“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.”

Moulin Rouge The Musical has finally made it’s dazzling return to Melbourne, and everyones invited. Fans of the movie (or the Puccini Opera La Boheme, which inspired it) will be familiar with the shows story. Young naive songwriter Christian from Ohio arrives in Paris, Is caught up in the Bohemian movement and falls in love with the star of the Moulin Rouge, Satine. The love though reciprocated is difficult as Satine must court the rich Duke of Monroth so that he’ll save the Moulin Rouge from financial ruin.

It would be remiss of me to start this review without mentioning the phenomenal set designed by Derek McLane (it’s quite something to behold and reveals more and more detail the longer you look at it) From the moment you enter the theatre, the scene is set. You are now in Paris most exciting burlesque club, the Moulin Rouge, with red velvet drapes and chandeliers leaping out from the stage, a red windmill and a humongous blue elephant. It is worth taking your seat early to take this all in and not to mention the pre show entertainment as well.

The ensemble of this show is one of the most talented and hard working I’ve ever seen. The intense and dynamic choreography throughout the show was created by Sonya Tayeh, and this group work seamlessly to bring it to life. Catherine Zuber’s glittering, extravagant costumes set the scene beautifully.

The rest of the cast certainly do not disappoint and are more than worth their weight in diamonds. The Duke James Bryers gives exactly the kind of strangely alluring, soft-goth creep vibe you would want your single friends to steer well clear of. Simon Burke’s Harold Zilder was an absolute show stopper with many sassy one liners. It would appear the role was almost written for him. Bert Labonte and Ryan Gonzalez worked sensationally together as Toulouse-Lautrec and Santiago, It was a delight to watch them do what they do best. Alinta Chidzey as Satine sings like the true star she is, making a breathtaking entrance on a trapeze. That she can evoke emotional fragility from a Katy Perry song is impressive too. Des Flanagan as Christian shines with tortured grace supported by a voice that is as pristine as the Crystal studded gown Satine wears. Both main leads are stunning to watch and listen to.

For the amazing visuals and opening act alone, you’ll be can-can kicking yourself if you miss Moulin Rouge The Musical.

For tickets or more information visit moulinrougemusical.com

x Steph