The create team of the upcoming Magic Mike: The Musical had a surprise visitor drop in recently,
when Channing Tatum stopped by rehearsals to see how prep for the production’s premiere was going.
PEOPLE has exclusive video of the moment, which was filmed at New York City’s Sunlight Studios.
Though Tatum is helping produce the project, he wasn’t exactly confident walking into the room.
“It’s not that I don’t want to go, I’m just really intimated by them,” he says in the clip. “Look, they’re so good. They’re like, literally the best at what they do and I know nothing about musicals!”
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Tatum’s friend behind the camera quickly reminds the actor that “it’s just about support.”
“I don’t [know anything musicals] about either, that’s why we hired them,” the man says, before building Tatum up. “You’re Magic Mike!”
Eventually, Tatum makes it in the room, greeting dancers and the creative team — including director Trip Cullman, choreographer Camille A. Brown, book-writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (of Riverdale fame), and the Pulitzer-winning team composing team of Tom Kitt (music) and Brian Yorkey (lyrics).
“Looks amazing guys. Looks unbelievable,” Tatum says.
Magic Mike: The Musical is set to debut at Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theatre this fall, running Nov. 30 through Jan. 5, 2020. A Broadway bow is likely to follow.
The musical has an unconnected plot from the Magic Mike Live revue shows playing in Las Vegas and London, instead being billed as a prequel set before the events of 2012’s Magic Mike and its 2015 sequel Magic Mike XXL — both of which were inspired by Tatum’s real-life
On stage, audiences will follow Tatum’s college-aged character Mike Lane as he enters the world of male entertainment at an exclusive night club. “As he scrambles to hide his alter ego from his dad and girlfriend, he finds himself needing to make some difficult choices,” the show’s official description reads. “Can Mike follow his dreams without losing more than his clothes?”
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No casting has been announced yet, but previous developmental presentations of the musical have featured actor Benjamin Walker, Will Swenson, and Derek Klena (among others).
Back in March, producers announced they’ll be holding open auditions for a “diverse cast” of men who boast a unique set of talents.
“When Channing Tatum and his costars first appeared on the screen, it was unlike anything anyone had ever seen – and we are looking for actors who can surprise and dazzle us in that same unprecedented way,” Cullman said in a statement. “We are especially open to men of any race, ethnicity or creed as long as they are that elusive unicorn who can act, dance and sing brilliantly. So that should be easy!”
