From “Lady Marmalade” to Lady Gaga, “Moulin Rouge!” resurrects turn of 20th century glamour

Moulin Rouge Photos provided by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade

If the gargantuan, double Oscar-winning movie edition of “Moulin Rouge!” proved anything in 2001, it was the glitz, glamour and razzle dazzle from the turn of the 20th century never really went out of style.

Two decades later, after several pandemic-related pauses, that passion is perhaps even more apparent, as evidenced by “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” taking home a whopping ten Tony Awards, including “Best Musical.”

Chicago audiences finally get their shot to see what’s prompted so many sellouts with the tour at the James M. Nederlander Theatre through May 14, and moments after the curtain rose for the official opening (also COVID-delayed due to “some breakthrough cases in the principal company”), it was apparent this dazzling production flourished on every level.

Moulin RougeThat’s because Baz Luhrmann’s fabulous film, starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, is now a three dimensional delight, carried by Courtney Reed as Satine and Conor Ryan as Christian, who fall into a dramatic love affair of Shakespearean proportions, accompanied by a zesty ensemble of singers and dancers in the Bohemian style.

The musical does a terrific job mirroring the movie’s depiction of Paris’ actual Moulin Rouge nightclub, but actually blends the original soundtrack with more recent updates, condensing more than a century of cabaret material into a mega mash-up.

That means everything from “Lady Marmalade” as a show-starting must, to a post-intermission interpretation of Lady Gaga, plus a lengthy list of pop star shout-outs, including Elton John, Beyoncé, Adele, Britney Spears, Pink and Rihanna.

No matter the originator, the diverse cast consistently conveys themes of truth, beauty, freedom and love, all while transporting the audience into the jubilant state of mind that can only come from a visit to the world-famous landmark.

Brassy, splashy, big budget bonanzas aren’t exactly commonplace at the moment, but between being such an anomaly and absolute knockout when it comes to entertainment, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” could easily be retooled to run forever.


“Moulin Rouge” continues at the James M. Nederlander Theatre through Saturday, May 14. For additional details, visit MoulinRougeMusical.com and BroadwayInChicago.com.