The cast of BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL. Photo Credit: Johan Persson
With outstanding performances, superb orchestration, and stunning visuals, BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL is a must-see production that perfectly captures the essence of live theatre.
Another world premiere launches from our great city of Manchester: this time, “it’s Burlesque”.
There are truly no words to describe how phenomenal this new musical is, but here goes…
The 2010 movie musical burst onto screens with an all-star cast including, Christina Aguilera, Cher, Stanley Tucci, Kristen Bell, Julianne Hough… the list goes on. So, with a cast like that, its first stint on the stage has a lot to live up to.
The story follows young Ali, who heads to the bright lights of New York in search for her mother (a new twist for the stage version, as in the film it’s a bit more cliché as she heads to the big city to follow her dreams of being a singer). She finds herself drawn into a whole new world of the glitzy and glamourous Burlesque club. Whilst searching for her mother, she finds herself, discovers her voice and finds where she truly belongs.
The cast of BURLESQUE. Photo Credit: Johan Persson
Keeping many of the movie’s big hit songs, such as ‘Welcome to Burlesque’, ‘Tough Lover’, ‘Express’ and of course the showstopper, “Show Me How You Burlesque”, the stage version brings a host of new songs, written by some of the talented cast members themselves, including ‘Home’ and ‘Got It All From You’ by the immensely talented Jess Folley, who plays star of the show (and Christina’s successor) Ali. In addition, many songs are written by YouTube sensation and RuPaul’s Drag Race judge (amongst many other famed credits), Todrick Hall.
The orchestration throughout is superb, with melodies and motifs drifting through scenes to effortlessly pull at emotions, and adding to the thrill and anticipation. There’s lots of music that seems to pay homage to other musicals, for example Nikki’s number ‘What Are Clothes’ written by Todrick, which gives the air of Adelaide’s musical numbers in Guys And Dolls. Likewise, ‘BIG’ has elements of Hamilton, combined with Chicago and Madonna pop hits. It’s refreshing to see a new musical that feels so classic and timeless, all whilst still feeling fresh and new.
There truly is no expense spared within this production: from the set to the costumes, every inch is dazzling. In each scene a new element is revealed, wowing the audience each and every time. From a rotating stage, travelling stairs, stunning projections, raising platforms and literal fireworks, the wow-factor is there from the very start – just from visuals alone, and it keeps giving right till the very end. However, in no way does the astonishing staging detract from the talent that this cast provides by the boat-load.
The cast of BURLESQUE. Photo Credit: Johan Persson
Jess Folley is just phenomenal. Her vocals: smooth like butter, her riffs: unreal, her range: unbelievable; a true superstar providing the perfect homage to the pop sensation that is Christina Aguilera. Broadway legend (known for being Broadway’s longest running Elphaba) Jackie Burns takes on the role of Tess, originally portrayed by Cher. It’s no easy task to play a role originated by such an icon, but Burns does it with ease. Providing hints of the vocal quality for which Cher is known and loved, Burns celebrates the icon without it feeling like a replica.
Todrick Hall is brilliant as the fabulously bold and hilarious Sean, Tess’s best friend and manager of the club. Acting as a bridge between the performance and the audience, Todrick pulls you into Burlesque. The audience not only become voyeurs, but part of the club, as staff, customers and confidantes. His many ad lib moments provide excellent comedy moments throughout, however the script is so well written that they seem to flow naturally through without bringing a ‘panto’ vibe.
There are far too many stand out performers to mention, but special shoutout to Nina Ann Nelson playing the tough, ruthless, once star of the Burlesque, Nikki. Despite playing the vindictive antagonist, she brings an element of vulnerability and light to the character, and of course is another outstanding vocalist to add to the pile.
The choreography by Nick Winston (who also directed the musical) is fresh, vibrant and energetic, with a variety of styles weaved through: from tap to swing, hip-hop to contemporary and of course plenty of sexy burlesque. Act 1 is non-stop, with glitz, glam, sparkles and seduction, leading into a more subdued second act that provides one hell of a kick at the end – there’s not one person without a smile on their face when the show finale hits.
This show is exactly what live theatre is all about. At the flick of a feather boa, the audience are transported to another world. There is not one element of this show that isn’t bursting with glamour and style: a production that’s a big as the talent on the stage. Burlesque is simply outstanding. Big, bold and bloody brilliant, the production and its cast deserve every single standing ovation that is guaranteed every night. Manchester was the perfect launch location, for a show that will, no doubt, take on new heights across the world.
BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL embodies what live theatre is all about. The audience is transported to another world at the flick of a feather boa. Every element of this show bursts with glamour and style, matching the talent on stage. It is simply outstanding. Big, bold, and brilliant, the production and its cast deserve every standing ovation they receive each night.
BURLESQUE runs at the Opera House, Manchester, until 29 June 2024.
Alison Baines is a marketing and PR specialist by day. Following many years as a theatre PR, Alison left the arts industry but became a north west reviewer to keep her love of theatre burning bright. She has a degree in Drama & Media, and performs in Amateur dramatics in her spare time.
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