Cumming, Bell and Gallagher Join "Burlesque" Movie Musical

By Adam Hetrick
January 7, 2010

Tony Award winner Alan Cumming and Kristen Bell have joined Cher and Christina Aguilera in the new film musical "Burlesque."

"I'm a burlesque dancer who's an alcoholic, so I'm playing sexier than I've ever done before," Bell (Reefer Madness, "Veronica Mars") told Parade.com.

Cumming is set to return to his Cabaret roots, portraying the master of ceremonies at the strip club run by Tess, who is played by Oscar winner Cher. Newly added cast members also include Peter Gallagher, Eric Dane, Cam Gigandet and Julianne Hough.

As previously reported, Grammy-winning pop singer Aguilera will star as a young Midwestern girl who arrives in Hollywood seeking stardom. Stanley Tucci ("Julie & Julia," "The Devil Wears Prada," Frankie and Johnny) will portray the manager of a Hollywood club.

Steven Antin, who penned the original screenplay, directs the film that began shooting Nov. 9 and is aiming for a Thanksgiving 2010 premiere. Susannah Grant provided additional work on the script. Donald De Line produces the film.