Las Vegas’ stages are brimming with captivating magic that dazzles audiences night after night. David Copperfield and Criss Angel are two of Las Vegas’ most recognizable illusionists, and their performances have amazed crowds for decades.
Tourists seeking an unforgettable magical experience may be stuck on the question – which magic show to choose?
To help you make an educated decision, let’s take a look at what each performance has to offer:
Quick overview
Select David Copperfield if you like classic, opulent illusions that emphasize stories and a more traditional magic show experience suitable for audiences of all ages.
Copperfield’s show is ideal for people seeking well-crafted, family appropriate shows.
A younger audience in want of a high-energy, interactive show with pyrotechnics, a rock star and cutting-edge technology, should go for Criss Angel.
His show provides a more immersive, gloomier setting that will appeal to adults and teenagers looking for intensity and spectacle.
Comparative Table: David Copperfield vs. Criss Angel
| Feature | David Copperfield | Criss Angel MINDFREAK |
| Audience appeal | Families, traditionalists | Young adults, thrill-seekers |
| Prices | From $107.45 | From $85 |
| Show Duration | 70 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Showtimes | Nightly | Wed – Sun |
| Visuals | Polished illusions | Heavy effects, pyrotechnics, LED visuals |
| Tone | Poignant, nostalgic | Intense, immersive, flashy |
| Venue | MGM Grand | Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino |
| Style | Classic, emotional, narrative-driven | High-energy, edgy, rock concert-inspired |
| Criticism | Sentimental, dated illusions, small-scale venue | Overdone visuals, less narrative depth |
| Ticket | Book this ticket | Book this ticket |
The grand illusionist: David Copperfield
Copperfield is known to blend dazzling illusions with story.
Throughout his over 40-year career, he has been coined the “King of Magic” and the “Magician of the Century.”
David Copperfield is greatly admired for his expert illusions, refined presentation, and emotional storytelling.
He is best known for creating iconic illusions such as the Statue of Liberty vanishing, walking through the Great Wall of China, floating above the Grand Canyon, and disappearing a Learjet and is also particularly well known for his “Death Saw” illusion, where he saws himself in half.
Criss Angel: the mind-bending star
These colorful performances offer an innovative application of magic, often blending technology with a “rock-star” aesthetic.
He has been coined the “Magician of the Decade” and “Magician of the Century”.
Criss Angel is popular for his dramatic illusions, rock concert setting, and extreme visuals. His performances, featuring mind-bending illusions and death-defying stunts, are described as boisterous, uninhibited, and fun.
The verdict: what do audiences say?
Reviews and audience sentiment frequently highlight the differences between the two magicians’ styles:
David Copperfield: A number of viewers appreciate the way Copperfield weaves moving tales into his magic, but the criticisms arise from the same element. Some audience members have stated that the show lacks a clear plot or passion, an ‘auto-pilot’ performance and has more talking than magic. However, he remains the most recommended for those looking for a “classic stage magic” experience.
Criss Angel: Younger audiences and those who appreciate darker, more edgy performances find his show especially appealing. However criticisms include scenes that seem more chaotic than magical, a focus on self-promotion, and a lack of narrative depth. While many people find stage magic exciting, others prefer a more traditional approach.
Why not choose both?
Given their distinct styles and complementary showtimes, tourists can certainly enjoy a diverse magical experience and choose both the shows.
David Copperfield’s show offers multiple daily performance times: 4 pm, 7 pm, and 9.30 pm. Criss Angel’s “Mindfreak” show is typically at 7 pm. This scheduling allows for flexibility.
Visitors can enjoy a classic Copperfield’s 4 pm matinee show before seeing Criss Angel’s performance at 7 pm. Or alternatively, see Angel at 7 pm and then make it in time for a Copperfield performance at 9.30 pm.
Additionally, as both locations are on the well-known Las Vegas Strip, getting from one to the other would be convenient.