Burlesque (stage musical) explained

Burlesque
Subtitle:A Big New Musical
Music:
Lyrics:
  • Christina Aguilera
  • Sia
  • Diane Warren
  • Todrick Hall
  • Jess Folley
Productions:
  • 2024 Manchester
    2024 Glasgow
Premiere Date:June 13, 2024
Premiere Location:Manchester Opera House

Burlesque is a musical with a book by Steven Antin, including additional material by Kate Wetherhead, and music and lyrics by Christina Aguilera, Sia, Diane Warren, Todrick Hall, and Jess Folley. It is based on Antin's 2010 film of the same name.

The musical focuses on Ali Rose, an aspiring singer who leaves her small hometown for New York in search for her mother where she becomes a dancer at a burlesque club.

Directed and choreographed by Nick Winston, the original production of Burlesque is scheduled to open in Manchester at the Manchester Opera House in June and October 2024, and in Glasgow at the Theatre Royal in September of the same year.

Background

On September 29, 2023, it was announced that Steven Antin was writing and producing a stage musical adaptation of his 2010 film Burlesque. Christina Aguilera, who played the lead role in the film, joined the project as a producer. It was also announced that Aguilera, Sia, and Diane Warren returned to rework the songs they wrote for the original film, while Todrick Hall and Jess Folley was in charge of writing new songs.[1]

In November 2023, the musical was officially announced, and producers confirmed that it will have its world premiere in the United Kingdom in 2024.[2]

Productions

Manchester and Glasgow (2024)

The musical is scheduled to make its world premiere at the Manchester Opera House in Manchester on 13 June 2024, where it is expected to run through June 29. The show is scheduled to move to the Theatre Royal in Glasgow from September 11 to 28. It is then scheduled to return to Manchester from October 3 to November.[3]

The show will directed and choreographed by Nick Winston, and produced by Steven Antin, Christina Aguilera, Adam Paulden, Jason Haigh-Ellery, Sue Gilad, and Larry Rogowsky. Ryan-Lee Seager serve as an associate director and choreographer, while Antin's sister, Robin Antin also serve as an associate choreographer and as a creative co-producer. The musical has costumes by Ryan Dawson Leight, scenic design by Soutra Gilmour, lighting by Jack Knowles, and sound by Ben Harrison.[4]

The original cast is expected to feature Jess Folley as Ali Rose, Jackie Burns as Tess, George Maguire as Vince, and Todrick Hall as Shaun. Further casting is till to be announced.[5] [4]

Cast and characters

Character!Manchester[6]
2024
Ali RoseJess Folley
TessJackie Burns
VinceGeorge Maguire
ShaunTodrick Hall
JacksonMichael Mather
NikkiNina Ann Nelson
GeorgieB Terry
SophiaBillie-Kay
TreyOpe Sowande
BrendaYasmin Harrison
FifiLily Wang
DaphneJess Qualter
SummerHollie-Ann Lowe
SallyAlessia McDermott

Notes and References

  1. News: Gans . Andrew. September 29, 2023. Christina Aguilera Producing Stage Adaptation of "Burlesque" Film. .
  2. News: Gans . Andrew. November 1, 2023. "Burlesque the Musical", With Songs by Christina Aguilera and More, Sets 2024 World Premiere. Playbill.
  3. News: Gans . Andrew. January 12, 2024. Christina Aguilera's "Burlesque" the Musical Will Play Manchester and Glasgow Before West End Premiere. Playbill.
  4. News: Gans . Andrew. February 7, 2024. Todrick Hall and More Join Cast of World Premiere of "Burlesque" Musical. Playbill.
  5. News: Gans . Andrew. January 22, 2024. Jess Folley, George Maguire, Billie-Kay, Jess Qualter, More Cast in World Premiere of "Burlesque" Musical. Playbill.
  6. Web site: Creative & Cast Burlesque The Musical . 2024-06-18 . burlesqueonstage.com . en-GB.