by Norm Johnson Send Me E-mail

Okay, gang, I was there too. "Believe," starring Criss Angel at the Luxor, is not as bad as some critics are making it out to be. I saw the same thing everyone else saw and was somewhat disappointed, but then I wasn't expecting too much either... after reading various reports circulating about from the preview shows.

I am also not a huge fan of Mr. Angel, having never watched his television show, "Mindfreak," nor have I watched many of his television specials with the big illusions. I did watch a couple and those were impressive. So, when I attended the show for media night, I honestly went with an open mind. I was, however, expecting to see at least one or two new and big illusions. Didn't happen! I think that's where some critics lost their perspective.

If a person goes to an event expecting to see a certain thing, and it does not happen, then your personal disappointment comes in to your thought pattern. I've been guilty of that on more than one occasion. What everyone did see was a lot of terrific dancing by a swarm of darn good dancers and acrobats. They got to see some fabulous lighting and imaginative background props (using lasers). They did see him do an escape from a straightjacket, hanging over the audience (nothing new there), and of course a person was cut in two and carried off stage (nothing new there either). Criss was hit by 6-million volts of electricity and was presumed to be dead (nothing new again, just a different way of doing it).

This is not a show for little kids, I guarantee you. The rabbits, rats and other creatures conjured up by the producers are a wee bit over the top, and in certain sections a wee bit scary for a youngster. However, there was one section of the production this writer enjoyed (and I believe most in the audience did as well), and that was what I called "Alice in Wonderland," which was comprised of huge rabbits, beautiful scenery, and everything oversized like the flowers, more terrific dancing, and a fantastic adagio routine.

As for the storyline, I will leave that up to those who go to see the show to interpret. Personally, I felt it was rather weak. If the four clowns (again nothing new here), who you meet as you enter the showroom, and then for the first 15 minutes when they do their routine, are supposed to set up the story line, then Cirque's money was poorly spent. That time could be spent by Angel doing more of his close-up magic (I enjoyed the doves) at which he is very good. The setup for his mentalist routine in the front of the show is somewhat over the top too. Of course it's part of every show (he acted like, and said, this was the first time he had ever done such a stunt in this show, which came about by a dream he had last night). Why else would a box be lowered from the ceiling over the audience? He just thought of it? Please!

My final thoughts about Criss Angel and his new show "Believe:" I think it is not up to par with how it is being promoted. And those who pay hard earned dollars, thinking they will see something new, big and unusual in illusions, will definitely leave disappointed in that they have seen nothing new or great. What they have seen is just another Cirque show with a featured magician.

The City of Henderson, in conjunction with The Best in the Desert Racing Association, will present its seventh annual off-road race promotion, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008. This year, the "Fabtech Desert Classic" will feature three races beginning at 6:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Eldorado Valley racing area, located between Henderson and Boulder City on U.S. 95, near the Railroad Pass exit.

This year the promoters have come up with a new, more challenging race format. Some of the enhancements include an improved 55-mile course, comprised of tough terrain (it's always been rough and tough), an infield with more spectator areas and a grand prix finish course, with jumps, etc.

Previous competition in this classic has always been tough fought between the various classes that compete... specialty trucks, stock trucks, jeeps, buggies, motorcycles and ATVs, and they come from all over the globe, including more than 16 states.

And, guess what? It's all free! Additionally, fans can enjoy all the events taking place in the Water Street District in Henderson on Friday (Dec. 5), which will include an Off-Road Expo complete with driver / rider meet and greets, vehicle displays, food and merchandise vendors. There will be an awards ceremony on Sunday.

Well, gang, that's about it for this week.

I'm outa here!

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