This weekend the Magic Men are in Vancouver preforming their brand of male entertainment. And tonight we caught the first of two night shows at Richmond’s River Rock casino and theatre.
And I know what you are thinking: why would you want to watch a male striptease? But I have newest for you: this isn’t one!
Yes you see abs and strategically placed towels, but this isn’t anything you haven’t already seen online on tik tok and/or Instagram. But here skill, talent, and choreography is attached to it. This is a whole production and the audience is central.
Given my reputation for the wild and sexually charged, I am surprise that I have yet to see the show. But to be honest, I haven’t even watched the movie. I think I get the gist of the premise though: a struggling dancer seeks to make it big, finds his niche in more risqué moves and showcasing his God-given good looks and gym gains. Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong, but I think I prefer my version.
So hearing that the live show would be coming to Vancouver this May, I figured it was the best time to go.
Since the popularity of the movie this live rendition has become a worldwide sensation, performing since 2018. And this year they announced their first-ever world tour. Despite other similar acts, they hold the title as “Australia’s Hottest Male Dancers”.
This is the “Feel the Magic” World Tour 2024, which is already underway. “After captivating audiences in Australia for years, the renowned troupe of steamy male dancers is set to ignite stages across Asia, Europe, Canada, United States, Peru, Argentina, and New Zealand, promising an electrifying experience for fans worldwide.” (As taken from the press release).
“Australia’s real-life “Magic Mike” performers have been rated ‘Best Male Dance Group’ and ‘No.1 Male Entertainment Show’ for over the last 10 years.”
The show features social media star Will Parfitt, headlining as Channing Tatum’s look-alike. A role he has been playing for over 10 years. His dream has always been to bring their show to as many countries as possible, and now has even made it back to his hometown in the UK as well.
For those apprehensive on taking in the show, thinking it is nothing more than a male striptease, I can it is more like a performance. The show is two hours and includes dance routines, acrobatics, and very interactive audience participation sets. The show-runners promise a world of fantasy and excitement, and spoiler they deliver.
I came in trying to debunk the sexual striptease vibe of the show, only to prove that it is exactly that and more. And that isn’t a bad thing. If it has this many women screaming, it can’t be a bad thing! How can all the cheering, laughing, drinking and dancing be wrong?
The host began by amping up the audience with the tease of seeing naked men, in a show that has passion meeting pleasure. He promised all senses would be engaged and clarified that it is okay to take photos and videos. However, they are encouraging flattering ones only, and to tag them in all that you post.
He then went over etiquette. That is okay to touch any of the magic men’s chest, to grab their butts, and it is even okay to rub their crotch; but all they ask is that you “handle with care”. “ Stroke don’t choke”.
And in return the host promised the men would put their faces into the women’s bodies with the goal of making “boyfriends and husbands jealous”. It was all in good fun and trust me, the women who got to go on the stage wanted to be there. Many of which were screaming and jumping up and down with their hands up in order to be seen.
There were 6 dancers in total, each “magic man” had has his own solo with introduction and themed dance including the others as back up dancers. From the outlaw to the fireman, and even a son of anarchy. Each tore his shirt off like it was made of putty. I wonder how many tanks they go through and I am sure that this prop is part of the cost of the show. I would have liked these ripped tops thrown into the crowd of thirsty woman, as they would have appreciated it more than the trash can I assume they were going to.
I must commend the show organizers on their choice of music, selecting tracks that resonated with the generation of older women and got them to their feet to dance. Shaina Twain’s “man, I feel like a woman” was especially popular.
There were some choreography, but I wish more was put into the dancing. I expected b-boy moves, but it was mostly semi-synchronized step outs and hand gestures. We did get some back flips and the iconic slide across stage and the one legged body drop that the movie popularized.
There was no hiding their strength as they picked women up and flung them over their shoulders, flipped them on their backs, and even lifted them with one hand regardless of age and size.
As mentioned above, audience participation is integral as each male performer’s set includes a lap dance, performing to and on at least 3 different women as he worked his way from pants, to boxer briefs, to jock strap, and even loose junk behind a towel. You never get to see the male member, but can imagine what is behind the strategically placed towel. Both the men and the women can be seen having the time of their lives, even from where we were sitting and the very back of the room.
The dance includes the dancers controlling the female audience member’s hands and where she touches him. Some even get a grab in their pants. The floor work had one placing his member against her, behind a towel. There was simulated kissing, humping, and trusting. And even a group set where each dancer had a partner and all the women were bent over and given a few pumps and a gentlemanly slap on the rump.
For myself, I was a little shy for such a public spectacle, you don’t often see moves like this in person. I have been to female strip clubs and their sets go fully nude, but you are never allowed touching or get this much simulated sex. I caught myself blushing and giggling like a school girl at the spectacle. It was such an experience. My mouth was opened wide in shock most of the time.
It is honestly most fun with a like minded girl friend; to get dressed up, partake in all the drinks, and dance and cheer in a safe space. There were even a few women who came by themselves to enjoy the show and the energy of the crowd. All in a secure room where women control their sexuality and are allowed to embrace their lusty appetites as freely as men do every day.
Ticket prices start at approximately $45 USD, with VIP packages available. VIP fans get a chance to meet the performers, gain early access, receive exclusive merchandise, and are given premium seating.
Don’t need the extra perks? You can still attend the meet and greet with merchandise available for purchase prior to the show and during the intermissions. This included the usual jewelry and branded apparel, calendars, cloth roses, and even a dildo that promises to be a duplicate of Will’s, aptly named “Willdo”.
With one day left and two more shows, you can still get in on the excitement. For tickets and additional show information visit the link below.
Worth mentioning is that they don’t allow food in the theatre, so despite being seated at tables, you have to head into the casino to eat. We ended up grabbing a couple of instant cup noodles at the casino lobby’s store. We did this along with a bottle of water, and asked the staff to help us microwave them.
Tour Dates & Locations:
Asia: March 16, 2024 – March 17, 2024
Manila and Philippines
Europe: April 5, 2024 – May 12, 2024
Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, Germany, and Denmark
Canada: May 22, 2024 – June 22, 2024
British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta
Peru: June 28, 2024 – June 29, 2024
Lima
Argentina: July 4, 2024 – July 5, 2024
Buenos Aires
USA: July 31, 2024 – September 1, 2024
Oregon, California, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Massachusetts
New Zealand: July 11, 2024 – July 20, 2024
Greymouth, Christchurch, Whanganui, Waipawa, Taupo, New Plymouth, Tauranga, and Auckland
What do you think sets the Magic Men tour apart from other male revues, and how does the incorporation of themed dances and audience interaction enhance the overall experience for attendees?”,
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