The highly anticipated tour of "Burlesque: The Musical" has been thrown into disarray, with its opening night canceled for a third time. The production, inspired by the 2010 film starring Cher and Christina Aguilera, has been plagued by a series of technical issues, reported cast exhaustion, and disputes over royalties.
The tour was originally scheduled to open in Woking last month, but the initial performance was postponed. Subsequently, the Sunderland Empire, slated as the first stop on August 6, had its opening pushed to August 13. On Thursday, a further announcement from the theatre confirmed the cancellation of that evening's performance, citing "technical requirements" of the production.
"The producers of Burlesque are sorry to announce, that due to technical difficulties, tonight's performance cannot go ahead," read a statement from the Sunderland Empire's social media. "The team behind the show is working hard to resolve issues and anticipates Burlesque will open on Friday, August 14. Customers affected by the cancellation will be notified by email about the next steps."
These recent cancellations follow earlier delays. The production's planned London run at The Arts at Marble Arch was also postponed until 2027, with producers calling it a "strategic decision designed to ensure the production returns to London exactly as we want it to."
Prior to the West End run last year, which Christina Aguilera attended, the performers' union Equity confirmed it was "engaging with both members and the producers" over "a number of issues." Reports indicated these concerns related to working hours, conditions, and problems with costumes not being ready for initial performances.
However, a spokesperson for the production stated that Equity had not raised any issues directly with the show's producers. Adding to the turmoil, Todrick Hall, the show's former choreographer and director, has claimed he is owed over £100,000 in unpaid royalties after leaving the musical this year. Hall stated he was left "sleep deprived, anxiety ridden… traumatised and stressed" and has not been paid "a cent of the substantial royalties I am owed."
A spokesperson for the show countered Hall's claims, asserting he had been "paid handsomely and in full" for his director and performer fees, and had received a "substantial advance against his music royalties." Producer Steven Antin expressed his respect for Hall as an artist and stated his focus remains on the production's success.
One anonymous worker on the show reportedly told The Sunday Times that they became unwell due to the stress, describing staff as "exhausted."