Todrick Hall to star in Burlesque The Musical at Theatre Royal Glasgow

The Theatre Royal, Glasgow are excited to announce the cast of Burlesque the Musical, the first ever stage adaptation of Steven Antin's crowd-pleasing movie!

Article Source: ATG
Last Updated: 11 July 2024 13:21

Burlesque will star choreographer to the stars, Todrick Hall in the role of Sean alongside musical sensation Jess Folley as Ali, the role played by Christina Aguilera, and Broadway star Jackie Burns as Tess, the role made famous by Cher in the film.

Having opened in Manchester in June 2024 to rave reviews, Burlesque the Musical arrives at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow from Wednesday 11 September to Saturday 28 September 2024 prior to its West End run.

Todrick Hall, who has also written brand new songs for this new production, has amassed over 9 million followers across several social media platforms, and is one of the most high profile and prolific storytellers in the world.

He has collaborated with superstars in every industry including: Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, RuPaul, Chaka Khan, Brandy, Billy Porter, Gwen Stefani, Kristin Chenoweth, Jenifer Lewis, Nicole Scherzinger, Tyra Banks, Bob the Drag Queen, Monét X Change, Tiffany Haddish, Tiffany Pollard, Amber Riley and Pentatonix. He starred Taylor Swift’s music video for Look What You Made Me Do as well as her LGBTQ+ anthem You Need to Calm Down which he also co-executive produced and won an MTV Video Music Award.

Todrick Hall said: “The movie of Burlesque was so iconic to so many of us — to now be working with both Steven Antin and Christina Aguilera who are reuniting for this new musical is a dream come true.

I am beyond excited to be returning to my first love, musical theatre, in such a special way. My first original role and my theatrical composing debut. To be able to bring music that I wrote to life, to share the stage and the writing credit with the star that is Jess Folley is a dream come true! I'm blessed, honoured, flattered and ready to dust off the old heels and let the kids have it 8 shows a week!”

Jess Folley who will play the role of Ali Rose first came to prominence when she won the first series of the national ITV show The Voice Kids UK and in 2019 her band RLY were crowned winners of X Factor – The Band. Jess has since dedicated all her time to developing herself as an artist and songwriter, having had the opportunity to work with some of the most respected songwriters and producers in the industry.

Steven Antin said: “I am so thrilled that we have the powerhouse that is Jess Folley taking on the iconic role of Ali Rose. She is a rare talent indeed. An incredible singer, a wonderful, instinctual actress, a spectacular songwriter…and gorgeous. Jess has also composed sensational new music for the show. Every day I peel myself off the ceiling and ask…what did I do to deserve Jess Folley. I was gobsmacked over Xtina when she did the movie, because she had so many extraordinary talents that she brought to the film, the rare breed that she is, so the bar for me was very high. And it has come full circle with Jess.

The other cast members who are creating the world of Burlesque deserve more than just a brief mention. The stakes and the bar for being in the Burlesque cast are very high. It requires a rare breed of talent and we have looked tirelessly for those special people who will populate our world. From George Maguire, to Billie-Kay, B Terry, Jess Qualter, Yasmin Harrison, Lily Wang, Hollie-Ann Lowe and Alessia McDermott and more! These artists are the creme de la creme.”

Jess Folley added: “A year ago, I was lucky enough to have the chance to compose a song for the show and fortunately for me, Steven loved it! We had a couple of calls to get to know each other, and the next thing I know he had asked me to play Ali in the workshops and then the show itself. Since then, I’ve written a number of other songs, become part of the creative team and have totally fallen in love with this project. I’m beyond excited to be in the Burlesque family!”

And finally, Broadway star Jackie Burns who holds the title of Broadway’s longest running Elphaba in Wicked, will star as Tess - the role of the club owner made famous by Cher. Jackie replaced Tony Award® winning Idina Menzel in the US tour of If/Then where her award-winning performance received rave reviews. Other Broadway/Off-Broadway credits include the Tony Award-winning revival of Hair, Rock of Ages and playing Celine Dion in the cult comedy musical Titanique. Her film TV credits include: Set it Up, The Magnificent Meyersons and Ghost.

Jackie, Jess and Todrick will star alongside the already announced cast of George Maguire as Vince, Michael Mather as Jackson and Nina Ann Nelson as Nikki and the Alternate Ali Rose, alongside Joe Atkinson (Off Stage Swing, Assistant Dance Captain), Jade Albertsen (Ensemble), Callum Aylott (On Stage Swing), Evonnee Bentley-Holder (Ensemble), Lucy Campbell (On Stage Swing), Lewis Easter (Ensemble), Yasmin Harrison (Brenda/Ensemble/Dance Captain/2nd Georgie), Elly Jay (Off Stage Swing/1st Cover Tess/1st Cover Georgie), Billie-Kay (Sophia/Ensemble), Stefan Lagoulis (Ensemble/2nd Cover Jackson & Sean), Hollie-Ann Lowe (Summer/Ensemble/2nd Cover Nikki), Callum MacDonald (Ensemble/1st Cover Vince), Alessia McDermott (Sally/Ensemble/1st Cover Nikki), Tom Mussell (Ensemble/1st Cover Jackson), Ian Oswald (Ensemble/1st Cover Sean), Amber Pierson (Off Stage Swing), Jess Qualter (Daphne/Ensemble), Tom Scanlon (Ensemble), Ope Sowande (Trey/Ensemble), B Terry (Georgie/Ensemble) and Lily Wang (Fifi/Ensemble).

Burlesque the Musical arrives at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow from Wednesday 11 September to Saturday 28 September 2024 prior to its West End run, tickets are on sale now via www.atgtickets.com

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