Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Exploding with energy, glamour, and passion, Moulin Rouge! is a wild ride from start to finish. This adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film is told in a jukebox style, combining the original plot with modern, smash hits. Originally premiering in 2018, Moulin Rouge! has won 10 Tony Awards and continues to stun audiences which each production. 

Set in the Montmarte district of Paris in 1899, Moulin Rouge! tells the story of a scandalous love affair between an ambitious young composer, Christian, and the enchanting Satine, top star of the Moulin Rouge cabaret. When they meet at the nightclub, they are immediately drawn to each other and fall in love. However, their romance is threatened by the club’s overzealous owner Harold and the Duke of Monroth, a rich club attendee who thinks his money can buy him anything; including Satine herself.

This version of the story is filled with top music hits, which not only electrifies the stage, but brings both humor and familiarity to members of the audience. By hearing beloved songs sung by top-class performers, audiences will be more drawn into the story itself through trying to connect the lyrics with the plot. Songs such as “Lady Marmalade”, “What’s Love Got to Do with It”, “Shut Up and Dance”, “Rolling in the Deep”, “Chandelier”, “Roxanne”, and many more are balanced against music from Luhrmann himself, such as “El Tango De Roxanne” and “Le Tango Du Moulin Rouge”. A special shoutout is more than deserved to Christian Douglas (Christian) for his performances throughout the musical, but especially his rendition of “Roxanne”, which is teeming with the desperation of a man doomed in love. Gabrielle McClinton (Satine), Nick Rashad Burroughs (Toulouse-Lautrec), and Amar Atkins (Harold), dazzled in their performances, as did the entire ensemble and other smaller characters. Each song and dance was made even better by the incredible sound and sets, with many performances happening in front of a gorgeous background of a Parisian night. Derek McLane (Scenic Design), Catherine Zuber (Costume Design), and Andrew Graham (Orchestra Conductor) did above and beyond in their roles, creating a truly memorable production of such an iconic tale. 

Indulge your desires and spend a night in a gorgeously debauched Paris full of artists & bohemians, in a stunning production you’ll never forget. Sit back and watch as the tale unfolds, a production full of glitter, romance, laugh out loud moments, and the freedom that comes with truth. 

Highly Recommended 

Reviewed by Emilie Giardina 

This production is playing July 9-21, 2024, at Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, WI. Overture Center is located at 201 State St., Madison, WI 53703. 

Tickets can be purchased online through https://www.overture.org or by calling the box office at 608-258-4141.