Believe in 2008 vs. Believe today
 

So, this could generate some discussion -- what do you think of the evolution BeLIEve has taken since 2008 to today?

I suppose I was one of the few who truly did love the show when it debuted in 2008. I didn't think it was PERFECT, of course, there were some obvious flaws with some parts of the production, but overall I really did enjoy it and I was surprised to see it start to "change" over the course of 2009 and 2010.

Of course, we all know now that during that time Criss took control of the show and rewrote it and made it what it is today. If you think about it, he really did a 180 with BeLIEve -- it used to be a serious, dark show, honestly, and Criss barely spoke a word; the magic did all of the "talking", and the show was literally a trip inside the mind of Criss Angel. (Remember the potato? ;)) And what a trip! But now, the whole storyline reference is completely gone, a majority of the characters are gone, and the show went from dark and gloomy to hilariously FUNNY and light-hearted, and the magic is presented in a totally different (but just as good) way now. The show is more about "Criss" than ever before. Remember with the original BeLIEve, there were so many characters and even entire scenes where Criss didn't appear at all. Now, it's all Criss, all the time. Can't say I find any fault in THAT ;)

It's just amazing to me how much the show has evolved, and more importantly, that it's STILL OPEN. I know few people want to admit it, but I know I was afraid that the show would close due to all of the bad press that the show received when it first opened. I am so glad that Criss was able to turn the show around and make it into something that the public and (amazingly) the critics enjoys. It's absolutely incredible, and Criss deserves some major props for what he has accomplished with the show.

I can't wait to see what Criss will do with BeLIEve in the upcoming years!!! 3 years down (on Oct 31, 2011), 7 more to go!

--Jessica

Great topic for discussion Jessica. I'm with you 100% as far as loving the original version of BeLIEve. For me it was an opportunity to see Criss in a totally different light and watch him prove that he could be more than just the "Mindfreak." ;) The music, the dancing and the magic were mesmerizing! I wonder how many of us were lucky enough to have seen the show in all its different stages? From the first time I saw the show in Oct. 2008 until the most recent in July 2011, it has changed completely! I can honestly say that I loved all the versions. Its always interesting to see what will be new each time I attend the show. :)
When the show opened and the critics were panning it so badly, I too feared that there was no way Criss would be able to hang in there for 10 years. But we all know that Criss doesn't accept failure and I'm proud that he took the reins and did what was necessary to make the show successful and appeal to a broader audience. I guess the one thing that makes me sad is how people are reluctant to give Criss a chance to shine in any other capacity except Mindfreak. Yes that's where a lot of fans got hooked but Criss is a multi talented man with a lot to offer. We've gotten a glimpse of his acting skills, his musical talent and no doubt he is a terrific business man. Its my hope (and I know you've said this before too Jessica) that Criss might be able to try again at some point with a totally different kind of show and have people accept it. There's no end to the amount of talent that Criss has and we are the people that enjoy the benefits of all his hard work and determination. :D
I'm anxious to see what the "biggest thing I've ever done" project is that Criss has mentioned. Whatever it is, I'm sure that it will be amazing because Criss never disappoints! Magic Man rocks! ♥♥♥