Moulin Rouge!

At the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, 2020

I came to see this show for the set design & the costume design. The ticket cost is quite high, but still worth it for those two elements alone.

The set was dazzling & constantly changing. There must’ve been over 20 major set pieces changed in & out throughout the show. Lighting was superb, & only helped add to the mood of the show. It so easily changed from the whimsical night time scene during the song Heroes (post-Elephant Love Medley), to the grim & gloomy streets of Montmartre, as grief-stricken Christian recounted his past.

The costumes were immediately on display as a pre-show treat. “Performers” & “Attendees” of the Moulin Rouge! walked about, mingling with each other, & eyeing the incoming crowd of theatregoers. It was a mix of the most beautiful burlesque with some signature silhouettes of a Victorian France. I was in love.

The costumes only became more elegant & dazzling as the show went on. Satine must’ve had around 15 dress changes throughout, & each was more striking than before (something I didn’t think was even possible). Everyone was dressed beautifully & properly to fit their character & the times (with a few modern twists, of course).

We had a sub in for Harold Zidler, & unfortunately I was not impressed by him. We also had a sub for Satine, Ashley Loren, & she was absolutely phenomenal. The music shook & vibrated through the theatre for the entire show. Somehow, she belted louder than the music, & with a voice which showed equal range & emotions.

Aaron Tveit needs no introduction & was incredible/phenomenal/stupendous in his role as Christian. Him singing Roxanne, followed by Rolling In The Deep was the best part of the show for me.

All in all, this show is exactly how it has been billed: A true spectacular spectacle. Younger & older theatregoers enjoyed it equally. The music was relatable & recognizable to all. The dancing was high intensity & fun. I could go on for another few days about the set & costumes. It’s a fun, one of a kind show. If you’re thinking about seeing it, I recommend you do. You’ll love your time at the Moulin Rouge!