REVIEW: Vivica's Black Magic is Truly Magical
When you think of Vivica A. Fox, I’m guessing “exotic dancers” don’t really come to mind (unless you’re thinking of her role in the first Independence Day film). But, that’s about to change forever – and I couldn’t be more excited.
Vivica’s Black Magic is a new reality series on Lifetime that follows Vivica’s journey of creating the first urban exotic male revue. She’s teamed up with her friends Eurika Pratt, who is responsible for handling the day-to-day of Black Magic, and Kiana Rene, who has the tough job of herding the guys and keeping them in line. Imagine being in charge of 8 grown men but also having to oil them up before they take the stage – it’s a mentally trying and tough job but someone’s gotta do it.
Vivica’s dream (which is being funded by her own money) is to gather a group of the hottest male dancers Los Angeles has to offer with the goal of scoring a residency in Las Vegas – a fitting backdrop with incredibly stiff competition. After a long day of auditions (which gave women everywhere a very empowering, vicarious moment of Vivica telling some of the guys they needed to work on their bodies –Yes, girl!), Vivica and her team narrow down to eight lucky guys, whose skills range from lifelong dancers, second-generation dancers and guys who have never danced before. They do, however, all have incredible nicknames: Heat, BOLO (Be On the LookOut), Alvester, Slo-Motion, White Chocolate, Profit the Problem, Charm and – wait for it – Penetration.
Once the Elite 8 – as Vivica dubbed them – were chosen, she brought in longtime entertainment industry choreographer Darrin Henson – does Darrin’s Dance Grooves ring a bell? He’s choreographed for Prince, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, The Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC – he’s the mastermind behind the “Bye, Bye, Bye” choreography. So, not my first thought when I think of who would be ideal to choreograph Black Magic’s debut routine. Luckily, after Darrin’s sudden departure for a job he just couldn’t turn down, Alvester steps in and cleans up the choreography and makes it a little more, um, fitting for the occasion. “I’m not going on stage lookin’ like a 1999 VHS of Darrin’s Dance Moves. Not happenin’.” Alvester declares. Hey, fair enough.
With Darrin bailing and Alvester changing the choreography, there was some nervousness on whether or not Black Magic was going to be a hit at their debut show – a show for, like, 100 of Vivica’s closest girlfriends who were ready to spend some money. If you haven’t seen male strippers beyond Magic Mike or Magic Mike XL, then the solo performances will be enlightening. It’s something I can’t and, frankly, don’t want to explain with fear of spoiling it, so I leave you with this beautifully orchestrated quote from none other than the one-and-only (I hope) Penetration: “You ain’t never had somebody headstand in your vagina? Voila. Ya did today!”
I’m not one to like reality shows but I’m 110% in for Vivica’s Black Magic and not for the reason you might think. Yes, the bangin’ bods are a plus but honestly I’m invested in the journey, I find these guys hilarious, and I love that Vivica is, in fact, involved with the making of her namesake revue every step of the way. I can’t wait to see what the season holds, and I’ll try my best to do as Vivica suggests and “hold onto [my] panties ‘til next time.”
Watch the premiere of Vivica’s Black Magic tonight on Lifetime at 10pm ET.