You may have heard the exciting rumours and now news that we’re soon to be graced with Burlesque the Musical. That’s right, the classic 2010 movie, Burlesque which starred Cher and Christina Aguilera is getting a stage adaptation in the UK later this year.
*squeals*
Obviously, we’re beyond excited about this, but what do we know about Burlesque: The Musical so far…?
What do we know about Burlesque The Musical so far?
The musical has been written by the original film’s director Steve Antin and also features additional material from Kate Wetherhead.
It reportedly still adheres to the original concept of the 2010 film: ambitious small town girl (originally played by Christina Aguilera) finds herself at and through an LA burlesque club, owned by grande dame (Cher in the movie) which subsequently comes under the threat of closure.
The original movie also featured Stanley Tucci, Alan Cumming, Eric Dane and Kristen Bell.
Read about Burlesque, the film’s legacy.
What’s more, Christina Aguilera is also the executive producer of the new musical show.
Steven says,
To say that I’m excited is an understatement. ‘Peel me off the ceiling’ is more accurate. Getting Burlesque the Musical to the stage has been an ambition and a dream of mine for over 10 years. I’m working with the best creative and producing team in the world, and we are all beyond thrilled that Christina has chosen to come on board as Executive Producer. It’s a privilege to be working with her again. Her unrivaled experience, intuition and artistry continues to elevate everything. So exciting to be on this new journey with Xtina.”
Meanwhile, Christina added:
I am so excited to be a part of bringing our story to the stage, it truly feels so organic, like it has come full circle, like it has come home.
Our movie lives and our new show is now a wonderful extension of that. And beyond.”
The co-creative producer and choreographer is Robin Antin, sister to Steve, and the woman behind the Pussycat Dolls, so you know the credentials here are…. chef’s kiss!
Read Burlesque Stars to Pop Stars.
Robin said on a previous (but now deleted) Instagram post which featured a picture of Robin and her brother Steven:
This journey w my brother @stevenantin has been the most unforgettable experience… working together 24/7 on this beautiful new venture, (to be announced soon) is exactly what our Mum always wanted for us!”
And now here we are in her home, #LONDON , so sad she’s not here to witness her dream, but we are doing it all for her, for YOU BRENDA!”
Main image and quote via EW.com
There were auditions for singers and dancers in December 2023 for this Christina Aguilera musical – which a lot of the burlesque community here in the UK subsequently attended. Here’s what that experience looked like:
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Who’s playing the Christina Aguilera role in the Burlesque musical?
The role of Ali Rose is being played by Jess Foley, one fifth of girl group, Rly. Jess won the first series of the national ITV show The Voice Kids UK and in 2019 her band RLY were crowned winners of X Factor – The Band
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Jess says…
A year ago, I was lucky enough to have the chance to compose a song for the show and fortunately for me, Steven loved it! We had a couple of calls to get to know each other, and the next thing I know he had asked me to play Ali in the workshops and then the show itself. Since then, I’ve written a number of other songs, become part of the creative team and have totally fallen in love with this project. I’m beyond excited to be in the Burlesque family and can’t wait to open as Ali Rose in Manchester in June.’
Rly have released a number of singles to date over the past couple of years, most recently ‘Ring The Alarm’.
And who are the other Burlesque the Musical cast members?
Other cast members for the Christina Aguilera musical include Olivier Award-winning George Maguire as Vince, Billie-Kay as Sophia, B Terry as Georgie, Jess Qualter as Daphne, Yasmin Harrison as Brenda, Lily Wang as Fifi, Hollie-Ann Lowe as Summer and Alessia McDermott makes up the rest of the Ensemble.
Is the music for the Burlesque show the same as the movie?
Yes, we understand you can expect all those classics like ‘Welcome To Burlesque’, ‘You Haven’t Seen The Last of Me’ and ‘Bound To You’ which were originally created by Chistina Aguilera, Sia and Dianne Warren. Get excited by reliving them below.
But we’re also promised new tracks by Todrick Hall and Jess Folley herself.
What are the Burlesque Musical dates for my diary?
The World premiere of the Christina Aguilera musical is already sold out but the run is at Manchester Opera House, playing 13th – 29th June. Dates have also been added at Glasgow Theatre Royal from 11 – 28 September before the show returns to Manchester 3rd October – 2nd November.
Tickets are on sale now now via the official website: burlesquethemusical.com/
