Dancing With The Stars pro may be the male revue’s best addition in years…
In my year-end wrap-up of 2023 entertainment, I covered a noticeable drop in quality for CHIPPENDALES. Since returning from a COVID-induced hiatus, the male revue had added unnecessary vulgarity and skeevy segments. Once a classy, sensual production, CHIPPENDALES had ventured into MAGIC MIKE LIVE territory, a dumpster fire that no respected show should want to emulate.
This year, it seems that CHIPPENDALES is doing some housecleaning, like the new owners of Rio Las Vegas where it’s performed. Gone is much of the “I love to eat ass”-style garbage, along with over-glorified cast member Ricky Rogers and his painful attempt at an aerial act. An unfortunate twerking contest and some ancient, outdated dance sequences remain. The show is also way too long for what it is. But….the positives…
Wyatt Hopkins, brawny lumberjack-chic
New cast member Wyatt Hopkins (LE REVE, DITA LAS VEGAS) is an excellent addition. Bearded, muscular, and Viking-like, this handsome trained dancer admirably balances grace and masculinity. Actor/model Shyllon Melatti (Sex Tips) continues to blossom in skill, physique, and charisma. A crowd-pleaser during the show’s international tour, Mellati’s destined to take his place as a CHIPPENDALES legacy performer.
Photo by Denise Truscello
Longtime host Jayson Michael is another potential legacy player. Spontaneous, funny, and just the right amount of naughty, this singer/dancer nicely fills the role once occupied by unforgettable AGT finalist Bryan Cheatham.
Chiseled Roberto Alejandro Granados brings the house down in a sequence that will make you wish you were a chair. The show has amped its “inclusion factor” as well, welcoming male audience members to participate in a faux dating game and rodeo round-up.
Now for the best part…or parts…. celebrity guest (and Dancing With The Stars hunk) Gleb Savchenko. Not necessarily a household name (and a tongue-twister at that), this stunning talent seems like an A.I.-rendered Chippendale come to life. Perfect hair, perfect face, perfect body, perfect skin, perfect voice, and maybe the best dancer to ever grace a stage at Rio Las Vegas, Savchenko has it all.
Unlike five-time guest host Vinny Guadagnino (Jersey Shore), who wouldn’t survive a dance-off at GAMEWORKS, Savchenko is the real deal. The Moscow native probably choreographed the new opening sequence with himself front and center. Audience members don’t wait long for the shirt to come off, either, and Savchenko ditches every stitch for a shower sequence set to “Purple Rain”.
Photo by Denise Truscello
The dancer/model/choreographer/instructor lets his natural personality shine through in “Chipp Shot”, then he smolders in a bondage-themed number entitled “Seduction”. A Latino-style sequence takes full advantage of Savchenko’s erotic moves.
After the show, fans can jump onstage to buy professional photos with Gleb and the entire cast, then join them in the adjacent FLIRT LOUNGE for cocktails, autographs, and conversation. It’s fun, free-wheeling, and included with your ticketed admission.
Photo by Denise Truscello
Now in its 22nd year at Rio Las Vegas, CHIPPENDALES would benefit greatly from a full-scale contemporary reboot. Some sequences have remained unchanged for at least a decade. But for the next few weeks, longtime fans have a new reason to revisit. Gleb Savchenko may be the best guest CHIPPENDALES has ever welcomed to Sin City. Unfortunately, his time here is short, so get your tickets now.
Chippendales performs nightly at 8:00 p.m., with additional shows on Friday and Saturday at 10:30 p.m. (dark Monday and Tuesday). Gleb Savchenko’s limited engagement runs Thursday, April 25 through May 12, 2024, (Thursday through Sunday performances).
Tickets range from $64.68 – $149.95 (+ taxes and fees) and can be purchased by visiting Ticketmaster.com or www.Chippendales.com. Rio Las Vegas is located at 3700 W. Flamingo Rd. Guests arriving by car should utilize the top level of Masquerade Village Garage. Parking is free.
Photos and video by VEGAS 411 unless otherwise noted. Graphics courtesy of Chippendales/Caprio Media Design
