''Magic Mike' got the life of a stripper dead-on correct from 1990," Jeffrey says. "That's exactly what we wanted to get away from. ... The movie showed smaller crowds, guys getting money in their pants, and that was fine back then.'
Today's Chippendales seem to have purposely worked to distance themselves from the far more successful shows from the 80's and 90's. First off, audience members are no longer allowed to stick money in a dancer's g-string, if the dancer is wearing a g-string at all. The shows are pure 'Vegas', lights, costumes without the same intimacy between audience and dancer. Yes, you can still get up close and personal, but only by paying big $ to go backstage and take a photo with dancers always still wearing their pants.
That's not to say there isn't still some appeal. After his appearance, with fellow dancer James Davis, on The Amazing Race, Jaymes Vaughan managed to bring some attention back to Chippendales and their Vegas show. It also provided Jaymes with the opportunity to leave for a career in entertainment reporting. Although the current incarnation seems positively g rated and tame compared to it's earlier versions, there are still may dancers worthy of of attention.
There continue to be yearly calendars, and some stunning shots from some talented photographers, but with nudity so easily accessible, the show seems to be sputtering along on mostly on it's nostalgia value, celebrity guests, and it' musical performances which are now big production numbers which seem more focused on steps than skin.
Vanja Kapetanovic
Vanja (above) and Gavin (below) by Gabriel Goldberg
Gavin McHale
On the plus side, the show still tours, and it seems some of the best shows may be the shows off the main Vegas stage. Although the show remains targeted towards women, men are now openly welcome to attend and Chippendales has also officially welcomed members of the LGBTQ community into their shows, acknowledging, that they have been an important part of the history and of the show and brand.
The London Show
Vegas Baby
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