Kristen Bell will star as Christina Aguilera’s rival in “Burlesque,” Screen Gems’ musical drama being directed by Steve Antin.

“Burlesque” centers on the journey of an ambitious small-town girl (Aguilera) with a big-town voice who finds love and success in a Los Angeles neo-burlesque club, reminiscent of the nightclub in Bob Fosse’s “Cabaret.” (Aguilera has guested in cabarets for the Pussycat Dolls.)

Bell will play Nikki, the loose-cannon lead dancer and main attraction at the club who spirals out of control when Aguilera’s character suddenly gets the spotlight.

Already cast are Cher as the nightclub owner and Stanley Tucci as the man who helps turn Aguilera from bumpkin to bombshell.

Shooting begins Nov. 9 with a release aimed for Thanksgiving 2010.

Screen Gems senior vp production Scott Strauss will oversee the project.

Source: Hollywood Reporter