Las Vegas is suddenly overflowing with male revues, but they are not created equal. There are casts both large and small. Some go for the libido while others bombard you with cultural lectures (snooze). Two of the biggest return from hiatus this week and they couldn’t be further apart on the spectrum. We’re talking CHIPPENDALES and MAGIC MIKE LIVE.
I should be upfront and tell you right away that I absolutely despise MAGIC MIKE LIVE. The popularity of Channing Tatum’s movie spinoff (in name only) actually baffles me. My original review at Vegas Unfiltered stated that “Magic Mike Live Is D.O.A”….which stands for “dead on arrival”. And after the sizzling debut of Treasure Island‘s new UNCENSORED INTERNATIONAL SHOW at Senor Frog’s (see the Vegas 411 review here ), the men of Chippendales suddenly seem way too tame and safe. So with both promising updates and new performers, this week should be a pretty interesting one.
Magic Mike Live reopened this week at its new home inside Sahara Las Vegas. Yours truly will be attending tomorrow to review it and take note of any changes. The previous incarnation at Hard Rock Hotel was talk talk talk talk, audience plants, an obnoxious screeching female host, and very little disrobing (see the photo above). Tickets are currently being discounted to around $89 (plus taxes/fees), and you can meet the guys after the show for an additional $55.00. Showtimes are Wednesday through Sunday at 7:30 pm with a 10 pm late show on Fridays and Saturdays. Take note of their COVID policy below:
VACCINATION/NEGATIVE TESTING POLICY UPDATE: Your safety at #MagicMikeLive is our top priority, which is why we have ensured our entire cast and crew is vaccinated and adheres to a strict cleaning protocol between all shows! In the interest of keeping our hard-working team and beloved audience safe, we are also requiring proof of full vaccination from our patrons, or a negative test result taken within 72 hours of attending our show.
Chippendales returns to their original Rio Las Vegas theater this evening. The show promises new cast members, new production numbers, and even an aerial act from Zumanity artist Chaun Williams (above, center). The show performs Wednesday through Sunday at 8:30 pm with a 10:30 pm late show on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets start at $49.95 (plus taxes/fees). You can add on a VIP Experience with a backstage tour, photo ops, front-of-line priority, and more for an additional $39.95. Tonight’s performance is sold out.
No word yet on whether proof of COVID vaccination or negative test is required to attend Chippendales. I’ve reached out to the show and will update when I receive a response.
Mr. Universal Mexico 2021 Roberto Alejandro is the latest to join Chippendales.
Update: According to a representative from Chippendales, masks are currently the only requirement for audience members to attend. Performers will be masked when entering the audience, and also when audience members join them onstage.
Update 9/6/21 – After attending a performance of Magic Mike Live on 9/3/21 at its new Sahara theater, I feel no need to write a separate review. The show is essentially the same as it was at Hard Rock Hotel. Just as awful as ever. It’s worth noting that attendance for the 7:30 pm performance was at roughly 40%. Entire sections of the upper level were empty, as were large sections on the main floor (see photos below).
