Criss Angel, Cirque de Soleil to Offer 2008 Collaboration

Magician Criss Angel will appear in a new Cirque de Soleil production, scheduled to open at the Luxor Hotel in summer 2008.

Variety notes that the "$65 million production would be the sixth permanent Cirque show on the Las Vegas Strip and marks the first time Cirque du Soleil will feature a star performer…(the) cost covers renovations to the Luxor Theater and the show itself."

Angel, a record three-time winner of the Academy of Magical Arts Magician of the Year Award who can be seen on the A & E series "Criss Angel Mindfreak," will blend his stunts and illusions with Cirque's dancers, acrobats, and puppeteers. Cirque de Soleil was founded in 1984 and has since entertained over 50 million viewers in five continents with a unique take on the concept of a circus.

The creative team behind the Cirque--Angel collaboration includes Serge Denoncourt (director), Pierre Phaneuf (director of creation), Ray Winkler (set designer), and Eiko Ishioka (costume designer), Daniel Ezralow (choreographer), Michael Curry (props and puppet designer), and Angel himself (illusions designer). The show is slated for ten performances a week, with ticket prices to be announced. For more information, visit www.cirquedesoleil.com