you won't need them so I'll trade you some Believe tickets for them. LOL

Best,

Tim

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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby NCMarsh » April 4th, 2009, 11:03 pm

Timothy Drake wrote:
I'm with Larry. Phantom is a masterpiece. If you haven't seen it you don't know what you are missing. 21 years on Broadway ain't nothing to sneeze at.

Best,

Tim


Because commercial success is the measure of artistic achievement? Bull...

Phantom is aural bubblegum. Give me Sondheim over Weber any day -- Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George -- those are masterpieces...not theme park shows mounted in theaters

A.L.W. can write addictive, hummable melodies -- but so too can whoever writes the Free Credit Report dot com ads...the shows are driven by, and remembered by gimmicks -- a helicopter landing on stage, a guy in a mask singing from atop the proscenium, crowds of protesters -- more than anything else...it's great for what it is...but it ain't art

N.

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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Ray T. Stott » April 4th, 2009, 11:08 pm

Jim Riser wrote:
Ray T. Stott wrote:
Michael Close wrote:How much is it if you don't have to go to Believe?


$300 per person w/o Believe tickets - 5 day night stay required in a special room with 17" color TV, with no remote control, next to the express elevator shaft and two coupons redeemable for McDonald Happy Meals. :D




"What a dump!"
Bette Davis



Ray;
The correct term at the Luxor is "Inclinator". You forgot to mention that the room features doors falling off of the wardrobes, curtains coming off the rod, and multiple burnt out light bulbs. The only parts of the Luxor that seem to have seen any money spent on them in recent years are the club areas and casino areas.

About the only thing worth going to the Luxor for anymore is the Human Bodies exhibit. This is located in King Tut's former resting place. Who knows what happened to Tut?

You may still see Tut here (scroll down):

http://www.jamesriser.com/StereoImages/ ... Vegas.html

Jim
It's not about the magic; it's about the daily box office gross.

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Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Postby Timothy Drake » April 4th, 2009, 11:12 pm

NCMarsh wrote:
Timothy Drake wrote:
I'm with Larry. Phantom is a masterpiece. If you haven't seen it you don't know what you are missing. 21 years on Broadway ain't nothing to sneeze at.

Best,

Tim


Because commercial success is the measure of artistic achievement? Bull...

Phantom is aural bubblegum. Give me Sondheim over Weber any day -- Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George -- those are masterpieces...not theme park shows mounted in theaters

N.


We're not talking some over hyped show that had a short run here. We are talking a show that has created a large following and it didn't do that by being a flash in the pan. It's a commercial success because many people appreciate it. I guess you are not one of the 80 million or so who have seen it or wish to.

Funny that you should mention both Into the Woods and Sweeney Todd... I thought the songs in each were utter garbage so I guess its a difference of tastes.

Interested in your take on Les Mis now.

Best,

Tim


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