By Joanie Cox-Henry
A breathtaking celebration of love, music, and theatrical extravagance arrives in West Palm Beach!
When the famed red windmill lights up and Harold Zidler welcomes audiences to the Moulin Rouge, prepare to be transported to a world of unparalleled theatrical magic. The North American Tour of the 10-time Tony Award-winning Moulin Rouge! The Musical has finally arrived at West Palm Beach's Kravis Center for a limited engagement through March 30, and it's a feast for the senses that shouldn't be missed.
Based on Baz Luhrmann's revolutionary 2001 film, this stage adaptation honors the original while creating something entirely fresh and electrifying. As Luhrmann himself describes in his letter to Broadway audiences, the musical has found "a new life that is exciting and vital for this audience in this time." That vitality explodes from the stage from the opening number through the final bow.
I had personally been waiting five years to see this extravaganza on stage! When the film version hit the big screen 24 years ago, my bohemian writer, musician, poet's heart was in a state of ecstasy. The bohemian credo of living for "Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love" is one that has remained with me all of my life. Embracing authenticity, finding joy in beauty, pursuing freedom, and cherishing love is what it's always been about.
The production immerses audiences in the decadent world of turn-of-the-century Paris, where the bohemian ideals of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Love reign supreme. At the heart of the story is the passionate but ill-fated romance between Scottish poet Christian (played with earnest charm by Jay Armstrong Johnson) and the Moulin Rouge's sparkling diamond, Satine (the mesmerizing Arianna Rosario). Their chemistry is palpable, particularly during the crowd-pleasing "Elephant Love Medley" that weaves together beloved love songs in the mashup style that has become the show's signature.
Robert Petkoff delivers a tour-de-force performance as the larger-than-life Harold Zidler, proprietor of the Moulin Rouge, while Andrew Brewer brings menacing intensity to the Duke of Monroth. The talented ensemble breathes vibrant life into Sonya Tayeh's Tony Award-winning choreography, perfectly capturing the bohemian spirit and sensuality of the Moulin Rouge.
Derek McLane's scenic design is nothing short of spectacular, with the iconic red windmill and massive blue elephant overlooking a stage dripping with crystal chandeliers and velvet. Catherine Zuber's costumes dazzle with their intricate detailing and bold color palette, transporting viewers to the height of Belle Époque opulence.
But perhaps most impressive is the musical arrangement by Justin Levine, which takes the film's innovative jukebox approach to new heights. The production features over 70 songs spanning 160 years of music, from classic standards to contemporary hits by artists like Adele, Katy Perry, Beyoncé, and Rihanna. Each familiar melody is cleverly interwoven into a tapestry of sound that feels both nostalgic and thrillingly new. It's thrilling to hear a few bars of beloved tunes by iconic bands such as The Police, Talking Heads and so many others.
Director Alex Timbers has created a perfect balance of spectacle and heart. As Luhrmann noted, the stage production finds ways to "ground the story more" and discover "psychological depth" while maintaining the movie's epic theatrical elements. The result is a show that delivers both emotional resonance and jaw-dropping visual splendor.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is more than just a Broadway touring production—it's an extravaganza that reminds us why we fell in love with musical theater in the first place. For audiences seeking an escape into a world of passionate romance, stunning visuals, and unforgettable music, the windmill is spinning at Kravis Center, and its red glow beckons irresistibly. Moulin Rouge! The Musical is not only the decadent escape we all need right now but the prophetic reminder: "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is playing at the Kravis Center through March 30, 2025. Don't miss your chance to experience this spectacular theatrical event.
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