Klook.com

When Paris Meets Melbourne: Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Regent Theatre

When Paris Meets Melbourne: Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Regent Theatre
The main reason why I dream of visiting Paris is not because of the famous Eiffel Tower, or Disneyland Paris. But primarily because I would like to visit the famous cabaret in the 19th century – the Moulin Rouge Paris.

And who would forget how the hopeless romantic, the American writer Christian made us feel loved like the sparking diamond Satine, the ultimately tragic lead courtesan in the glitzy glam, and yet dark world of Paris.

I watched the movie for million times feeding my romantic, and emphatic soul. And I can’t remember how many times I cried like a baby. It was charming and magical, making me wish to visit the famous cabaret even once in my life.

I know that one day, my dream will turn into reality. My patience might be longer than The Great Wall.
Last month, I wouldn’t guess that will I realized my dream when I experienced the glimpse of Paris right here in Melbourne on Boxing Day!



Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Regent Theatre

After 20-years of releasing Moulin Rouge (movie) in 2001 starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor as star-crossed lovers Satine and Christian in 1900 Paris, the Moulin Rouge The Musical was born!

Quite ironic, the musical is about a woman dying of a transmissible disease (tuberculosis that hit the early era) but doggedly determined that “the show must go on” now seems central in a way Baz Luhrmann couldn’t have conceived when he shot the film on which this stage adaptation is based. Fans of the 2001 film will find much that is similar – a couple of scenes, in particular, feel so reminiscent of Luhrmann’s cinematic vision the effect is uncanny – but also much that is surprising and new. There are even elements that surpass the original, in spectacle and emotional heft.

And while international travel is still a challenge for many of us (despite the fact that many of us are double vax) bringing Moulin Rouge The Musical to Australia is such an amazing experience, a great Christmas present I would never forget. 

Moulin Rouge! The Musical premieres at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre on 12th November 2021, just in time when Melbourne reopened. It was the best occasion to celebrate after isolation to our normal lifestyle. 

Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Regent Theatre
Patrons jammed the Regent Theatre entrance, patiently checking in and flashing their double-vaccination status, masks in place. More than a few remarked (including myself) on how odd it was to be back in a crowd, and I’m excited seeing the crowds give support to the show.  




The Regent Theatre in Melbourne

Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Regent Theatre
Melbourne’s Regent Theatre is the perfect location to host the spectacular Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Built in 1929 as a grand picture palace (closed down in 1970 until it was restored and reopened in 1996), The Regent Theater is an important landmark that holds a key part in Melbourne history. 

Having survived a fire, a flood, twenty years in darkness, and many threats of demolition to turn the magnificent theatre into a car park or tabaret, the venue reopened in August 1996 meticulously refurbished and returned to its breathtaking former glory.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Regent Theatre


Today it stands more lavish and grander than ever. With seating for up to 2,145 patrons over two levels, it is one of the most magnificent auditoriums complete with original chandeliers, bespoke original features, luxurious seating with plenty of legroom, and a beautiful proscenium.





Moulin Rouge! The Musical is Majestic, Marvelous, Magical, and Mesmerizing

Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Regent Theatre

From the moment you enter the Regent's auditorium, you will be transported to the Moulin Rouge. Derek McLane's Tony Award-winning, exquisitely sumptuous scenic design, decadently lit by Justin Townsend's Tony Award-winning lighting design, is alone worth the ticket price, even before the show begins! It then just keeps getting better and better throughout the evening with the Regent's stage continually transforming between the inside and outside of the Moulin Rouge in 19th century bohemian Montmartre, as well other areas of Paris. Catherine Zuber's Tony Award-winning costumes are deliciously camp, smolderingly tempting, and just simply stunning. They reference late 19th-century Parisian style while also paying homage to current pop, cabaret, and burlesque.

But inside there was a mood to party. The opening notes of Lady Marmalade drew whoops from an audience that was here to forget the last year and a half and be transported to an absinthe-dream Paris of top hats, fishnets, and contemporary pop song mashups
.
With over 70 songs, including new additions from Adele, Katy Perry, Sia, The Rolling Stones, Beyonce, Rihanna, including Britney Spears (except Bruno Mars, who said no to use his material), Justin Levine's musical supervision, arrangement, additional lyrics, and Tony Award-winning orchestrations, with Katie Kresek, Charlie Rosen and Matt Stine, will bring a constant smile to your face. Just when you think you can predict what is coming next in the score, they will pleasantly surprise you.

You can listen to the Moulin Rouge Musical playlist, available on YouTube Channel





The Signature Mighty Blue Elephant 

Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Regent Theatre

This huge blue elephant in the room will never escape your attention. The 220-kilogram blue foam elephant – a replica of a stucco elephant that stood in the back garden of the original Moulin Rouge nightclub in Paris, about 17-feet [5.1 meters] tall, so it’s actually taller than a real elephant,” says scenic designer Derek McLane. “Everything was made in Australia, basically, except the elephant, we had made in the US and literally put on a ship and sent over here.”


Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Regent Theatre
Australian production company Global Creatures has scored a record-breaking number of Tony Award nominations after the stage adaptation of Moulin Rouge picked up 14 nods overnight.


Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Regent Theatre
I couldn’t this beautiful moment alone, thanks to my loving husband who booked the tickets in advance, even the schedules are packed, and found good seats for us with a perfect view of the stage. 


Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Regent Theatre

It’s easy to be distracted by all the ruffles, fishnets, sequins, and feather headdresses (reported over 200 costumes in total); all the razzle-dazzle presented for our visual pleasure by designer Catherine Zuber, and lit up or silhouetted by the pyrotechnic mastery of Justin Townsend, but occasionally, moments of quiet intensity remind us there is heart here beneath the style, like the moment when Christian woos Satine with a rendition of Elton John’s ‘Your Song’.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Regent Theatre

But Moulin Rouge! is more interested in showcasing the big score numbers; it wants to entertain you above all else (‘the show must go on!’) so even though, for instance, the ending of the story itself is not exactly happy, the concluding notes to wrap it up reprise the start of the show: pure sugar-hits and high kicks, which feels like a betrayal of what really is a tragic tale.





But still, there’s colour, movement, and song aplenty and if you want a diverting and escapist couple of hours, then Moulin Rouge! will deliver with a bright red bow.




“But the show always, always, always goes on!” the actor Simon Burke, who plays impresario Harold Ziegler, shouted to the rafters.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Regent Theatre

Moulin Rouge! The Musical is currently playing at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne until 29th April 2022 and is a night out that you will not want to miss!


For more information and to purchase tickets visit moulinrougemusical.com/australia





Share this:

29 comments :

  1. I just LOVE Moulin Rouge and I am so jealous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was so beautiful! My next goal is to watch Phantom of the Opera in Sydney!

      Delete
  2. Wow! It looks like such a great show! Sounds like you had a lot of fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, even my husband who isn't fan of theater performance is very impressed with the whole production.

      Delete
  3. looks amazing and way more fancy than in actual Moulin Rouge. You look so happy in Regent theater, I would surely enjoy my time in there as well if I has a chance

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It feels like going in a different world! It is spectacular!

      Delete
  4. The theatre looks so grand. It's nice to see people going to the theatres again. Congratulations on your semi-fulfilled dream happening right in Melbourne.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When I'm able to travel to Paris, definitely I will go straight to Moulin Rouge!

      Delete
  5. I have a friend who choreographs musicals in Perth. Her most recent work was with Priscilla, the Queen of the desert. I didn't know you have that many theatres in Australia! Here in Manila, it's just in Manila or Cebu (but it's a smaller audience and less shows), but there seems to be an abundance of shows in Australia. I'm envious -- especially at the fact that you get to watch shows nowadays when our theatre companies are still closed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Australia have big theaters in each cities, and small theaters in most of the towns. It is part of the Australian culture, and they are very active in such kind of activities. I am learning their ways!

      Delete
  6. Wish I can watch these LIVE! Surely magical as I love Moulin Rouge *envy here :)Thanks for sharing with wonderful photos!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can say that it is better than the movie! Listening to the mix of Adele, Beyonce, and Britney Spears songs are spectacular!

      Delete
  7. wow! I hope i can watch this too. I really like musical theater. the image got me excited.

    ReplyDelete
  8. OH MY GOODNESS! Moulin Rouge is one of my favorite musical film along with Burlesque and huhuhu I would definitely die if I'm there. I AM A FAN! OMG! By looking at your photos, I bet being here live and the entire show is probably much better than the movie. <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I cried many times! Good thing I was wearing a face mask coz that will be embarrassing.

      Delete
  9. this looks soo fun! i want to see a colorful musical like this one day <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was breathtaking and the music sets are so fabulous!

      Delete
  10. Wow, I envy that you got to see this in person. It's one of my favorite musical film.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My hubby surprised me with the tickets as Christmas gift. He knows me well :)

      Delete
  11. I wish Ive seen this too. But I enjoyed looking at your photos too and watching the short clips. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  12. The blue elephant! Looking up the soundtrack today.

    ReplyDelete
  13. It's been such a long time since we've been to a show. I miss it!

    ReplyDelete
  14. This is interesting, I've never been to a musical show or even seen one haha. I would love to watch one or maybe attend a musical show.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, you will definitely enjoy it! This May, I am eyeing for the Cinderella Musical here in Melbourne.

      Delete
  15. Hhhhmmmm....alright then! I hadn't heard or seen this musical before! It's got my full attention now, Blair! Thanks for sharing about it.

    ReplyDelete
  16. That is so so cool! I love moulin rouge but never really seen it, only seen the movie. Amazing

    ReplyDelete
  17. i hope some day i am able to visit Paris and Melbourne, those place are nice to place for vacation.

    ReplyDelete

DISCLAIMER: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any partner brands/company(s), beauty & lifestyle brands, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities, unless specified.
 
Copyright © For Urban Women - Awarded Top 100 Urban Blog / Fashion, Lifestyle and Travel. Designed by OddThemes