Playbill UniverseWhat Did Critics Think of World Premiere of Moulin Rouge! Musical?The stage adaptation of the Baz Luhrmann film, starring Karen Olivo and Aaron Tveit, marks the reopening of Boston’s historic Colonial Theatre.
By
Andrew Gans
August 05, 2018
The highly anticipated stage adaptation of Moulin Rouge! celebrated its official opening at Boston's Emerson Colonial Theatre August 3. The world-premiere engagement began preview performances July 10, marking the reopening of the historic venue.
Karen Olivo
Matthew Murphy
The production, directed by Alex Timbers, was initially scheduled to begin June 27; however, a construction issue involving the theatre’s above-stage steel grid delayed the start of the run. Performances are scheduled through August 19; a Broadway bow is expected to follow.
Critics have begun filing their reviews, which can be read below. Check back for updates.
John Logan penned the book for the musical, which—like the film—features original songs (including the Golden Globe-nominated “Come What May”) and pop standards. New to the score are songs released in the 17 years since the film’s premiere.
Taking center stage are Aaron Tveit as Christian and Tony winner Karen Olivo as Satine—the roles originated on screen in the 2001 film by Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman.
The cast also includes six-time Tony nominee Danny Burstein as Harold Zidler, Tony and Olivier nominee Sahr Ngaujah as Toulouse-Lautrec, Tam Mutu as the Duke of Monroth, Ricky Rojas as Santiago, and Robyn Hurder as Nini.
Rounding out the company are ensemble members Jacqueline Arnold, Olutayo Bosede, Kyle Brown, Sam Cahn, Joe Carroll, Max Clayton, Natalie Cortez, Jennifer Florentino, Paloma Garcia-Lee, Bahiyah Hibah, Ericka Hunter, Holly James, Reed Luplau, Jeigh Madjus, Daniel Maldonado, Morgan Marcell, Brandt Martinez, Jodi McFadden, Kevyn Morrow, Fred Odgaard, Dylan Paul, Khori Petinaud, Benjamin Rivera, and Connor Wince.
The production features choreography by Sonya Tayeh, sets by Derek McLane, costumes by Catherine Zuber, lighting design by Justin Townsend, sound design by Peter Hylenski, and wig and hair design by David Brian Brown.
Moulin Rouge! marks the return of a tradition of Broadway shows playing out-of-town tryout engagements at the Colonial, which served as the birthplace of such musicals as Anything Goes, Annie Get Your Gun, and Follies. In September 2015, Emerson College announced it would close the historic venue, with potential plans for its future including converting it into a dining hall (this proposal was later scrapped). The U.K.-based Ambassador Theatre Group announced its acquisition of the theatre last year.
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Meet the Cast of the Moulin Rouge! Musical
Meet the Cast of the Moulin Rouge! Musical
The full cast is set for the stage adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film, beginning in Boston June 27.
