Because you can can can: Review and theatre-going tips for Moulin Rouge!

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."

- Christian, Moulin Rouge

What did Erin think?

I might get some flack for this, but I'm not a huge fan of Moulin Rouge the movie. There are things I admire about it, and in general I like Baz Luhrmann and his film style, but for some reason the movie just failed to win me over.

So why did I buy a ticket for the new musical? (It certainly wasn't easy and it certainly wasn't cheap.)

Two words: Aaron Tveit.

Happily, where the movie failed to impress, the musical bowled me over.

For one thing, this cast is dynamite. As Christian, Aaron Tveit's acting is flawless--from the moment he lifts his arms to start the opening number, to his final bow at the end. He and Karen Olivo (Satine) are a stage couple for the ages, and both can sing absolutely anything. Of course, Danny Burstein, as Harold Zidler, always commands any stage he appears on, and the rest of the ensemble are likewise wonderful.

Karen Olivo and Aaron Tveit

For another thing, the stagecraft of this musical, directed by Alex Timbers, is pure magic. Everything--set changes, costumes, choreography (by the ingenious Sonya Tayeh), lighting, and orchestrations are all perfectly attuned to create the most jaw-dropping spectacle possible. The show's aesthetic blends turn-of-the-century can-can dresses with a Met Gala vibe--and the only place that could actually work is at the Moulin Rouge.

For example, Satine makes her first appearance on that famous glittering swing, as Nicole Kidman does in the movie. But watching this on a screen is one thing; watching Karen Olivo descend from the ceiling and break into song while perched on a diamond-studded swing in mid-air is quite another.

Many of the movie's fanciful scenes seem meant for the stage, such as the love songs sequence (Aaron Tveit hanging off the Eiffel Tower with an umbrella a la Singing in the Rain was never something I knew I needed). Another kicker is the absinthe scene: awash with glowing green accents and dramatic lighting.

It's a show full of glamorous, sparkling fireworks (metaphorical and literal)--all calculated to dazzle. I didn't cry over the tragic love story; I cried during the opening number because it was so splendid.

Moulin Rouge has been adapted and updated for the stage, incorporating new pop songs and an altered script (the book is by John Logan), though the main characters and core of the story are still the same. In my opinion, these changes improve the story: making for more complex and compelling characters, smoother scenes, and greater emotional appeal.

I'm a little fatigued with the current movie-to-stage trend dominating Broadway, but Moulin Rouge is the exception: a movie that practically begs to be made into a stage musical and that succeeds much more completely on stage than it did on screen. If at this late hour you can score a ticket to what may be the hottest show currently on Broadway, get yourself down to the Moulin Rouge ASAP. I don't think you'll regret it.

Look. At. This. Set.

How can I get cheap tickets?

Um... pray? Seriously, tickets are notoriously pricey. If you've got money, it's probably worth it. If you don't, there is a lottery. I haven't heard anything about a rush policy.

Where should I sit?

So I sat in the "cheap" seats (and by cheap I mean they'd be expensive seats for most other shows), and had a fine view. There are cabaret seats down by the stage but I can't even imagine how much those cost. I'd say you're probably fine anywhere that's not a partial view seat. You're going to want to see the whole stage.

How long is it?

Two hours and 35 minutes with one intermission.

What else do I need to know?

If you've never seen the movie, you may not know that this is the ultimate jukebox musical. The score is adapted from pre-existing pop songs, with a catalog that includes Elton John and Katy Perry. If you think that sounds lame, you're in the same boat that I was before I watched Aaron Tveit and Karen Olivo blow the top off just about every song that's ever been sung.

Is is appropriate for all ages?

It's actually surprisingly tame, especially compared to the movie. There's no nudity and very little swearing. Then again, the whole premise is that Satine is a courtesan who's engaged by a wealthy duke but is at the same time having an illicit affair with the impoverished artist Christian, so your kids might have questions. Also, there's absinthe. I'd say it's PG-13.

Where's the stagedoor and who comes out?

The stagedoor is to the right of the entrance, by the big iron gate. There will be a crowd there so you shouldn't have trouble finding it. I went to a matinee performance and only two actors came out afterward. One was the girl that played Nini and the other was an ensemble member. They were both very nice.

Your obedient servant,

EJK