Picture: Elliott Morgan
Double TV talent show winner Jess Folley will take centre stage in the first stage adaptation of the 2010 movie musical Burlesque at the Manchester Opera House this summer.
The singer who won the first series of The Voice Kids UK in 2017 before going on to feature in the winning line-up in 2019’s X Factor – The Band, will step into the role of Ali Rose in this summer’s sold-out world premiere season in Manchester.
Commenting on the casting of Folley in the role previously played on screen by pop superstar Christina Aguilera in her movie debut, the film’s director and writer 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.”
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 can’t wait to open as Ali Rose in Manchester in June.”
Folley will star alongside Olivier Award-winning George Maguire (Sunny Afternoon, Hampstead Theatre/Harold Pinter Theatre) as Vince, Billie-Kay (Anything Goes, Barbican/UK tour) as Sophia, B Terry (Cake: The Marie Antoinette Playlist, UK tour) as Georgie, Jess Qualter (Hollyoaks) as Daphne, Yasmin Harrison (The Bodyguard the Musical, Adelphi Theatre) as Brenda/Dance Captain, Lily Wang (Pretty Woman – The Musical, Piccadilly Theatre) as Fifi, Hollie-Ann Lowe (Rock of Ages, UK tour) as Summer and Alessia McDermott (Clueless The Musical, Churchill Theatre, Bromley) in the Ensemble.
Burlesque The Musical features a book by the backstage movie’s director and original writer Antin with additional material by Kate Wetherhead. The musical also features music and lyrics by pop superstars Aguilera and Sia, multi-award-winning songwriter Diane Warren, and singer and choreographer Todrick Hall.
After playing its sold-out season in Manchester from 13-29 June, the musical will play Glasgow Theatre Royal from 11-28 September before playing an encore season in Manchester from 3 October until 2 November ahead of a West End transfer.
Directed and choreographed by Nick Winston, the creative team for the production will include set designer Soutra Gilmour, musical arranger and orchestrator Tom Curran, costume designer Ryan Dawson Laight, musical supervisor Phil Bateman, lighting designer Jack Knowles, sound designer Ben Harrison, casting director Harry Blumenau, hair and wigs designer Carole Hancock, make-up designer Guy Common, musical director Chris Poon, creative co-producer/associate choreographer Robin Antin, associate director/choreographer Ryan-Lee Seager, associate choreographer Libby Watts, casting associate Sarah-Jane Price, costume supervisor Laura Rushton, assistant choreographer Tommy Franzen, dramaturg Sarah Day, orchestra fixer David Gallagher and production manager Lloyd Thomas.
Featuring a star-studded cast led by Cher, Aguilera, Stanley Tucci, Kristen Bell, Alan Cumming and Peter Gallagher, Burlesque features the Golden Globe Award-winning Diane Warren-penned song ‘You Haven’t Seen The Last of Me’ performed by Cher.
Angela Thomas
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