Burlesque the Musical, the previously announced stage adaptation of Steven Antin’s film of the same name, will make its world premiere next summer at the Manchester Opera House.
Directed and choreographed by Nick Winston, previews will begin June 13, 2024, prior to an official opening June 29. Casting will be announced at a later date.
Christina Aguilera, who starred in the film, will serve as executive producer of the new musical, which features songs by Aguilera, Sia, Diane Warren, Todrick Hall, and Jess Folley. Antin penned the book with additional material by Kate Wetherhead.
The new musical follows Ali, who heads to the bright lights of New York in search of her long-lost mother and finds herself drawn into an underground world where the beat of the music and the heat of the dance moves will change her life forever.
Aguilera said in a statement, "Burlesque was my first feature film—and creating the role of Ali along with co-writing the music was a part of my career that I will always cherish. I am so happy to be reunited with Steven, this time behind-the-scenes as an executive producer and contributing songwriter for our new stage version. Recreating Burlesque as a live theatre experience is something I always hoped would happen, and here we are!”
Antin added, “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."
The production will also have set design by Soutra Gilmour, musical arrangements and orchestrations by Tom Curran, costume design by Ryan Dawson Laight, musical supervision by Phil Bateman, and musical direction by Chris Poon. Robin Antin is the creative co-producer and associate choreographer, Harry Blumenau is the casting director, Sarah-Jane Price is the casting associate, and Lloyd Thomas is the production manager.
Academy Award winner Cher co-starred in the Burlesque film, which followed Ali (Aguilera), who escaped hardship in a small town to follow her dreams to L.A. After stumbling upon The Burlesque Lounge, she lands a job as a cocktail waitress from Tess (Cher), the club's proprietor and headliner. Ali then becomes a star performer at the club.
The soundtrack included "Something's Got a Hold on Me," "Welcome to Burlesque," "Tough Lover," "But I Am a Good Girl," "Guy What Takes His Time," "Express," "You Haven't Seen the Last Of Me," "Bound to You," "Show Me How You Burlesque," and "The Beautiful People."
Burlesque The Musical is produced by Adam Paulden, Sue Gilad and Larry Rogowsky, Steven Antin, and Christina Aguilera and general managed by ADAMA Entertainment.
Tickets will go on sale November 8 at BurlesquetheMusical.com.
