NEW YORK — NEW YORK (AP) – Channing Tatum is bringing the stage adaptation of his hit film franchise, “Magic Mike,” to New York City, promising an even more electrifying experience for audiences.
“Magic Mike Live” – known for its dynamic choreography and celebration of sensuality – will open Oct. 8 at the historic Copacabana nightclub, located on the corner of 47th Street and 8th Avenue. The immersive show will feature a specially designed 425-seat venue.
Turning Up the Heat in the City That never Sleeps
“We’re going to turn the gas up a little bit and make it a little hotter, just pour some gasoline on it. it’s New York. So you’ve got to throw everything at it,” Tatum told The Associated Press.
“Magic Mike Live” distinguishes itself from customary male revues by prioritizing the female gaze, a especially relevant shift given current conversations around toxic masculinity. The show aims to create a space easier and fun, just to like to take a load off. There’s few places like that.”
The musical landscape of the show will also include Gallant’s “Open Up,” james Brown’s “Get Up I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine,” and Ro James’ “Permission,” alongside newly created music.
A Venue Designed for Delight
The venue itself is described as a unique hybrid-a beautiful nightclub seamlessly blended with a theatrical space.It boasts multiple bars and lounges, and a variety of seating options, ranging from plush couches to traditional theater seats, bar stools, cabaret tables, and banquettes.
“What we really try to do is to create an evening of surprise and delight that gives you a bit of what you expect and then a whole bunch of things you never thought you’d ever get,” explained Vincent Marini, creative director and executive producer. “what we did for the male revue is very similar to what cirque du Soleil did to circus.”
Tatum, who gained early performance experience in a similar revue before his film career took off, clarified that the stage show isn’t simply a live reenactment of the “Magic mike” movies.
“One of the biggest reasons why I wanted to make this show was to kill that old version of male entertaining,as I’ve worked in that version and it’s misogynistic and degrading to women,” Tatum stated.
He continued,”It’s just gross a little bit. I ain’t gonna lie.Like,I did it for like about 10 months and I was like,’Wow,this is crazy. This is nuts.’ Most of the people that end up loving our show, I think, the most are the people that kind of hate that type of thing the most.”
The success of the “magic Mike” films initially led to a Las Vegas stage show in 2017, which has as expanded to include productions in London, Berlin, and a touring show in Australia. The New York iteration will incorporate elements specific to the city and feature a refined storyline.
Tatum noted that the creative team has observed how audiences respond differently in various cities-London audiences where more reserved compared to those in Las Vegas-and that the MC plays a crucial role in shaping the overall experience.
“This New York production is the culmination of 10 years of work and thought and watching millions of people, men and women go to this show,” Marini concluded. “We want to come to New York with the very best version of this that we’ve ever done.”
