Magic Mike Live left a string of broken hearts behind when they exited Hard Rock Hotel & Casino upon the property’s rebranding. Though the show had previously announced their new residency at SAHARA Las Vegas, Covid-19 created unforeseen delays, and fans everywhere have been eagerly awaiting the show’s return.
Magic Mike is Back
SAHARA Las Vegas debuted the reopening show on August 27 with new safety protocols and new routines. We got the inside scoop from Chelsea Phillips-Reid, the Emcee of Magic Mike Live Las Vegas.
How does it feel to be back?
Phillips-Reid- It feels absolutely incredible to reopen our show on the iconic Las Vegas strip. I feel so lucky and grateful to be back on stage! Magic Mike Live is a dream come true, from the unbelievable talent of our dancers and creative team to the empowering message of our show. I feel like I won the lottery to be a part of it!
Magic Mike Live Performers (©Jerry Metellus/Courtesy Magic Mike Live)
What did you do during lockdown?
Phillips-Reid- OMG! Like most people, I experienced all the stages of lockdown! I made banana bread, tried to stay hopeful, watched Tiger King, had cocktails for breakfast! Ha! Right before the pandemic, I started a business with my friend Christine Hudman. We converted an old horse trailer into a mobile prosecco bar called “Gone With The Wine.” The shutdown gave us an opportunity to work on that and get it ready to debut to the world! IG @gonewiththewinelv. I also started a podcast with my friend Sarah Lowe called “The Side Hustle with Chelsea and Sarah.” It explores all the weird, wacky and wonderful jobs your favorite performers HAVE to work while they are trying to find the jobs they WANT…ya know, Show-Biz jobs! You can find it wherever to listen to your podcasts!! IG: @thesidehustlepod
How has the show changed?
Phillips-Reid- Magic Mike Live still features 13 of the world’s most insanely beautiful and talented dancers! But I’m so excited that we have some new and exciting numbers and technical elements in the show that will absolutely blow your mind!!
The last time I saw the show, I noticed it was extremely interactive. How is that going to be different?
Phillips-Reid- Keeping the audience, cast and crew safe is everyone’s number priority. The entire production is 100% vaccinated and continues to follow all safety guidelines. The show continues to be a magical and interactive experience!
Magic Mike Live On Stage (©Jerry Metellus/Courtesy Magic Mike Live)
What health and safety measures are being taken for the audience and cast members?
Phillips-Reid- To ensure Magic Mike Live can provide a comfortable and safe experience for everyone, the production is requiring proof of full vaccination or a negative test result prior to attending a performance. While we encourage everyone to get vaccinated, we understand that may not be possible for everyone. Therefore, guests will also be admitted with a negative test result taken within 72 hours of a performance.
To preserve the safety of the performers and fellow audience members, patrons must present a physical or digital record of their vaccination status or negative COVID-19 test result before entering the venue. Per local legislation, patrons must continue to wear masks at this time, regardless of vaccination status, unless they are eating or drinking.
The show is debuting in a completely different location- what makes this showroom different?
Phillips-Reid- Our new home at The Sahara is absolutely beautiful! Since Magic Mike Live originally opened in 2017, three other productions have opened worldwide in London, Berlin and Australia. We were able to utilize all the best elements from those shows and locations and put them into our flagship show right here in Vegas!
