Moulin Rouge: The Musical brings the magic back to NSW theatre

As Moulin Rouge: The Musical hits theatres in Sydney, it’s easy to see you can really feel how far the show has developed since the film came out in 2001.

The energy and thrill of Moulin Rouge! The Musical is contagious. And any theatrical production that sees confident women in lingerie, boldly and provocatively dancing with made up men just as confident in the same lingerie, is worthy of any stage.

The pride in the faces of the stars of Moulin Rouge! is there for all to see.

Based on the celebrated Baz Luhrmann film, the musical has arrived at the Capitol Theatre after a Covid-impacted stint in Melbourne, and like all around me, it left this theatregoer in awe.

Because you can really feel how far the show has developed since the film was released in 2001.

One of the four Lady Marmalades is a male — Christopher J. Scalzo is fabulous as BabyDoll — and all are glorious.

Moulin Rouge cast members RUVA, Samatha Dodemaide, Olivia Vasquez and Christopher J Scalzo. Picture: Richard Dobson

Huge talents and huge voices deliver a musical feat for producers who had the enormous task of arranging licensing deals for each of the 70 songs featured, some of which only have a line or two, but join together seamlessly.

And what a triumph the music is.

You want to sing along with every song.

Feet tap beneath every seat, unable to control themselves among legends ranging from musical masters Elton John to Adele, Beyonce and everyone in between.

But standing out against the glitz of the incredible set, Alinta Chidzey truly steals the show as the “sparkling diamond” courtesan Satine.

Des Flanagan stars opposite her as Christian and really grows into his role in the second act when their love affair comes to a head.

Des Flanagan (as Christian) and Alinta Chidzey (as Satine) ahead of the Sydney season of Moulin Rouge. Picture: Richard Dobson

Simon Burke is formidable as club impresario Harold Zidler, trying to woo Andrew Cook as the shallow and unlikeable Duke for his financial contribution to the show, something he uses to control Satine.

Music, theatrics and romance aside, perhaps one of other feats of the show is the fact that there are seats built around the stage as if part of the real Moulin Rouge in Paris, and watching the audience’s faces as barely-clothed dancers twist and twirl around their heads provides a whole other source of entertainment in itself.

It’s easy to see why Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a 10-time Tony Award winner that has kept audiences flocking to theatres on Broadway and in the West End.

The musical mash-ups are clever, talents are clearly on display and the storyline is captivating.

It’s a joyous experience even despite the fragility of a tragic ending, and you can’t help but leave with a smile on your face, toes still tapping.

MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL: 4/5 stars