Scripts
BURLESQUE poster

Screenplay data

BURLESQUE script

Ali Rose, a small-town girl with a powerful voice, leaves Iowa for Los Angeles after her grandmother's death, seeking a new life and a chance to sing. She finds the Burlesque Lounge, a struggling club owned by Tess, and despite initial rejection, Ali secures a job as a cocktail waitress, eventually becoming a dancer and then a lead singer, much to the chagrin of veteran performer Nikki. As Ali's star rises, she navigates a complicated relationship with bartender Jack and a flirtation with wealthy real estate developer Marcus Gerber, who secretly plans to buy and demolish the Burlesque Lounge. Ali discovers Marcus's true intentions and, after reconciling with Jack, she helps Tess devise a plan to save the club by utilizing air rights and buying out Tess's former partner, Vince Scali. With the lounge secured, Ali and Tess celebrate their victory, and Nikki returns to the club, leading to a final performance where Ali shines as the star.

Writer
Steven Antin
IMDb ID (imdb_id)
tt1126591
Script date
2/20/09
65Scenes
14Characters
93Pages
8Dialogue samples

Save the Cat beat sheet

BURLESQUE Save the Cat analysis

Ali’s journey from a small-town karaoke singer to a headliner at the Burlesque Lounge establishes her dreams and struggles, while Tess fights to keep her club alive.

Open full beat sheet
80

Key characters

Ali Rose

Ali Rose is listed as Protagonist / Performer. 22 years old, confident, ambitious, with a powerful singing voice. In the parsed data, Ali Rose is connected to 54 scenes, 26 dialogue lines, 26 text mentions, first appearing around scene 4.

54 scenes / 26 dialogue lines

Jack

Jack is listed as Bartender / Musician. 25, punky, dark hair, eyeliner, one arm half-sleeved with tattoos. In the parsed data, Jack is connected to 26 scenes, 8 dialogue lines, 9 text mentions, first appearing around scene 18.

26 scenes / 8 dialogue lines

Tess

Tess is listed as Owner of the Burlesque Lounge. A stunner with impossibly long lashes, theatrical make-up, and a sequined, skin-tight dress. In the parsed data, Tess is connected to 23 scenes, 21 dialogue lines, 23 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

23 scenes / 21 dialogue lines

Sean

Sean is listed as Backstage Manager / Costumer. A cute gay guy with an armful of accessories. In the parsed data, Sean is connected to 21 scenes, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 2.

21 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Nikki

Nikki is listed as Performer. A stunning, feisty brunette. In the parsed data, Nikki is connected to 15 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 6 text mentions, first appearing around scene 11.

15 scenes / 5 dialogue lines

Coco

Coco is listed as Performer. Statuesque, shimmers. In the parsed data, Coco is connected to 11 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.

11 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Marcus Gerber

Marcus Gerber is listed as Real Estate Developer. 31, boyishly handsome, charming, charismatic. In the parsed data, Marcus Gerber is connected to 9 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 33.

9 scenes / 2 dialogue lines

Georgia

Georgia is listed as Performer. Pregnant, sweet. In the parsed data, Georgia is connected to 9 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.

9 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Vince Scali

Vince Scali is listed as Tess's Partner. 35, scruffy-handsome. In the parsed data, Vince Scali is connected to 4 scenes, first appearing around scene 9.

4 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Loretta

Loretta is listed as Coworker at Dwight's Bar. 30s, wearing every one of those years hard. In the parsed data, Loretta is connected to 3 scenes, first appearing around scene 4.

3 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Alexis

Alexis is listed as Door Person. Drag queen. In the parsed data, Alexis is connected to 2 scenes, first appearing around scene 11.

2 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Eva Destruction

Eva Destruction is listed as Performer. Countess of contortion. In the parsed data, Eva Destruction is connected to 2 scenes, first appearing around scene 41.

2 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Dwight

Dwight is listed as Owner of Dwight's Bar. 50s, beer gut, humorless. In the parsed data, Dwight is connected to 1 scene, first appearing around scene 8.

1 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Harold Saint

Harold Saint is listed as Music Producer. 60s, dresses like Robert Evans. In the parsed data, Harold Saint is connected to 1 scene, first appearing around scene 45.

1 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Scene outline

  1. 1. INT. Burlesque Lounge - NIGHT

    Tess introduces the Burlesque Lounge and its performers to the audience.

    Tess, Coco, Georgia, Nikki
  2. 2. INT. Backstage Dressing Room - CONTINUOUS

    Performers prepare for the show while Tess observes.

    Tess, Sean
  3. 3. EXT. Main Street, Grundy, Iowa - NIGHT

    Establishment of the run-down town and Dwight's Bar.

  4. 4. INT. Dwight's Bar - NIGHT

    Ali confronts a customer about a tip and sings on the karaoke machine.

    Ali Rose, Loretta
  5. 5. INT. Burlesque Lounge - Backstage - NIGHT

    Tess confronts Nikki about her lateness.

    Tess, Sean, Nikki
  6. 6. EXT. Trailer Park, Iowa - NIGHT

    Ali returns home to find Nanna unresponsive.

    Ali Rose
  7. 7. EXT. Cemetery, Iowa - DAY

    Ali and Loretta attend Nanna's funeral.

    Ali Rose, Loretta
  8. 8. INT. Dwight's Bar - DAY

    Ali quits her job and leaves town.

    Ali Rose, Loretta, Dwight
  9. 9. INT. Burlesque Lounge - NIGHT

    Tess refuses to sell the club to Marcus Gerber.

    Tess, Sean, Vince Scali
  10. 10. INT. Ali's Hollywood Hotel Room - DAY

    Ali settles into her new room in Hollywood.

    Ali Rose
  11. 11. EXT. Sunset Strip - NIGHT

    Ali discovers the Burlesque Lounge and meets Nikki.

    Ali Rose, Sean, Nikki, Alexis
  12. 12. INT. Burlesque Lounge - NIGHT

    Ali enters the Burlesque Lounge as a customer.

    Ali Rose, Alexis
  13. 13. INT. BURLESQUE LOUNGE - BACKSTAGE - CONTINUOUS

    Ali enters the backstage area and attempts to convince Tess to hire her as a performer.

    Ali Rose, Tess, Sean
  14. 14. INT. BURLESQUE LOUNGE - NIGHT

    Ali takes a job as a cocktail waitress after being rejected as a performer.

    Ali Rose, Jack
  15. 15. INT. ALI'S HOLLYWOOD HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

    Ali returns home to find her room ransacked and her money stolen.

    Ali Rose
  16. 16. EXT. WEST HOLLYWOOD STREET - NIGHT

    Ali finds Jack and tells him she was robbed.

    Ali Rose, Jack
  17. 17. INT. JACK'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

    Ali stays at Jack's apartment for the night.

    Ali Rose, Jack
  18. 18. INT. JACK'S APARTMENT - MORNING

    Ali and Jack have breakfast and discuss their personal lives.

    Ali Rose, Jack
  19. 19. INT. JACK'S APARTMENT - DAY

    Ali and Jack discuss their living situation and Ali's future after she is caught in the rain.

    Ali Rose, Jack
  20. 20. EXT. JACK'S APARTMENT - DAY

    Ali leaves the apartment and wanders in the rain.

    Ali Rose
  21. 21. INT. JACK'S APARTMENT - DAY

    Jack watches Ali from the window.

    Jack
  22. 22. EXT. BUS STOP - DAY

    Jack finds Ali at the bus stop and insists she return to his apartment.

    Ali Rose, Jack
  23. 23. INT. JACK'S APARTMENT - DAY

    Ali and Jack return to the apartment; Jack insists she stay.

    Ali Rose, Jack
  24. 24. INT. BURLESQUE LOUNGE - DAY

    Tess and Sean hold auditions for dancers.

    Tess, Sean, Coco, Georgia
  25. 25. EXT. BURLESQUE LOUNGE - DAY

    Ali and Jack arrive at the lounge.

    Ali Rose, Jack
  26. 26. INT. BURLESQUE LOUNGE - DAY

    Ali auditions for Tess and Sean.

    Tess, Ali Rose, Sean, Nikki, Coco, Georgia
  27. 27. INT. BURLESQUE LOUNGE - BACKSTAGE - DAY

    Sean gives Ali her costumes and instructions.

    Ali Rose, Sean
  28. 28. INT. BURLESQUE LOUNGE - NIGHT

    Ali performs in the show and improves over time.

    Tess, Ali Rose, Sean
  29. 29. INT. BURLESQUE LOUNGE - DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT

    Tess gives Ali advice on makeup.

    Tess, Ali Rose
  30. 30. INT. JACK'S APARTMENT - DAY

    Ali and Jack negotiate rent and living arrangements.

    Ali Rose, Jack
  31. 31. INT. BURLESQUE LOUNGE - NIGHT

    Tess performs and Nikki causes trouble.

    Tess, Ali Rose, Sean, Nikki, Marcus Gerber, Vince Scali
  32. 32. INT. BURLESQUE LOUNGE - BACKSTAGE - NIGHT

    The girls congratulate Ali after her performance; Tess promotes Ali to lead singer.

    Tess, Ali Rose, Sean, Nikki, Jack
  33. 33. INT. BURLESQUE LOUNGE - NIGHT

    Marcus approaches Ali at the bar; Tess watches suspiciously.

    Tess, Ali Rose, Jack, Marcus Gerber
  34. 34. INT. EMPTY BURLESQUE LOUNGE - NIGHT

    The group hangs out after hours; Jack and Ali share a moment.

    Ali Rose, Sean, Jack, Coco, Georgia
  35. 35. INT. BURLESQUE LOUNGE - NIGHT

    Ali performs a new song with a new look; Jack is impressed.

    Ali Rose, Jack
  36. 36. INT. BURLESQUE LOUNGE - BACKSTAGE - NIGHT

    Nikki insults Ali; Ali remains unfazed.

    Ali Rose, Nikki, Coco
  37. 37. INT. BURLESQUE LOUNGE - TESS'S OFFICE - NIGHT

    Marcus and Vince try to buy the club; Tess refuses.

    Tess, Sean, Marcus Gerber, Vince Scali
  38. 38. INT. JACK'S APARTMENT - LATE AFTERNOON

    Jack and Ali share an intimate moment interrupted by a phone call.

    Ali Rose, Jack
  39. 39. INT. MARCUS'S BENTLEY - NIGHT

    Marcus takes Ali to a party in the hills.

    Ali Rose, Marcus Gerber
  40. 40. EXT. MODERN HOUSE - HOLLYWOOD HILLS - NIGHT

    Marcus and Ali attend a party and share a view of the city.

    Ali Rose, Marcus Gerber
  41. 41. INT. BURLESQUE LOUNGE - ON STAGE - NIGHT

    Ali and the Burlesque Girls perform a dance number.

    Ali Rose, Tess, Sean, Nikki, Coco, Georgia
  42. 42. INT. JACK'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

    Ali returns home and talks to Jack about Marcus.

    Ali Rose, Jack
  43. 43. INT. JACK'S APARTMENT - DAY

    Jack and Ali argue about her lifestyle and Marcus.

    Ali Rose, Jack
  44. 44. INT. BURLESQUE LOUNGE - BACKSTAGE - AFTERNOON

    The girls react to Ali's newspaper feature.

    Ali Rose, Sean, Nikki, Coco
  45. 45. INT. BURLESQUE LOUNGE - NIGHT

    Ali meets Harold Saint.

    Ali Rose, Sean, Jack, Marcus Gerber, Harold Saint
  46. 46. EXT. BURLESQUE LOUNGE - PARKING LOT - NIGHT

    Tess and Nikki have a final confrontation.

    Tess, Nikki
  47. 47. INT. JACK'S APARTMENT - MORNING

    Jack and Ali argue about living arrangements.

    Ali Rose, Jack
  48. 48. EXT. SUNSET TOWER HOTEL - NIGHT

    Georgia's wedding reception.

    Tess, Ali Rose, Sean, Jack, Coco, Georgia
  49. 49. INT. JACK'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

    Jack and Ali return home and sleep together.

    Ali Rose, Jack
  50. 50. INT. JACK'S APARTMENT - DAY

    Natalie arrives and finds Jack and Ali in bed.

    Ali Rose, Jack
  51. 51. INT. Jack's Apartment - DAY

    Natalie confronts Jack and Ali about their affair, leading to a heated argument and Ali leaving.

    Tess, Ali Rose, Nikki, Jack
  52. 52. EXT. Sean's Apartment - MORNING

    Ali arrives at Sean's apartment and meets his roommate Mark.

    Ali Rose, Sean
  53. 53. INT. Sean's Kitchen - DAY

    Ali makes coffee and receives a call from Marcus.

    Ali Rose, Marcus Gerber
  54. 54. INT. Burlesque Lounge - DAY

    The girls perform a number on stage.

    Ali Rose, Nikki, Coco, Georgia, Eva Destruction
  55. 55. EXT. Sean's Apartment Stairwell - DAY

    Jack arrives looking for Ali, but she has already left with Marcus.

    Sean, Jack
  56. 56. INT. Marcus's House - AFTERNOON

    Marcus shows Ali the guest house and offers her a place to stay.

    Ali Rose, Marcus Gerber
  57. 57. INT. Marcus's House - MORNING

    Ali discovers Marcus's plans to tear down the Burlesque Lounge.

    Ali Rose, Marcus Gerber
  58. 58. INT. Burlesque Lounge - LATE AFTERNOON

    Jack performs a song with the staff before leaving for the airport.

    Tess, Sean, Jack
  59. 59. INT. Airport - NIGHT

    Ali catches Jack at the airport before he boards his flight.

    Ali Rose, Jack
  60. 60. INT. Burlesque Lounge - NIGHT

    Ali convinces Tess to fight for the lounge using air rights.

    Tess, Ali Rose
  61. 61. INT. Loft Building Sales Office - DAY

    Tess and Ali negotiate with Mr. Anderson to save the lounge.

    Tess, Ali Rose
  62. 62. INT. Burlesque Lounge - EVENING

    Tess buys out Vince and secures the future of the lounge.

    Tess, Ali Rose, Vince Scali
  63. 63. INT. Burlesque Lounge - NIGHT

    Ali and Tess share a heartfelt moment before Nikki returns to the club to ask for her job back.

    Tess, Ali Rose, Nikki
  64. 64. INT. Backstage Dressing Room - NIGHT

    Ali and Nikki share a moment of mutual respect while preparing for the show.

    Ali Rose, Nikki
  65. 65. INT. Burlesque Lounge - NIGHT

    The final performance featuring Ali and the company.

    Tess, Ali Rose, Sean, Nikki, Coco, Georgia

Dialogue examples

Huh. See, now that's interesting -- you and I must do math completely differently, cause me? I start with the six beers I brought you, add the four spills I cleaned up, the five times I refilled your peanuts, plus the three times you "accidentally" touched my ass, then I tack on lying to your wife when she called looking for you, twice, and I come up with a sum that's a hell of a lot more than twenty-five cents.

Ali Rose / Scene 4

Me neither. THANK GOD. Now get your cute little ass and big ole' voice up on stage, cause this is Burlesque, baby girl, where the women are always on top, and the men like it that way. Like I've always said --

Tess / Scene 63

And you expect me to dance behind a girl who struts in with a new pair of shoes she got for sleeping with Marcus Gerber?

Nikki / Scene 46

It's very simple. I buy you out and pay you a million off the top.

Marcus Gerber / Scene 37

There's only one reason a man buys a woman shoes, you know.

Jack / Scene 43

Tess, I've been singing and dancing my whole life and--

Ali Rose / Scene 26

Sean told me you're going to New York. Please don't go!

Ali Rose / Scene 59

Didn't your Mama tell you it's not polite to stare?

Nikki / Scene 11

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