Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Courtesy of Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman. Used with permission,
It is no wonder that “Moulin Rouge, The Musical, “the 2018 jukebox musical based on the hit 2001 film, won ten awards at the 74th Tony Award® ceremonies and why renowned theatre critic John Simon said, “This is a show to make the young feel mature, and the old blissfully young again.” Based on what I witnessed Tuesday at the Broadway in Indianapolis presentation of the North American Tour production. at the Murat Theatre at Old National Center, the show has not lost one iota of its original gleam.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Courtesy of Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman. Used with permission,
“Moulin Rouge!” is directed by Tony Award® winner Alex Timbers and with a book by Tony Award® winner John Logan, choreography by Tony Award® winner Sonya Tayeh and music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Tony Award® winner Justin Levine.
The story takes place at the turn of the 20th century, and set in the Montmartre Quarter of Paris, France, during the Belle Epoque. “Moulin Rouge,” relates the story of Christian, a young composer, who falls in love with cabaret actor Satine, who is the club’s star. The venue is a world of splendor and romance, of over-the-top excess, of glitz, and grandeur. It is a place where Bohemians and aristocrats mix and soak up the spectacular atmosphere.
Similar to the film, the musical’s score weaves together original songs with popular music, including songs that have been composed in the 17 years since the film’s debut. The score includes such tunes as “Diamonds are Forever,” “Brick House,” Material Girl,” “Wanna Dance with Me,” “Gimme Shelter,” “Nature Boy,” “Chandelier,” “Bad Romance” “Lady Marmalade,” “Roxanne” and many others. Each time a recognizable song began, many in the audience responded with audible delight and I observed that some also sang along or simply mouthed the lyrics.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Courtesy of Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman. Used with permission,
As far as the company — leads Rianna Rosario (Saltine) and Christian Douglas (Christian) turned in exceptional dramatic, vocal and dancing performances and showed chemistry as, respectively, the Moulin Rouge star and the composer she falls in love with.
Also superb were all of those in supporting roles which featured Robert Petkoff (Harold Zidler), Nick Rassad Burroughs (Toulouse Lautrec), Andrew Brewer (The Duke of Monroth), AK Naderer (Nini) and Danny Burgos (Santiago). Also contributing excellence to the top-notch cast was a chorus of triple threat performers who sparkled as they executed choreographer Tayeh’s spectacular choreography.
Finally, the show’s astonishing sets, costumes, and lighting were of the caliber one would expect from a Broadway show created by a dream team of designers. Adding to the show’s top notch entertainment value was the ten-piece orchestra, led by conductor Wendy Feaver.
Tickets for “Moulin Rouge, The Musical” are available by calling 1-800-982-2787 or online at BroadwayinIndianapolis.com.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Courtesy of Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman. Used with permission,
