MAGIC MIKE will be hitting the strip - literally.
As BWW previously reported, a new MAGIC MIKE stage musical has been in the works since last year, from Tom Kitt, Brian Yorkey and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa.
The film franchise star -- and the stage show's producer and director -- Channing Tatum announced today via Facebook Live and on Cosmo that MAGIC MIKE LIVE will begin previews at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas in March 2017. After that, the production will hit the road.
Watch Tatum's announcement videos below!
Tatum, who, very sadly, will not be removing his clothing onstage, will direct the production with choreographers Alison Faulk and Teresa Espinosa, with whom he worked on the MAGIC MIKE movies.
Even though he won't be leading the show, Tatum told Cosmo he would be willing to make an appearance in Vegas: "If I'm ever in shape enough to do that again, I'll absolutely go out and have a fun night or two," he said.
Per press notes, MAGIC MIKE LIVE is described as: "The experience starts as you enter Club Domina, a real life version of the club at the foundation of Magic Mike XXL, where men cater to women's desires. The fully re-envisioned cabaret nightclub space will be unlike any other in Las Vegas with three elaborately designed bars, an integrated stage and seating for 450 guests. Expressly created to capture the magnetism of a film franchise that has grossed nearly $300 million, this new venue and its immersive production will... happens in front of, behind, above and all around the audience."
There has been no official word on casting for MAGIC MIKE LIVE in Las Vegas. A-list stage stars such as HAMILTON's Chris Jackson, LES MISERABLES' Will Swenson and PRISCILLA's Nick Adams and Curt Hansen took part in a reading for the show last November. Derek Klena and Taylor Louderman also participated in a previous reading of the work-in-progress in April 2015.
Tatum previously confirmed MAGIC MIKE LIVE will eventually head to the Great White Way.
The original film MAGIC MIKE, hit theaters in 2012 and earned a whopping $114 million at the box office. Steven Soderbergh's movie starred Tatum alongside Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey, Matt Bomer and Joe Manganielloand centered on a rebellious 19-year-old kid (Pettyfer) looking for independence from his family. He meets Magic Mike (Tatum), who seems like the perfect role model -- he's got a nice car, a nice apartment, and a seemingly endless supply of women. He also happens to be a male stripper. The MAGIC MIKE sequel hit theaters last July.
For more on MAGIC MIKE LIVE, visit magicmikelivelasvegas.com.
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