The Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in Edmonton has been transformed into a heart-shaped beacon of bohemian revelry, hosting the spectacular touring production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical until January 18. Presented by Broadway Across Canada, this stage adaptation of Baz Luhrmann's iconic 2001 film delivers a fun and emotionally charged experience that lives up to its extravagant reputation.
A Spectacular Visual and Musical Feast
From the moment the curtain rises, the audience is immersed in the opulent, lace-trimmed world of Paris's most famous cabaret. The set, a Tony Award-winning design by Derek McLane, evokes a lavish Valentine's box, setting the stage for a story of love, art, and sacrifice. The explosive opening, featuring a rainbow of petticoats from the iconic can-can dancers, immediately establishes the show's high-energy, visually stunning pedigree.
The production, which won 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical after its 2019 Broadway debut, is a masterclass in theatrical excess. Director Alex Timbers faithfully channels Luhrmann's vision, which itself drew inspiration from the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice and Puccini's La Bohème. The enormous cast moves with precision and gusto through the streets of Montmartre and the interior of the club, supported by Catherine Zuber's Tony-winning Belle Epoque costumes and Sonya Tayeh's thrillingly diverse choreography.
Love, Lust, and Lady Gaga: The Story Unfolds
The classic tale follows Christian (Ryan Vasquez), an American songwriter who arrives in Paris seeking fortune. He is quickly swept into the world of the Moulin Rouge by artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (Kevyn Morrow) and the charismatic Santiago (Danny Burgos). The club's star, the courtesan Satine (Gabriela Carrillo), faces a dire situation: battling consumption while being pressured by the owner, Harold Zidler (Bobby Daye), to seduce the wealthy Duke of Monroth (Andrew Brewer) to save the venue from bankruptcy.
A case of mistaken identity throws Satine and Christian together, sparking an immediate and forbidden romance. Carrillo delivers a performance of surprising verve and nimbleness, while Vasquez captures the idealistic passion of the young writer. The supporting cast, including Morrow's soulful Toulouse-Lautrec and Daye's comically reliable Zidler, provides depth and humour to the narrative.
The Power of the Jukebox Formula
As a jukebox musical, Moulin Rouge! excels by weaving a canon of pop anthems into its storyline. The score is a clever, crowd-pleasing mix of syrupy love ballads and raunchy party starters, from a vibrant rendition of "Lady Marmalade" to poignant moments set to Elton John's "Your Song." The script itself uses recognizable lyrics from artists like Beyoncé, Adele, and Lady Gaga as dialogue, creating a playful and familiar connection with the audience.
Perhaps one of the most poignant musical moments comes when Toulouse-Lautrec encourages Christian with a heartfelt performance of "Nature Boy," the Eden Ahbez classic made famous by Nat King Cole. This blend of modern pop and timeless standards underscores the universal and enduring nature of the story's themes of love and artistic struggle.
Running roughly two and a half hours with an intermission, the show is a relentless sensory experience. It represents a triumphant return for the production, which was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and resurrected in 2021, now continuing to draw crowds on Broadway, in London's West End, and on tour across North America.
For Edmonton audiences, Moulin Rouge! The Musical offers a chance to witness Broadway-level spectacle without leaving the city. It is a romantic, energetic, and visually breathtaking romp that proves why this particular story of truth, beauty, freedom, and love continues to captivate audiences around the world.
