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Did Criss Angel miss the chance to move magic forward?

Did Criss Angel miss the chance to move magic forward?

Criss Angel certainly has the resources to deliver what he promised: “The most mind-blowing, revolutionary magic show ever to be performed live.”

But rival magicians are asking if he has a different goal: to be magic’s ultimate cover band.

Rick Thomas paraphrases the letter he says he sent Angel:

“Your success in Vegas is huge. You have much more opportunity than I do, and many more people who you can hire to work for you to create. I don’t. And when a magician comes up with something they can call their own, let them keep it.”

You may remember Thomas for a family-friendly magic show that ran on the Strip for years. Back when he did a lot of cabinet illusions with tigers, you could call it a bargain version of Siegfried & Roy. But — with the exception of a pop-up pooch — those aren’t what turned up in “Mindfreak Live!” the reboot of Angel’s Luxor showcase. Read the rest of this excellent article by Mike Weatherford at:

http://www.reviewjournal.com/opinion/columns-blogs/mike-weatherford/did-criss-angel-miss-the-chance-move-magic-forward

( Photo Courtesy of Criss Angel’s ‘Mindfreak Live’ )

Rick Thomas, Illusionist…

Rick Thomas, Illusionist…

Rick Thomas cites Liberace and Freddy Mercury of Queen as a couple of influences when putting together his act. You would expect a magician to name someone like David Copperfield in that role. But what Thomas saw in the pianist and singer was magic of a different kind. It was the magic of entertaining and mesmerizing a crowd through style and technique. It was beyond pulling a rabbit out of a hat or making something disappear.

Well, actually something did disappear. He learned that inhibitions and fears could disappear through the artistry of a skilled entertainer. So that is what he set out to become….an artist who just happens to be a magician…. ( Thanks to the Laughlin Nevada Entertainer for this article)

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