Ever the sparkling diamond, worldwide blockbuster Moulin Rouge! The Musical makes a triumphant and extremely welcome “victory lap” of Melbourne. 

Returning in killer form, the spectacular spectacular maintains its peak form with a couple of excellent cast additions and a full company of triple threats at their most threatening. 

Having recouped its investment and won the Best Musical Tony Award, Moulin Rouge! The Musical can only be described as a certified gold-plated hit. Easily the most spectacular production to ever fill the cavernous Regent Theatre, the full-to-bursting jukebox musical is basically guaranteed to dazzle and delight. 

Achieving the best kind of success as a stage-to-screen adaptation, the musical extends and enhances 2001 movie hit Moulin Rouge in every possible way. Now established as a fabulous piece of entertainment in its own right, the musical artfully juggles show-stopping numbers with breathless romance and heartfelt melodrama.

The success of the musical derives from the top flight Broadway creative team. John Logan’s economical book establishes a passionate love triangle and perilous financial dilemma in swift neat strokes. Music supervisor, orchestrator and arranger Justin Levine magically melds 70+ iconic pop songs into totally infectious mashups and medleys. 

Broadway’s most creative director, Alex Timbers acts as ringmaster and raconteur, balancing the spectacle of Derek McLane’s grand scenic design, Catherine Zuber’s eye-popping costume design, and Justin Townsend’s luscious lighting design with a set of flesh and blood characters that underpin the theatricality with true emotional stakes. 

Endlessly inventive and superbly performed, Sonya Tateh’s extraordinary choreography is a highlight in its own right. Tateh’s work reaches its zenith in a fantastical act two sequence on a bare stage as Christian sings “Roxanne” while the ensemble dance a nightmarish dream ballet. 

Full credit to resident director Jennifer Sarah Dean, resident musical director Matthew Carey, and resident choreographer Travis Khan for keeping Moulin Rouge! The Musical in such tight, commanding shape. 

Leading duo Alinta Chidzey and Des Flanagan return, the heady romance of Satine and Christian blessed by the pair’s individual charisma and abundant romantic chemistry. 

Simon Burke continues as adorably camp impresario Harold Zidler, readily balancing vibrant humour with moments of tenderness and of tension. Tall, dark and devilishly handsome, James Bryers is a terrific addition as the Duke of Monroth, providing a hiss-worthy villainous spoiler to the central romance. 

Another excellent addition to the cast is Bert LaBonté as noble artiste Toulouse-Lautrec. LaBonté grounds the role with warmth and seasoned maturity, contrasting the statesman’s physical vulnerability with unshakeable emotional strength. 

Ryan Gonzalez returns as impassioned Argentinian Santiago, setting off sparks with Samatha Dodemaide as Moulin Rouge stalwart Nini.  

The full ensemble cast gives the performance everything they have, singing up a storm and dancing like human dynamos. Company numbers are nothing short of spectacular, from the extended opening sequence to the act two rehearsal sequence and on to the encore, the brilliant wattage of the performers easily eclipses even the brightest stage lights.

The original Melbourne season of Moulin Rouge! The Musical sold out in advance four months before closing. Do not miss out on a ticket this time.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical plays at Regent Theatre, Melbourne. For tickets, click here.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical will host a very special Spectacular Sing-Along Performance on Tuesday 21st November 2023 at 7:00pm. For tickets, click here. 

Man in Chair reviewed the original Broadway production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

Man in Chair reviewed the original Australian production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

Photos: #1,2,4,5,6,7 Michelle Grace Hunder; #3 Daniel Boud