Moulin Rouge! The Musical Reviews

Stephen Silver from Boston, Massachusetts

MOULIN ROUGE OPENING NIGHT EMERSON COLONIAL THEATER

After much anticipation I finally attended the opening night of Moulin Rouge at the Emerson Colonial Theater in Boston. Before the show even started cast members dressed in Victorian costumes milled about the stage and catwalk extending out into the theater's seats drawing the audience into the atmosphere of the stunning Moulin Rouge cabaret set. Once the show began we were immediately pulled into the world of Moulin Rouge by the superb acting/singing/dancing and energy of the performers. Before the audience knew it they were all clapping along to the wonderful music. Aaron Tveit and Karen Olivo were both wonderful reprising the movie roles originally held down by Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman, with significantly better singer in my opinion. The ensemble cast were also so talented with wonderful singing and dancing throughout. Some songs from the original movie were updated with more current songs but still all wonderful. I highly recommend this production before it goes to NY.

JENNIFER from Boston, Massachusetts

MOULIN ROUGE

THE BEST MUSICAL I HAVE EVER SEEN....THIS WILL SWEEP THE TONY AWARDS...GET YOUR TCKETS NOW!!!!! THE STAGE DESIGN, SETS, COSTUMES, VOICES, DANCING ARE ALL UNBELIEVABLE.

Erin from Boston, Massachusetts

GREAT NIGHT OUT

Fantastic supporting characters, amazing scenery, and good energy but I have to say Satine, despite her amazing voice, never drew me in and I felt there was lack of chemistry between Christian and Satine. So that was a bit of a disappointment for me. A better chosen Satine could have made the show phenomenal for me. A strongly trained dancer that was statuesque like the"real" Satine would have improved it for me. As for the theater our seats were fantastic on the bottom floor. It seemed the seats directly under the sage appeared uncomfortable and they had to look directly up to see the show which seemed awkward. The first free rows of the "fixed" seats appeared perfect.

Forrest Milder from Boston, Massachusetts

GREAT FIRST ACT; DISAPPOINTING SECOND

I was wowed at the first act keeping the movie’s feel. I didn’t mind the song changes; I liked the one liner going back and forth. I was very impressed with the opening number, and also when they pitch the new show to the Duke. Amazing number of costume changes. Interesting to not have the Duke be a dolt, like he is in the movie. Arguably, the musical’s Duke is the Devil, and the characters are selling their souls. The second act was a let-down. It was all sadness and none of the movie's grandeur. There’s no way that they could have elephants, etc. on stage for the show within a show, but this was still a disappointment. One of my favorite movie scenes is when she tells him off, and he walks through the audience and then they start singing to each other and he comes back. I thought that their handling of that scene in the musical, with just the two of them on stage, was a major disappointment. The theater looks gorgeous, but Dress Circle rows don't have enough leg room.

LH from Boston, Massachusetts

GREAT SHOW, LESS GREAT AUDIENCE

So much fun! Great set, great costumes, such a strong cast. Tveit, ZIddler and Lautrec were stand outs. The second act was definitely weaker than the first. The show looses its momentum thru a series of slower numbers. While it is picked up somewhat by a high energy bows sequence, I feel the second act needs a midway upbeat number to keep the energy from dropping while still preserving the emotional strength. By far the most distracting part was the audience. I went to a night performance, I would recommend going to a matinee. I was seated next to a man who was uh- let's just say in an enhanced state of mind- and spent the whole second act laughing while crying distractingly loudly. Most other people were a bit boozed but still the overall audience vibe was high energy and fun through the first act, but as the show lost some energy, the audience vibe became less fun as well. Again, bows saved things somewhat and I think retooling the second act would fix this issue too

Arthur Grau from Boston, Massachusetts

EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE - WISHED FOR MORE SOCIAL CONTEXT

Moulin Rouge is beautifully produced and excellently performed. Every artist has given their all. I felt completely engaged in each performance and story. At the same time I feel like the writers are missing an opportunity to make valuable social commentary through the art. While the subtext of the movie may not be designed to draw out social issues, the stage is a unique platform that can adapt to the social challenges of the day. The producers are missing an opportunity here to create something not only beautiful, but deeply socially relevant to our age.

Melanie from Atlanta, GA

BEAUTIFUL ADAPTATION!

This show is equally beautiful and exhilarating! The sets, scene changes, and costumes were absolutely spectacular and the vocals and choreography were stunning. Just know that it is not a carbon copy of the movie. Much of the iconic music has been "updated" and my two favorite numbers - "One Day I'll Fly Away" and the hysterical version of "Like a Virgin" didn't make the cut. I am still mourning those losses! Overall, very well done and I would highly recommend. The Emerson Colonial theater is the perfect size and place for this production.

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