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In a state known for wholesome family values, it might be surprising when a touring male revue show sells out every single seat in a Utah venue. Weeks early.
Welcome to "Magic Men Live," where everyone in the audience has signed up to participate in a "hands-on," interactive experience, and the men dance, tell jokes, perform skits and, of course, show off their abs. The show's been traveling for two years and makes its way to Utah for the first time Saturday.
This is no ordinary sexy troupe, says producer and emcee Myles Hass. The difference between "Magic Men Live" and what patrons might find in a strip club or the popular "Thunder Down Under" Vegas show boils down to the "level of production and the authenticity of the group of guys in the show."
"We have a different spin on the whole thing," Hass said. "It's a hybrid between a strip show, a concert and a comedy show all in one."
Hass began his career in the adult entertainment business almost a decade ago on the management side of the industry. He and "the guys" started out with a small show, selling out a local club with a "raw" set for ladies night out — it was a "pick a costume, pick a couple songs and give it your all" kind of show, Hass said. Eventually, the setup evolved into the highly produced performance, featuring special effects and storylines, that now tours the United States.
The premise may seem reminiscent of the popular "Magic Mike" movies, but Hass says "Magic Men Live" was onstage before the first film hit the big screen.
"The idea just came several years ago, and 'Magic Men' just seemed like a great name for the show," Hass said. "We pay tribute to that movie, and it's really helped spark that interest in what we do. We play off that, and we try to pay tribute to those things."
The name association has definitely helped bring awareness to the brand. The fan base of "Magic Men" is built mostly of women who "treat [the cast] like a boy band."
"We have a lot of personalities on our team, and we try to highlight everyone's personalities in our show as well," Hass said. "We've got one guy whose name is Vincent, and he's all tatted up — he plays the bad boy in the show."
Hass contends the purpose of the show is not to objectify men in costumes and scope out abs, though. While "Magic Men Live" mostly seeks to give local women a "night out where you can let loose and have fun," it also portrays sex in a positive and approachable way.
"Sex is a natural part of life, and we don't even think about it. It's not that big of a deal," Hass said. "A lot of people who come to our show feel the same way." —
Magic Men Live!
The male dance revue makes its way to Utah for the first time.
When • Saturday, 9 p.m., doors at 8 p.m.
Where • The Complex, 536 W. 100 South, Salt Lake City
Tickets • Sold out