September 22nd 2024.
Welcome to the world of Chippendales, where the glitz and glamour of male stripping dance performances hide a dark and sordid reality. This is not your typical story of chiseled men and screaming fans. No, this is a tale of crime, scandal, and deception that will leave you shocked and amazed.
At first glance, Chippendales might seem like just another male stripping troupe, but the new series Welcome to Chippendales reveals the truth about what really went on behind the scenes. Created by Robert Siegel, the mind behind the hit show Pam & Tommy, this eight-episode series delves into the rise and fall of Somen 'Steve' Banerjee, the owner of Chippendales. Starring Kumail Nanjiani and Murray Bartlett as Nick DeNoia, the choreographer who played a crucial role in the empire's success, this show is a must-watch for anyone looking for a thrilling and eye-opening experience.
Even the actors themselves were taken aback by the shocking events that unfolded during the rise of Chippendales. Kumail Nanjiani, who plays Nick DeNoia, admitted, "I knew about Chippendales as a fun and popular phenomenon in the 80s, but I had no idea about the dark and intense reality behind it all."
But who exactly are the Chippendales? They are a touring dance troupe that made history by being the first all-male stripping troupe to cater to mostly female audiences. Their performances were a hit, and their high-quality staging and choreography made them a legitimate form of entertainment. It was all thanks to Somen Banerjee, who had big dreams of becoming the next Hugh Hefner. He even got the green light from the Playboy founder himself to use the iconic cuffs and collar costumes that were famous among the Playmates.
Born in Bombay, India, in 1944, Banerjee migrated to the United States in the late 1960s. After running a petrol station and a backgammon club, he struck gold with his purchase of a Los Angeles club called Destiny II. In 1979, he introduced the concept of male stripping to the nightclub, and the Chippendales were born. The name was inspired by the famous Rococo furniture designer Thomas Chippendale, and Banerjee was determined to make sure his troupe was seen as a classy and sophisticated form of entertainment as he climbed the social ladder.
But as Chippendales gained more success, darker forces started to take over. Banerjee's greed and jealousy led to him hiring a hitman named Ray Colon to murder his business partner, Nick DeNoia. In 1987, DeNoia was brutally shot and killed, giving Banerjee full control of the touring rights. For years, the murder went unsolved until Ray finally revealed the truth and turned on Banerjee.
Meanwhile, Banerjee's relationship with his dancers was also strained, particularly with Hodari Sababu, the only Black dancer in the group. As seen on the show, Hodari faced discrimination and was often fetishized by the audience, while his boss reaped the profits.
But the show must go on, and despite all the turmoil and tragedy, Chippendales continued to thrive. The troupe now performs for millions of people each year at their permanent location in a Las Vegas casino, with daily shows regularly selling out. And even after 20 years, the demand shows no signs of slowing down.
So how did Chippendales manage to stay afloat despite all the scandals and crimes? Well, as cast member De Jesus puts it, "It's America. The fact that all of this happened and the business still exists, that's not surprising." In the end, it all comes down to capitalism.
Welcome to Chippendales is now streaming on ITVX and Disney Plus. This gripping series, filled with murder, deceit, and unexpected twists, will leave you on the edge of your seat. But be warned, this is not your typical story. This is the true and shocking chronicle of Chippendales, a tale that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
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