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.
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! ♥♥♥