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Burlesque the Musical is a big, unapologetic spectacle!
You can find it premiering for the first time, in our glorious city of Manchester, until Saturday 29 June. Due to popular demand, it is returning again from 3 October – 2 November 2024.
This production has had all the hype. A brand-new musical always does but this one more than most. How would they meet, or beat, expectations? Would it match up to the Christina Aguilera and Cher movie hit? Will the vocals be on point?
Well. A deeper storyline, catchy new musical numbers and choreography so hot it burns, has taken this show to new heights. Burlesque has levelled up!
Don’t forget to read my top 10 shows to see in Manchester in 2024!
Welcome to Burlesque
Small town girl, Ali, sets her sights on the Big Apple in search of her biological mother. Fans of the movie will notice this emotional depth is a new addition. With an address in hand, she steps into the glittery world of Burlesque. Only to find the owner of the club is her mummy dearest, Tess.
Little does she know; Tess is a boss women trying to keep her business alive with a steely heart to match. And so, Ali struggles to find a moment to reveal her news. ‘Can I have a job’ is a lot less scary than ‘I’m your daughter’.
Ali gets a steep education into the art of Burlesque, not the seedy stripper club she presumed, and strikes up a colleague romance with Jackson. Then, one day, her vocal prowess is revealed, and her rise to stardom is undeniable. But the question remains, will her true intentions make or break her new life?
Go big or go home
Casting is critical and my god, did they go big or go home!
JESS FOLLEY as Ali is undoubtedly the super star. Living up to Christina Aguilera is no mean feat, but she has the chops and more to fill those boots. Growls, riffs and even raps, make me question why this lady isn’t a pop star in her own right.
JACKIE BURNS brings out the Cher-ism’s as Tess but is a cooler, more emotionally clued in performer. Her Broadway credentials shine through with mega vocals.
TODRICK HALL is a surprise stand out as Shaun. He brings a totally unique, playful and comedic sense of self, which entertains the house down! He steals the limelight in the best of ways. You’ll not be forgetting his bedazzling heel moment any time soon.
If I could name the whole cast I would. They are phenomenal.
And it doesn’t stop there
The music is mega. You can tell Christinas Aguilera, Todrick Hall and Sia have had a hand in building on the already awesome tuneage, such as ‘Show Me How You Burlesque’, ‘Express’ and ‘Tough Lover’.
There’s a lot of new arrangements of the originals. ‘Bound to You’ stands out as it’s now a duet with Ali and Jack. A raunchy one at that. And the new music fits in snuggly too. Toddrick Hall has penned his solo ‘BIG’ and it’s totally his rapper-esk style. A proper bop and modern addition to the soundtrack.
If there’s ANOTHER thing to be in complete awe of, it has to be the choreography. You get a real education into the number of styles there are out there from classic sixties to edgy voguing. It’s exhilarating to watch. Bravo to the dancers. BRAVO.
The video work also brings a fresh angle, especially during the big routines. Think concert vibes. The New York inspired metal framed set that towers over the action, and breaks into different parts, is also epic. Burlesque has certainly gotten bigger than the small club you might be familiar with in the film!
Burlesque the Musical is provocative and pleasurable. It will lure you into a night like no other.
Playing at Opera House Manchester until Saturday 29 June 2024. Due to popular demand, returning from Thursday 3 October – Saturday 2 November 2024. Tickets from £13 (plus transaction fee).
Photo credit: Johan Persson