Why You Should See ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’ at the Marcus Center
Christian Douglas & Gabrielle McClinton in the North American Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical; photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade
Love, debauchery, sex, poverty, addiction, illness, control, power, manipulation and self determination – all elements of Baz Luhrmann’s sexy Moulin Rouge! that was adapted for the stage and is now showing as a part of the Marcus Performing Arts Center’s “Broadway at the Marcus” program.
Though the story seems like a natural fit for the stage, Moulin Rouge! was first a movie that premiered at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival to critical praise and a litany of award nominations. The film captured a very interesting intersection of the audience. History buffs, musical theater enthusiasts, harlequins, romantics, drama lovers, francophiles and more rallied around this story, resulting in the very rare box office smash and cult classic movie.
The plot was fictional, but the place was very real – the Moulin Rouge theater still exists and operates in Paris. While it’s now a popular spot for tourists to see cancan dancers, in 1889 the theater was just coming together. Founders Joseph Oller and Charles Zidler wanted to create a place for the wealthy to come and “slum it” in an artists district. That scrappy, poor but eager setting was the background of Luhrmann’s new story.
Seventeen years after the premiere of the film, Luhrmann, alongside co-writer Craig Pearce, opened Moulin Rouge! The Musical. It won 10 Tony Awards, including its highest honor, best new musical. As a part of the Marcus Performing Arts Center’s “Broadway at the Marcus Center” programming, Moulin Rouge! The Musical opened in Milwaukee on May 14.
The cast of the North American Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical; photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade
The story follows Satine (Gabrielle McClinton), the lead dancer at the Moulin Rouge who traded her life at the brothel for a life of entertainment. The failing theater was in desperate need of some funding, and owner of the Moulin Rouge Harold Zidler (Robert Petkoff) may just know how to secure some cash.
The Duke of Monroth (Andrew Brewer) is visiting the theater, and offers to purchase the Moulin Rouge. It meant that he got control of the theater, and those who operate it. It also meant that he was “buying” the love of Satine, the lead dancer. However, Satine’s in love with another man, Christian (Christian Douglas), a traveling performer new to Paris. The two embark on a secret love affair that promises to be their undoing. Chaos, betrayal and star-crossed love unfolds in an emotional final act.
For those familiar with the movie, the plot is told through the adaptation of anachronist, modern songs (this kind of film is called a “jukebox musical”) including The Police’s Roxanne, Marilyn Monroe’s Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend, and T. Rex’s Children of the Revolution. The musical takes this concept and multiples it, with nearly 50 modern songs cut and combined to explain the plot of the story.
This approach is a bit of a double-edged sword. On one side, it’s a fun homage to the movie and is fun for the audience to dance or sing along. On the other hand, it makes the plot a little less clear, especially in the first half when most of the exposition is in the form of a pop song. If you’re not familiar with the story, the songs may make it difficult to understand the dynamics of the characters on stage.
It wasn’t until the second half where the song usage seemed more intentional. Like the movie, the songs in the second half were altered in some way (for example, Roxanne was turned into a tango) which makes more sense for the story and setting. Though that may not matter if you’re just ready to enjoy a stellar performance.
Gabrielle McClinton (center) and the cast of the North American Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical; photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade
The ensemble cast was incredible. Solos and duets from supporting characters including Nini (Sarah Bowden) Santiago (Danny Burgos) and Toulouse-Lautrec (Nick Rashad Burroughs) were scene stealers, adding a lot of context and emotion to the fast-moving musical. The dancers, performing throughout the play, impressively bended, twisted and dipped throughout.
Performances from the love triangle including McClinton, Brewer and Douglas were also strong, and especially emotional during the end of the story. One of the great benefits of the “Broadway at the Marcus Center” program is that you can expect to witness a world-class performance by professionals who have dedicated their lives to the craft, and this show is certainly no expectation.
Another benefit is the set design, offering incredible works of art that are often not feasible for local productions. The Moulin Rouge! The Musical set was striking. It featured layers of hearts framed around the stage, neon lights, a giant elephant and a beautiful “view” of Paris. Set designer Derek McLane worked with Luhrmann to create this multifaceted set that allowed this story to come to life on the stage, which is especially important in a story named after the location.
My only suggestion before embarking on this whirlwind of a musical is to familiarize yourself with the story of Moulin Rouge! if you don’t already know it. Understanding the background will help you just sit back and enjoy the incredible performance without relying too heavily on the songs to put the pieces together.
Harper Miles, Sarah Bowden, Nicci Claspell & Max Heitmann in the North American Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical; photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade
Be warned (and excited) this is a sexy performance. From the pre-performance dancers and burlesque performers to the racy outfits and suggestive dancing: the sex appeal is all a part of the story of Moulin Rouge, and exists in spades during this performance.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical runs through May 26 at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. Tickets can be purchased online.
