Writer: Steven Antin
Music: Christina Aguilera, Sia, Diane Warren, Todrick Hall & Jess Folley
Additional Material: Kate Wetherhead
Director: Nick Winston
Choreographer: Nick Winston
Designer: Soutra Gilmour
Writer Steven Antin has re-worked his own 2010 movie script and to a certain degree un-cheesified the original storyline for the palates of a 2020s audience, in this stage adaptation of Burlesque. That said, fans of the movie will be delighted to know that all of the familiar characters and over the top shenanigans remain firmly intact.
In a nutshell, Ali (Jess Folley) runs a wholesome diner, inherited from her mother, selling peach pie and coffee to her small town community in the Midwest. She’s sparky and exuberant and too much for the local church choir. Ali ultimately finds out she’s adopted and heads to New York to find her birth mother. Her travels eventually lead her to the Burlesque Lounge and its formidable owner Tess (Broadway star Jackie Burns). It’s no real shock that Tess is her long-lost mama. Ali encounters Tess’ girls, her right-hand man and club MC Shaun, played with gusto by Todrick Hall and her sleazy ex-husband Vince (Olivier Award-winner George Maguire) in a beefed-up villain role.
Ali has no intention of becoming a burlesque dancer but, whadda ya know, when circumstances arise that lead her to step into the sky-high heels and corsets, she finds out she’s a natural. There are the inevitable ups and downs to the action, ultimately culminating in a feel-good finale.
From the get-go we know we are knee-deep in a BIG production. From Soutra Gilmour’s lavish, multi-levelled set to the lighting and video design, to the note-perfect onstage (but unseen until the curtain call) band to the huge and highly talented cast, the producers have put their money on the stage for the audience to enjoy.
Most impressive are the vocal talents of the leads. Folley is outstanding. From winning the The Voice Kids then X-Factor: The Band, and writing a number of the songs for this production, at 21, she is a global superstar in the making. The power, tone and timbre of her voice are unmatched. Dare I say it, better than original star Christina Aguilera. Her American accent too is impeccable. Broadway star Jackie Burns has big boots to fill, following Cher in the role of Tess, but she more than matches the world dominating diva.
Olivier Award-winner George Maguire has a beefed up (from the movie) role as Vince and shines in his moments onstage. Arguably the biggest name in the cast, Todrick Hall lives up to being Todrick Hall. Also contributing his song writing skills to the score, his exuberance and natural sparkle enliven the production, especially in the scenes where he provides a dynamic history of Burlesque. He performs dual roles in the show but I won’t spoil the surprise for you. Most impressive in supporting the leads is Michel Mather as Jackson who has a wonderful, country-tinged voice. That said, this is a rare production where the cast are universally excellent from the biggest to smallest roles. Their energy and commitment is evident in every scene.
Burlesque wears its sources on its sleeve both musically and choreographically. There are hints of Chicago, Cabaret and Sweet Charity throughout, and influences from drag culture abound.
If it’s big, in-you-face, blockbusting entertainment you are looking for then look no further. After its try-outs here in Glasgow and initially in Manchester, Burlesque will continue to pack ‘em in. While another re-working of a popular movie it truly deserves its place in the West End or Broadway.
Runs until 28 September 2024 | Image: Johan Persson
The Reviews Hub Score
Surely Broadway bound
