The enchanting Broadway tour of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” has made its debut in San Diego, captivating audiences with its vibrant sets and spectacular performances.
Featuring a stunning, heart-shaped dance hall designed by Tony Award winner Derek McLane, the production immerses viewers in the brooding streets of 1899 Paris where the story unfolds.
Acclaimed for winning the Tony Award for Best Musical, this production is based on Baz Luhrmann’s acclaimed film and offers an array of visual and auditory delights.
Adding to the visual feast are the intricate costumes created by Catherine Zuber, alongside meticulously crafted wig and hair designs by David Brian Brown.
The talented ensemble showcases a whirlwind of choreography, transforming from corseted cabaret dancers to sultry tango performers and high-kicking cancans in a series of rapid costume changes.
It’s reported that women in the chorus wear four wigs each and switch them multiple times throughout the performance, creating a backstage environment that likely demands its own choreography.
Musically, the show pulls from a rich tapestry of pop classics spanning the last 150 years.
The updated soundtrack includes hits from contemporary artists such as Adele, Katy Perry, Sia, and Lady Gaga, alongside timeless songs from legends like Elton John, Marilyn Monroe, Mick Jagger, and David Bowie.
Cast members discussed the complex negotiations involved in securing the rights to each song, which sometimes led to precise timing of 15 or 30 seconds for certain tracks in the show.
The creation of the varied choral arrangements by music supervisor Justin Levine mirrors the rich a cappella trends prevalent in the same era of music.
Accompanying the sentimental soundtrack is mesmerizing choreography from Sonya Tayeh, invoking the spirit of the original Moulin Rouge and its iconic French cancan dance style.
The show opens with the ensemble dazzling the audience by kicking above their heads and performing splits, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
In the midst of such visual exuberance, the acting and singing prowess of the principal cast shine brightly.
Arianna Rosario delivers a haunting performance as the tragic Satine, while Andrew Brewer depicts the menacing Duke of Monroth, showcasing his aristocratic power over struggling artists in the cabaret.
Jay Armstrong Johnson portrays the idealistic American songwriter Christian, while Robert Petkoff takes on the role of the charming Moulin Rouge manager Harold Zidler.
Jahi Kearse captivates the audience with a powerful solo as playwright Toulouse-Latrec, and Danny Burgos leaves a memorable impression as Santiago amidst a talented cast of dancers.
Even with limited lines, cabaret dancers Nini (Kaitlin Mesh) and Baby Doll (Rodney Thompson) deliver some of the most poignant moments in a narrative examining the contrasting themes of bohemian ideals—truth, beauty, freedom, and love—against the stark realities of poverty.
The tour of ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’ will be gracing San Diego through July 6, with additional performances scheduled over the holiday weekend.
image source from：timesofsandiego
