Writer Steven Antin has re-worked his personal 2010 film script and to a sure diploma un-cheesified the unique storyline for the palates of a 2020s viewers, on this stage adaptation of Burlesque. That stated, followers of the film might be delighted to know that all the acquainted characters and excessive shenanigans stay firmly intact.
In a nutshell, Ali (Jess Folley) runs a healthful diner, inherited from her mom, promoting peach pie and low to her small city group within the Midwest. She’s sparky and exuberant and an excessive amount of for the native church choir. Ali finally finds out she’s adopted and heads to New York to seek out her beginning mom. Her travels finally lead her to the Burlesque Lounge and its formidable proprietor Tess (Broadway star Jackie Burns). It’s no actual shock that Tess is her long-lost mama. Ali encounters Tess’ women, her right-hand man and membership MC Shaun, performed with gusto by Todrick Hall and her sleazy ex-husband Vince (Olivier Award-winner George Maguire) in a beefed-up villain function.
Ali has no intention of changing into a burlesque dancer however, whadda ya know, when circumstances come up that lead her to step into the sky-high heels and corsets, she finds out she’s a pure. There are the inevitable ups and downs to the motion, finally culminating in a feel-good finale.
From the get-go we all know we’re knee-deep in a BIG manufacturing. From Soutra Gilmour’s lavish, multi-levelled set to the lighting and video design, to the note-perfect onstage (however unseen till the curtain name) band to the large and extremely proficient solid, the producers have put their cash on the stage for the viewers to take pleasure in.
Most spectacular are the vocal skills of the leads. Folley is excellent. From successful the The Voice Kids then X-Factor: The Band, and writing quite a lot of the songs for this manufacturing, at 21, she is a world famous person within the making. The energy, tone and timbre of her voice are unmatched. Dare I say it, higher than authentic star Christina Aguilera. Her American accent too is impeccable. Broadway star Jackie Burns has massive boots to fill, following Cher within the function of Tess, however she greater than matches the world dominating diva.
Olivier Award-winner George Maguire has a beefed up (from the film) function as Vince and shines in his moments onstage. Arguably the most important title within the solid, Todrick Hall lives as much as being Todrick Hall. Also contributing his tune writing abilities to the rating, his exuberance and pure sparkle enliven the manufacturing, particularly within the scenes the place he supplies a dynamic historical past of Burlesque. He performs twin roles within the present however I gained’t spoil the shock for you. Most spectacular in supporting the leads is Michel Mather as Jackson who has an exquisite, country-tinged voice. That stated, it is a uncommon manufacturing the place the solid are universally wonderful from the most important to smallest roles. Their power and dedication is clear in each scene.
Burlesque wears its sources on its sleeve each musically and choreographically. There are hints of Chicago, Cabaret and Sweet Charity all through, and influences from drag tradition abound.
If it’s massive, in-you-face, blockbusting leisure you’re in search of then look no additional. After its try-outs right here in Glasgow and initially in Manchester, Burlesque will proceed to pack ‘em in. While one other re-working of a preferred film it actually deserves its place within the West End or Broadway.
5 STARS ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Runs till 28 September 2024 | Image: Johan Persson
