- MOULIN ROUGE! – THE MUSICAL
- Music Hall – Kansas City, Missouri
- July 29, 2024
An unforgettable experience!
After more reviews of theatrical productions than I dare to count, I can say unequivocally that the current Broadway touring production of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” is one of the best I have ever witnessed. Currently running at the Music Hall in downtown Kansas City, “Moulin Rouge!” has everything you would expect from a production that was once the recipient of 13 Tony nominations and 10 Tony awards including Best Musical. Based upon the Oscar nominated 2001 film by director Baz Luhrmann, starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, “Moulin Rouge!” is simply a show you will never forget.
Inspired by the nearly 135-year-old Moulin Rouge club in Paris, France, the musical is set in the year 1899 when an aspiring songwriter named Christian (Christian Douglas) arrives from Ohio. He encounters a pair of Bohemians in Toulouse-Lautrec (Nick Rashad Burroughs) and Santiago (Danny Burgos) who, after recognizing his talent, convince the young American to go to the Moulin Rouge with them. There, they hope he can audition a song in front of Satine (Gabrielle McClinton), the star performer and most sought-after courtesan at Moulin Rouge. The trio believes if she is impressed then it will increase their chances to get it approved by its charismatic manager, Harold Zidler (Robert Petkoff). However, when the ruthless Duke of Monroth (Andrew Brewer) enters the picture with deep pockets then the trio’s plan and love affair that sprouts between Christian and Satine becomes a bit complicated.
“Moulin Rouge!” is nothing less than bedazzling with its superb set design, not to mention its wonderful costumes. Its choreography is thoroughly entertaining as well with music that will encourage to hum or sing along. Like what Luhrmann did with the original movie, “Moulin Rouge!” interweaves pop music songs, including ones released since 2001, to create a unique theatrical experience. It also goes without saying how incredibly talented the show’s cast is. Douglas and McClinton shared terrific onstage chemistry with one another, and the cast clearly had a good time performing the show. If you are going to see just one Broadway show in your lifetime then “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” must be the one.
On a scale of zero to five, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” receives ★★★★★
“Moulin Rouge! The Musical” will run through August 4 at the Music Hall in Kansas City, Missouri. For ticket information, click HERE.