I went to see Moulin Rouge on Broadway this week. I know that many people (including my friend Jen who accompanied me) adore this show. My point of view may vary from yours, but remember, my blog posts are just my opinion 😀.
What’s Moulin Rouge about?
The owner of a failing cabaret offers the affections (read: body and soul) of his starlet, Satine, to a wealthy English Duke in exchange for financial support. Satine, meanwhile, falls in love with Christian, a struggling composer who is working with some friends to create a play.
NOTE: Before I begin my review, I must state that although I did see the movie when it came out, I have no memory of it what-so-ever (yeah…I’m OLD!). I have no clue how closely the Broadway production resembles the film.
Positive Thoughts:
- From the moment you enter the theater, you feel as though you have stepped into a Parisian night club. The set is visually stunning and includes a working windmill and giant elephant. Very sexy dancers are on stage setting the mood as the audience is seated.
- The entire production is a Vegas-like extravaganza. The staging and lighting are dazzling!
- There is a swing that descends from the ceiling, confetti and even fireworks! WOW! A fortune of money was obviously spent here!
- Speaking of fortunes, how did they get the rights to use so many songs? Over 70 popular songs from the last 60 years or so are in this production! Artists sampled range from David Bowie and The Rolling Stones to Madonna and Whitney Houston to Katy Perry and Lady Gaga
- The costumes are amazing. Vibrant textiles representing the full spectrum of the rainbow complete with glitz and sparkle are a treat for the eyes.
- Aaron Tveit (Christian) is absolutely adorable and I love listening to him sing!
- During our performance, Amber Ardolino plays the leading lady, Satine. Her voice is excellent and she did a great job in this demanding role.
Negative thoughts:
- The entire show (not the show within the show) appeared to be a farce. I found the moments that (I think) were meant to be solemn and touching to be hilarious. This feeling was especially strong during the love song medley of Act 1. It was goofy and cartoonish and seemed like the characters were just making fun of love scenes in general (if that is indeed the purpose, they did a fabulous job, but I don’t think that is the intent).
- Although I love almost every song in the show, I often felt the placement within the dialogue wasn’t well thought out. I frequently found myself rolling my eyes.
- Also, I did not like many of the new arrangements of songs (especially Roxanne by The Police), and I felt that some of the musical “mashups” were reminiscent of a bad episode of Glee, especially “Dancing At The Duke”, which matched Whitney Houston with Walk the Moon and Pink.
- Although the theater is beautiful to look at, it is not very comfortable to sit in. It is super tight and seems like they squeezed in several extra rows of seats.
- The ladies’ bathroom has many stalls (which is so nice!), but it is in desperate need of a renovation and cleaning!
- I found the accents of Tolouse-Lautrec and his sidekick inconsistent and distracting.
- The show is 2 hours and 40 minutes (including intermission). I think at least 40 of those minutes could be shaved from the second act which (aside from the awesome musical number “Bad Romance”) really dragged for me.
Is this show for kids?
Nope. Although there are many aspects that kids would enjoy, the risqué storyline, dancing and costumes are completely inappropriate for young children, IMHO.
Summary
Although I had some issues with it, I found Moulin Rouge on Broadway very entertaining. If you are looking for an evening of fun, this dazzling spectacle is for you.
