Criss Angel and Cirque du Soliel Partner For New Show

What has quite possibly been one of the worst kept secrets on the Strip has finally been officially confirmed. Late last week illusionist Criss Angel and representatives of Cirque du Soliel held a press conference to formally announce they have partnered for a new show that will be based at the Luxor.

Angel has already been using the resort as a base for the upcoming third season of his hit A&E series “Mindfreak” and has a gift shop in the casino.

The show will reportedly blend Angel’s legendary illusions with with acrobatics, dance, puppetry, music and poetry, though the exact storyline has yet to be worked out.

“I’ve spent 15 years creating and evolving a concept that the world of entertainment has never seen,” said Criss Angel at the conference. “Now, I’m thrilled to be working with Cirque du Soleil and Felix Rappaport and his amazing team here at the Luxor to create an experience that goes beyond even my wildest expectations. I am confident that this collaboration will culminate in what is destined to become one of the most exciting shows Las Vegas has ever seen and redefine magic in the same way Cirque du Soleil has redefined the circus.”

The theater, which formerly played host to the musical “Hairspray,” will be reinvented, but not totally gutted out like the theaters at MGM Grand and the Mirage had to be, according to sources. But with five shows already in residence at the Strip, does Cirque worry at all about oversaturation of the market?

Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil, explained, “This production represents a new, distinctive type of creation for Cirque du Soleil. We believe there is a market for an unconventional magic show with production values audiences have come to expect from Cirque du Soleil.”

The as-yet-unnamed show is expected to open Summer 2008 at the Luxor. In the meantime, Angel’s third season of “Mindfreak” will debut June 5, 2007, on A&E.