The most sought-after Australians in the US may not be who you think – and Americans will see a lot more of them after a landmark decade-long extension deal with MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas.
A newly announced partnership between SPI Entertainment and MGM Resorts International will see the debut of ‘Thunderland’ – a new, fully immersive, multi-million-dollar venue within Excalibur Hotel & Casino, featuring Australia’s Thunder from Down Under all-male review.
Thunder from Down Under is the longest-running and highest-grossing male revue in the history of Las Vegas. The new development aims to lift the ‘Ultimate Girls Night Outback’ to a new level.
The 10-year deal will usher in a new chapter for the iconic show – beginning with the opening of ‘Thunderland’ in July and the USD 6 million renovation of its current showroom and the show itself.
Billy Cross, show creator and chief executive of Cross Promotions International, described the deal as “an incredibly exciting time for our brand.
“What we are bringing to life with Thunderland is going to be a game-changer in entertainment. We have listened to what our audience wants – and although the core fundamentals and brand attributes will stay the same, we are delivering a new and completely elevated experience.”
Recent lineup. Thunder from Downunder
Designed to transport fans “even further into their wildest fantasies” (according to the publicity), Thunderland will feature three performance stages within the showroom in addition to the main stage – plus other performance areas throughout the venue. State-of-the-art sound and lighting and special effects will aim to summon up what the developers call “a fully immersive experience”.
Venue capacity will grow from 375 to 425 and the new “Thunder Lounge” will offer exclusive pre- and post- show programming. The performance schedule will expand to accompany the bigger venue. As well as the nightly 9pm shows, new 11pm shows will be added on Thursdays and Sundays during peak times.
A rendering of ‘Thunderland’ — the new venue with the Excalibur Hotel & Casino. Photo Credit: Dezmotif Studios
According to the PR: “The cast size will also expand – and the chiselled performers will be hotter than ever when they take the stage at Thunderland, returning with smouldering new costumes and dance routines.”
Australia’s Thunder From Down Under was created in 1988 by Billy Cross. Debuting in Australia, it toured the world and arrived in 1993 in Las Vegas’ Stardust Casino, where it remained for seven years. The show’s long-running residency at Excalibur began in 2002. The show has since become entrenched in American culture with dozens of national television appearances (and numerous celebrity attendees — including Demi Moore, Kelly Clarkson, and Jessica Biel, among others).
Thunder from Down Under is now the number-one male revue show in the world – with tours in Germany, Ireland, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, Guam, Thailand, and Macau, among others.
Edited by Peter Needham
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