The gorgeously decadent Hollywood Pantages Theater is the perfect setting for the wonderfully over the top “Moulin Rouge, The Musical,” now playing through September 4th. With creative consultants, Baz Lurman and Catherine Martin, who are known for excess and a $28 million dollar budget it would be easy to overload this production with too much of everything but masterful Director, Alex Timbers manages to keep the show firmly in the land of abundance and away from indulgence. Tickets are on sale now.
Courtney Reed as Satine in the North American Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade
Entering the theater the audience is invited to surrender to the night as performers silently stalk the stage, ambient music plays and lighting seduces. A massive, sculptured circus elephant (Satine’s quarters) and a large red windmill, a nod to the shows title, flank the stage. The story is simple, a riff on La Boheme. It’s 1899 and Christian, a naïve American, has come to Paris to seek his fortune as a songwriter. He falls in with the Bohemians who take him to the Moulin Rouge to pedal his songs to the captivating star, Satine. They meet and fall deeply in love but alas, she has been promised to the Duke of Monroth, in exchange for his support of the failing theater. The lovers meet clandestinely, danger from the Duke lurks around every corner but it is Satine who holds the deepest secret.
The cast of the North American Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade
The opening set, a pop-up Valentine tunnel of hearts, is an ode to decadence, sex and love, all of which reside at the Moulin Rouge. Every curtain, drop and set, as designed by Derek McClane is more breathtaking than the next. The drop depicting Parisian life in the style of Lautrec and Degas is a work of art in of itself. Every set change, and there were many, was reason enough to see this show but when coupled with the glorious lighting design by Justin Townsend and the luscious costumes by Catherine Zuber, the stage becomes a feast for the eyes. All three deservedly won Tony awards for their work on this show.
Conor Ryan as Christian and Courtney Reed as Satine in the North American Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade
Moving from one musical montage to the next, we are catapulted from the 50’s, “Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend,” into the future in a fast and furious mash-up of tunes that carry the story along to its satisfying end. The music, ingeniously puzzled together by Justin Levine, jumps from old standards, “Love Is A Many Splendored Thing” to contemporary tunes, Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” in a head spinning, humorous take on this jukebox opera. The book by John Logan, serves to move the story along with pathos and humor, all well played by the terrific cast.
Gabe MartÍnez as Santiago and Libby Lloyd as Nini in the North American Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade
Conor Ryan as Christian brings a boyish naiveté to the part of Satine’s lover. He can act, is goofily funny and he can sing. His voice is pure and powerful with tremendous range. Ryan though, tends to bend his knees and crouch down when expressing emotion, which can become distracting. Well matched however, to Courtney Reed’s, Satine, the beautiful Moulin Rouge star, they set the house on fire with their knockout vocals. Though Reed does not have the physical presence expected of a Parisian chanteuse she carries the show with aplomb and stamina. Delightfully comedic, Austin Durant as the club owner happily entices the audience with “No matter your sin, you are welcome here.” Into this mix comes the Duke of Monroth, a sexy beast brought to life by David Harris. The Bohemians, Toulouse Lautrec, the scene stealing Andre Ward and his pal, Santiago, a comically blustering Gabe Martinez, round out the primary cast. Acquitting themselves well in supporting roles are Nicci Claspell, Harper Miles, Courtney Reed, Sharrrod Williams and especially Libby Lloyd as Satine’s true friend.
Adéa Michelle Sessoms and Jennifer Wolfe in the North American Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade
Act I begins with a bang as the cast hits the stage for a medley of outrageous tunes that begins and ends with “Lady Marmalade” and a lot of confetti. Sonya Tayeh’s rousing choreography perfectly matches the exuberance of the music throughout the show. Some of the dancing felt congested as if the stage could not contain the performers, and indeed in the Broadway Theater production, there is a passerelle and satellite stages, which much improves the spacing. Still, Tayeh and her fully committed ensemble manage to bring energy, humor, sex and even love into every move. The first Act moves along well but bogs down slightly as it is laden with medley after medley. Like cotton candy, beautiful to look at, sweet to taste but one bite too many and your senses rebel.
The cast of the North American Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical – Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade
Act II is more successful as we feel the full weight of the lover’s emotional connection. Opening with a smashing dance sequence we are carried through to the dramatic end. Here Christian sings Adele’s “Rolling In The Deep” with wrenching sincerity and wondrous vocals. When joined by Satine’s luminous voice this duo holds the audience in rapt attention.
With more than 70 tunes winding through this frothy extravaganza, it’s impossible not to mention the fantastic pit orchestra led by Conductor/Keyboardist, Andrew Graham and the impeccable Sound Design by Peter Hylenski.
In the hands of Director Alex Timbers, the show flows effortlessly; the transitions are smooth as silk and all involved are allowed to give their best. It is not surprising that “Moulin Rouge, The Musical,” won 10 Tony Awards in its season.
Once the show begins, hold onto your hat, jump on the train and enjoy the exhilarating ride. “Belle Epoch” is alive and well at the Pantages.
To learn more about the Hollywood Pantages Theater and to purchase tickets, please visit their website.
Written by Tam Warner for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Moulin Rouge Art – Courtesy of the Pantages
