By Nina King
Rio, 8 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 8 & 10:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., $39.95-$59.95 plus tax and fee, 18+. 702.777.7776
Did you ever do anything crazy, something you never thought you would? Well, actor Joey Lawrence has. Lawrence guest-hosts Chippendales The Show through June 24, and it is definitely “outside of the box” for him.
Lawrence, who currently stars in Melissa & Joey and is remembered for his role in the series Blossom and his run in Dancing With the Stars, hadn’t considered ever emceeing a male revue, even one as respected as Chippendales, before he got a call from the producers. “It was one of those situations where creatively they gave me the opportunity to do things I felt comfortable with. (So) I thought, ‘I’m gonna do something kinda crazy and have some fun … I said, ‘What the hell’ and signed on.”
If you’re not familiar with Chippendales, a rundown might be in order. The male revue has its own theater in Rio. The acts vary, but all involve bow ties, cuff links and very energetic dancers in assorted stages of undress. It also has humorous moments and pulls a few lucky ladies onstage for up-close interaction.
Lawrence really didn’t need to do much to prepare for the show; he’s developed his own workout routine that keeps him in top shape, paired with yoga workouts to aid flexibility. Chippendales held a bit of a surprise for him, though. “The guys are just huge. I’m in really good shape and these guys are like action figures, which is kind of the point. I’m kind of glad I’m not like that, ’cause that’s not what I do (in the show).”
“I’m going to bring my own vibe to it, make it more intimate. It should be fun.”
