Truth Beauty Freedom Love (Broadway in Louisville)
Feb 23
4 min read
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Moulin Rouge! The Musical! Book by John Logan Directed by Alex Timbers
Based on the 2001 Twentieth Century Studios motion picture written by Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pierce, directed by Baz Luhrmann A review by Beth Beck
Entire contents are copyright © 2025 Beth Beck. All rights reserved.
WELCOME to the Moulin Rouge!
“No matter your sins, you’re welcome here.” This captivating introduction pulls you into a world of what if’s, could have’s, could be’s, and should’ve been’s. Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a living breathing piece of art that moves with the times alongside you through music, dance, and human connection.
The underlying stories are consistent and sympathetically identifiable. Each portrayal of this love tale ropes audience members into a warm albeit necessary chilling embrace. You fall in love over and over again with the story, the familiarity, and the music that helps you heal and grow over time. Moulin Rouge, in considerable opposition to other mainstream musicals, adapts and grows with you.
One attendee, Arden Green, stated, “I think it’s kind of unique that it included everything that can make a story great - humor, romance, drama, compelling characters, excellent music, and amazing talent from every actor on the stage.” She continued, “The lead actors had amazing singing voices. Christian sounded just like Aaron Tveit!”
“What more could you ask for?” she exclaimed. The only response to her inquisition I could think of embodies the vibe of Moulin Rouge itself: “More. Always more. But what’s enough?”
This climactic and ever-changing art is the theatrical epitome of the metaphorical dragon we all chase when we first fall in love. Whether your love lies in the close ties with Christian and Satine’s formidable love affair or a creative dream you wish to sleep longer for, Moulin Rouge offers solace and understanding.
“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in turn” may perhaps be one of my favorite quotes of all time that this masterpiece gifts to us in a new light. Originally written by Nat King Cole, quotes like this make up the love affair we watch develop on stage. Somewhere between passion and abuse, there is a razor-thin relatable cocktail medley.
I was also gifted with the opportunity to watch this new Broadway adaptation at the same time as my niece. While she was there with friends, I later learned that she had sat in the orchestra section just above me. This is relevant in that it is a perfect example of how people can be tied together through theater. When she was little, we used to sing some of the newer songs incorporated into this musical.
I like to imagine that each audience member in attendance felt tied to each other on some empathetic level in a similar fashion. I hope that she doesn’t mind that I am putting down in words “how wonderful life is…” but I can hear her reading this now while singing alongside the performers in response, “Shut up and dance with me!”
After the show, her friend Baylee Sprouse enthusiastically stated that it was an amazing show that “left her jaw on the floor.” She noted, “All the actors did a great job of portraying emotion.”
Another attendee said, “The number of trust falls I saw was insane!” This notion notably amplifies the trust and love put into the musical that was equally bestowed upon the crowd. The acting itself was spectacular but throw in the precision of lighting and sound cues and there you have it: a masterpiece.
Have you ever heard that you’re a particular type of learner? “Visual, kinesthetic, social, logical, auditory” ring a bell? Well I suppose there’s something for everyone at the Moulin Rouge! Credit where credit is due, this musical would have been good enough with the main story line and a few ensemble numbers. That being said, the ensemble and production crew truly made the show in my opinion.
Each dance number, sudden silence, and sway of the spotlights was poetically placed. The production crew did the show justice. The cabaret costume pieces were exquisite and told a story all on their own. Trust me, come see this show and you’ll understand.
One attendee, Amy Haertzen, stated, “The ending sequence truly rounded out the entirety of Christian’s performance.” She continued, “As my daughter would say using modern terminology, the actors and actresses - synonymous with how Moulin Rouge adapts with the times - ‘ate it, no crumbs, SLAY.’”
Moulin Rouge changes with the times to incorporate new theatrical/musical numbers and songs while simultaneously paying homage to previous adaptations. As far as theatre goes, this piece of art tells the same tale but moves with, for, and through you.
My recommendation: read the book, look up prior adaptations, watch the movie, and get your tickets before the show sells out! You won’t regret it as you’re giving yourself the gift of friendship by choosing to grow up with Moulin Rouge! The Musical.
Moulin Rouge The Musical
PNC Broadway in Louisville
February 18-March 2
Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts
Whitney Hall
501 W. Main St.
Louisville, KY 40202
