Just as a show built around one personality is new for Cirque, so is an early announcement of the name. Previous titles such as "Ka" and "Zumanity" were revealed only in the final rehearsal stages. The Angel show only started rehearsals this week.

"Criss picked it," Cirque spokeswoman Anita Nelving said of the name that refers to Harry Houdini's death bed instructions to his wife; the word "believe" would be his code word to authenticate communication from the afterlife.

"(Angel) knew he wanted it to be the name of the show for a long time now," Nelving said.

The release announcing the show comes with other details, which -- intentionally or not -- help quell rumors that the show was in trouble and/or that Angel and his Cirque collaborators weren't getting along. (Rumors were fueled by delays during the remodeling of the venue into a 1,533-seat theater).

Perhaps the most surprising revelation is that Angel won't host the show as himself a in David Copperfield or Lance Burton manner, but will play "a surreal, enigmatic Victorian Noble (sic)," according to the release.

The show also seems to have something of a linear story line; more like "Ka," less like "Mystere."

The press release explained the concept:

"Along a path of imaginative exploration, he encounters Kayala and Crimson, two women who represent different aspects of femininity, four bizarre Ushers, who will introduce the audience to the baroque theater of Criss's mind."

The release also points out that the illusions won't be stand-alone feats, but will be "interdependent components using heightened imagery, fantastical creatures and impossible feats of legerdemain, all of which will be integrated into the dazzling, colorful fabric of the story."

Cirque launches have a habit of falling behind schedule, but Nelving said the Sept. 1 date is firm, as is the official gala premiere on Sept. 12; any additional previews will be added on the front end of the previews.

Cirque's first show that will be entirely dependent upon one person also raised questions of how many shows per week Angel will perform. The preview schedule jumps right in with a full 10 per week; 7 and 10 p.m. performances Fridays through Tuesdays.

Contact reporter Mike Weatherford at mweatherford@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0288.