Kristen Bell Cast as Christina Aguilera's Rival in 'Burlesque'

© David Gabber/PR Photos

Kristen Bell will sing and dance to get her spotlight back in "Burlesque". The latest news related to the actress best known for her title role in TV series "Veronica Mars" unraveled that she has signed on to join the cast of the musical drama for Screen Gems, and is set to star as the rival of Christina Aguilera's character.

The 29-year-old will portray a character named Nikki, who is described to be a loose-cannon lead dancer and main attraction at a neo-burlesque club who spirals out of control when Aguilera's small town girl character suddenly gets the spotlight. She is expected to join the production when principal photography begins November 9.

Directed by Steve Antin, "Burlesque" centers on the journey of an ambitious small-town girl with a big-town voice. She finds love and success in a Los Angeles neo-burlesque club, reminiscent of the nightclub in Bob Fosse's "Cabaret". Cher plays the nightclub owner, and Stanley Tucci takes on the role of a man who helps turn Aguilera's from bumpkin to bombshell. It is set to open wide in theaters across the U.S. on November 24, 2010.

Making her big break from small screen, Kristen Bell has appeared in a number of feature films. "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "Fanboys" are among them. This coming Friday, October 9, she will be seen in theaters, portraying Cynthia Davis in "Couples Retreat". Her other movies awaiting for release include "Astro Boy" and "When in Rome".