Cher Lends Pizzazz to "Burlesque"

CEBU, Philippines - To give Columbia Pictures’ new musical drama “Burlesque” the marquee pizzazz they envisioned, the filmmakers knew that only a megastar would do. It meant that they pursued the legendary Cher tirelessly before the Oscar winner agreed to end a seven year hiatus and return to the big screen. (They even paid a surprise personal plea to Cher when she was on the Sony lot doing an ADR session for the animated film “The Zookeeper.”)

The filmmakers believed that Cher would respond to the role of Tess because the character is both familiar and contemporary, somebody with a lot to give who’s in danger of having her dream taken away. Director Steven Antin notes: “Tess is one of a zillion people losing their shirt. That’s a very real thing happening right now and I thought it was an interesting thing for this character to be experiencing.”

“Cher said, ‘I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor. Rich is better.’” Antin continues. “She’s been up and she’s been down and she’s had good times and bad times. I knew that she would relate to this character and this world. She’s the embodiment of female empowerment, you know? And that’s what Burlesque is about: female empowerment.”

“Burlesque” tells the story of Ali (Christina Aguilera), a small-town girl with a big voice, who thinks there had to be somewhere her dreams could be fulfilled, rather than remain an empty goal. Enter the world of burlesque.

Leaving behind hardship and an uncertain future for the entertainment capital Los Angeles, Ali stumbles upon The Burlesque Lounge, a majestic but ailing theater that is home to an inspired musical revue. Talking herself into a cocktail waitress job from Tess (Cher), the club’s glamorous and forthright proprietor, headliner and starmaker, Ali becomes a wide-eyed sponge to The Burlesque’s captivating acts. The outrageous costumes and bold choreography hold the young ingénue enraptured. That stage is where Ali was meant to be, so she vows to herself she’ll be on it someday.

Cher, through her incomparable voice, her trademark wit, and her charismatic presence, has established herself as a tireless, compelling performer of inestimable talent and unstoppable drive. Her contributions in music, television, stage and film have garnered countless accolades and awards and the admiration of generations of fans.

Cher’s iconic performance as Loretta Castorini in Norman Jewison’s “Moonstruck” won her both an Academy Award® and Golden Globe Award. Her work in Peter Bogdanovich’s “Mask” won her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. For Mike Nichols’ “Silkwood,” co-starring Meryl Streep and Kurt Russell, Cher was nominated for both a Golden Globe and Academy Award. Her additional film credits include a diverse body of roles in “Mermaids,” “The Witches of Eastwick,” “Suspect,” “Stuck on You” and “Tea with Mussolini.”

Opening soon across the Philippines, “Burlesque” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit http://www.columbiapictures.com.ph for trailers, exclusive content and free downloads. Like us at www.Facebook.com/ColumbiaPicturesPH and join our fan contests.