While I totally agree that the emotional connection is missing, I wouldn’t blame young grad Christian too much. I saw the Aussie version and felt the exact same thing, and I think a lot comes down to some of the changes made is Satine’s character (hear me out). In the movie she teases the Duke but never gives in and sleeps with him. Not only do we get to see her cunning and charming to do so, but it shows that she really isn’t ok with the kind of transaction relationship he wants. In the musical (at least the Oz version) it’s heavily implied they sleep together their first meeting. Nothing wrong with that, sex work is real work. But when she has no problem with this transactional relationship and Christian does, he becomes just as possessive and jealous as the duke. Especially because she’s doing it all to showcase his songs and save her friends. At least on the movie she had her own motivation of becoming a ‘real actress’. He comes across as petulant and whining. I also agree that while some of the medleys (backstage romance) were amazing, some of the songs were just…awful. Making Satine’s dramatic ‘I want’ song firework was horrendous and definitely got a few unfortunate giggles from the audience.
I saw it on Broadway during previews and it was phenomenal, I felt so immersed in it and Aaron, Karen, Danny and the rest of the cast were incredible, was shook by Backstage Romance as had no idea what songs were in the musical
I was lucky enough to see Moulin Rouge in Chicago with the USA touring company. The production and cast were stellar. I loved the whole thing. I was pulled in from the moment I entered the theater. I saw it twice.
I watched last Monday and would agree with most of what you have said however I did have the understudy Satine and she was incredible, it may have also been the 2 bottles of wine we had but I was in tears at the end. I am in the camp that the film is a massive influence on me and I have a special love for it and I felt the show delivered a lot…I did also dislike the shoehorned songs as it made the audience laugh when I felt that wasn’t the intention at that point! But overall I bloody loved it. It really is SPECTACULAR! The weakest element for me was sadly Christian, but I feel like he improved a lot!
I just saw the US Touring production and I thought it was a 5 Star Show with a 5 Star Cast especially the role of Christian played by Conor Ryan. Wow that guy had charisma and a voice to match. It was Spectacular Spectacular! I thought it was a throwback to the big shows of the Eighties.
I'm pleased that you addressed the issue of young voices in leading roles. It seems to be a trend and young voices often don't have as you said the vocal stamina. The vocal structure simply isn't developed enough.
My issue was that the songs chosen for the film were obviously chosen for how they fit the story and they were integral to how the story was told, I haven't got a problem with them adding or changing songs, but it just seemed like they chose crowd-pleaser songs first and then tried to shoehorn them in.
I've watched a lot of interviews about the creation of the show and they said sometimes they even looked at a song and changed some of the lyrics or flipped it around, so I'd say they really thought the music out. I actually liked how they chose modern songs, for example Shut Up And Raise Your Glass immediately tells the viewer that Satine is Christian's destiny, while being a fun song everybody can sing along to, that actually ties to the story. But hey, from what I've noticed, everybody feels different about the music choices.
It's interesting that Baz Luhrman wanted the rights to Cat Steven's Father and Son for the beginning of the film, and had everything written and stage directed around it. But Cat Stevens refused because of the reputation of the Moulin Rouge Paris as a place of debauchery, so the beginning was entirely different. I wonder how many other songs were scrapped for various reasons...
@@DeeFightingDreamer yeah this is a good point. But I also think for me moulin rouge is more of a romantic tragedy than a fun singalong type show. It depends what you wanted/were expecting from the stage version I guess. I definitely had fun, but I wanted to be sad and moved by it, rather than clapping along, you know?
I saw the show this afternoon. And i agree with all of your thoughts on the show. I had no emotional connection to the leads, which should be the heart of the show. Everthing else with the show is top notch.
Pretty fair summary of it. Its definately a visual treat, the dressing of the auditorium, the sets, and the lighting are all incredible. Loved the energy of the opening, Clive Carters Ziddler was great, but was underwhelmed by a lot of the rest. A lot of the vocals were a bit meh. The male lead reminded me a bit of the male lead in Cinderalla, not experienced enough for the role. Found the number of songs they'd squeeze into a medley a bit much at times. Loved the dancing and lighting on the tango number. Backstage Romance was great, liked the little references to A Chorus Line they snuck in. The show will do well, people that come to the west end once or twice a year, the west end coach trippers and the hen parties will make a bee-line for it. It's still a fun night out.
It’s funny you mention the love story in the musical because i always felt like I was the only one who felt this about the movie. I thought she did fall in love with him but for him he didn’t realise it was pure infatuation. I love the movie but I had just accepted that was the dynamic, so I don’t notice it so much as a difference in the stage show personally. I can see how people who did see the connection originally would feel though
If you want to watch staged moulin rouge and actually cry, try and see Conor Ryan and Courtney Reed. Their chemistry was so good everyone around me was bawling during many parts in the musical. They both got two standing ovations from the crowd. Like honestly if you wanna to give this musical a chance see the touring cast they are phenomenal
I traveled from the UK to NYC especially to see this show on Broadway a few weeks after it opened with the full original Broadway cast, and my thoughts were pretty much the same. Visually it was spectacular, but the medley's got way too much and were inappropriate for the tone of the scene at times, and emotionally it all fell a bit flat. I am a fan of the movie and felt that they kind of missed the point a little in terms of the plot and the whole thing just really lacked substance. I've always thought it's just a badly written show rather than poor performances, and if the issues are the same on the West End then it confirms it. It's fun, but that's the extent of it.
Same! I was there the week broadway closed. I felt no emotional conection. And I wanted to like it so much. Like Mikey said, there was points that were wonderful, but as a whole, I couldn't wait for it to end before the end of the first act. The beginning of the second act was a highlight, but after that...
Yes I saw the show in Melbourne (Australia) at Christmas, and it's not the performers, it's the casting and direction that insist it falls flat. Zero chemistry between the leads, in fact they just weren't likeable. The ending was so depressing, it was like they had to throw a 5 minute wall of upbeat music at you so you walk out the theatre without wanting to commit suicide.
Yesss, I saw the version in Chicago and it was just so painfully tongue in cheek with the updated song add ins. Some of them worked but alot were hey, see what we did there, did you see it, funny huh?
I agree that Elephant love Medley is a bit hyperactive but I would also say the songs towards the end of it are more powerful and should have gone on longer
Saw the Sydney (Australian) production last night and totally agree. This musical hangs solely on spectacle. Razzle dazzle 'em with Bazza-ma-tazz extravagance and hopefully they'll forget all about substance, a believable storyline and the chemistry between the main characters. I much prefer the film version. So glad I won $30 lottery tickets to see this and didn't pay top dollar, otherwise I'd be HUGELY disappointed and asking for a refund. It's hard to believe that Moulin Rouge! won Best New Musical at the 2021 Tony Awards over Jagged Little Pill and Tina Turner The Musical. Jagged Little Pill was utterly brilliant and far more deserving of the award.
The movie is one of my favourite films of all time. Saw the first like half hour of a bootleg in CZcams and was like... eh, whatever. Will probably still go to see it when it opens in my country later this year.
Saw this on NYE and loved the spectacle. But I agree with you it lacked the emotional connection needed to make it 5 star. A fun night out though. Would love to win the programme 😍 #MickeyJoGiveaway
I actually got the chance to see this and I was sitting in the circle above and there was cages on each side of the seating and they had performers dancing in them as well at the beginning
The national touring production of Moulin Rouge is now in San Francisco for a two-month run. Mickey Jo , always appreciate your review of the show, and after reading the comments feel I have a good idea of what to expect from this Broadway Musical. Know not to be late for the first ten minutes of Moulin Rouge.
I absolutely agree with everything you said! I had the same thoughts when I saw it a couple of weeks ago. The staging is absolutely incredible and puts other shows to shame when you can see what can be done, same with the lighting and overall presentation of the show but it was the casting that let it down. I loved the tone of Christian's voice but as you said it just wasn't powerful enough when it needed to be. I loved his performance of Roxanne which was in his lower register, and he seemed to cope far better with that? and the same thing with the chemistry, I didn't believe their love for one another, and I felt the ending because of this was underwhelming (especially when compared to the film) I also thought Christian's accent felt very put on but turns out Jamie is actually American himself 😅
Saw this on Broaway before the shutdown and couldn't agree more with the problems this show has. It is a beautiful spectacle. Did I care anything about the characters...no. The medleys and song choices are such a problem for the tone of the show...there is no recovery. Surely the creative team saw that but chose to go forward so they could still finish with more party music. Loved the Titanic joke regarding accents... lol.
[Minor spoilers] I saw MR in its pre-Broadway tryout in Boston, and understand that nothing has substantively changed since. My feelings are much the same as yours, a gorgeous production lacking substance. I think the root of its problems is the changes to Christian's character from the movie. In the show, as a lyricist (as opposed to the revolutionary bohemian poet), he sings the same music as everyone else and he brings nothing new to the table. There's no reason Satine should choose him over the Duke. He's got the Duke's entitled and possesive attitude--but he's poor. Also, why does HE sing Roxanne? It makes no sense. The leads also lacked romantic chemistry when I saw it. That said, watching the second act scene between Satine and Toulouse... I would have paid good money to see THEIR love story.
This review is absolutely spot on. There was zero emotional connection. I also didn't like the way they did your song as that is a big emotional moment in the film. Amazing visually though and brilliant performances from supporting cast.
#mickeyjogiveaway This is defo a show that is high up on my list to see this year!! Loved hearing your insight on the cast and execution of the performances.
I just watched it at Pantages Theater. I saw it with a different cast and now that I know you have the same opinions, the problem was the writing of the play. There was absolutely no love between Satine and Christian. The people who would love this are those who have never seen the movie. Those of us who just love the movie as a love story will be kinda disappointed. As an overall show, it was wonderful for the eyes.
I completely agree, I was so underwhelmed by the actor that played Christian, his voice was cracking when I saw it too and I just didn't believe him. I really missed the heart of the show and didn't feel the chemistry or love between the leads and it just didn't make me feel. I cry at the movie every time and I cry in many shows and I didn't when have a lump in my throat. The set and costumes and big musical numbers, amazing, Jason Pennycook and Clive Carter I thought were great too and my friend loved it as she doesn't go to the theatre as much as me and loved it for the spectacular it was, but as a regular theatre goer I was disappointed by the acting, chemistry and lack of heart
I was lucky enough to see this with the original B’way cast and the West End cast. The B’way version was perfect and polished as you’d expect. But I think the West End Christian is much more believable and genuine as a young, eager naif, that’s exactly who the character is supposed to be. Both versions are amazing visual and insanely immersive feasts with incredibly talented ensembles. It’s a great night out. Also, just found your channel Mickey Jo, love your content, subscribed!
I’m going to be in London next month and still going to get a ticket for this. I’m obsessed with the movie (I went to a first screening of it in Melbourne allll the way back in its release). Hopefully Christian would have found his way by mid June.
It’s such a shame. I was lucky enough to see the original Broadway cast just after it opened and oh my god it was incredible. It is the best thing I’ve ever seen, but unfortunately I can 100% see that you need a good cast to get the most out of the show. Aaron and Karen’s chemistry was electric, as were their performances and vocals. Its funny, because I actually loved the elephant love medley for the reason you didn’t like it, but again that is 100% down to how they performed it. Act one built up to a point where they were so in love, and elephant love medley put so much glitz and glamour in between them physically which almost read as a summary of act one (the glitz and glamour representing the actual moulin rouge stopping them from being together), leading up to the last note where they kiss. It definitely read as a clever foreshadowing/recap. It was just incredible. I got standing tickets and, although my view was insane, standing for 2.5 hours is not fun, however, it made me completely forget I was standing and I only felt it after leaving! I think I’ll wait for the cast replacement to go see the show because I would hate for the West End production to tarnish the perfection of what I saw on broadway. I wish it had come a few years earlier because Oliver Tompsett would make a perfect Christian.
I recently saw the US tour, My term for this show (and other newer jukebox musicals) is RIFFSICLE. I am not certain if you are familiar with the rock show phenomenon of an audience breaking into cheers on the first chord, a real (or pretend) recognition of what is to come. MR had a lot of that crowd reaction (some actual roars) and it was annoying by the end. I'm fine with pop songs in musicals, I really appreciate what the original film did with pop and rock to tell a different story (and using The Sound Of Music is just balls out splendid)(76 songs listed in the rights roll in the program). What did bug me was the fragments - musical memes to evoke an emotion the show and the actors are just not putting across. Not that the audience cared. I appreciated two TWO sword swallowers in the first five. TWO. And Christian in the stage version is a dope.
Felt this way 100%. I really wish there was just ONE original song. For me, every time there was a serious moment, one character started to slowly sing a popular pop song and EVERYONE was laughing. So it took me out of the play too much. It's like Pitch Perfect the musical. Production, set, costumes, were top notch but some of the songs didn't fit. Also wasn't feeling Christian's character especially when he held a gun to her. I think it would've been more impactful had Satine found him being depressed first other than lustfully angry, that should be for the Duke's character. I would say see it with an open mind but don't go thinking you're seeing a 1:1 adaption of the movie.
I didn’t quite see the UK version but I did see the tour in the US and can’t agree more with the first ten minutes, at first I was more conflicted and putting it along with the “too much cycling through songs”. However the more you think about it the more it captures the show itself. I’ve been trying to put my finger on my thoughts- I both love and hate using pop songs /changing them to fit the context and I think it’s what you said. They push it a tad too far in certain moments. It dampens the big dramatic and sad end, which is a shame as tango de Roxanne and Crazy rolling are EVERYTHING. They also have it happen then BAM CONFETTI BIG HAPPY NUMBER! Where as the movie does it better with the big happy number before the bad, it lets it sting and simmer so much more. Though you can’t exactly have people go home sad. Regardless, it’s the perfect musical to go in blind to. No matter final thoughts it’ll blow you away.
I couldn’t get into this one. The main two cast members had no chemistry whatsoever. They took out The show must go on and the magnificent ending in the movie for something underwhelming. Hard miss. I really wanted to love this
A lot of your critiques were some of the same as the broadway version. This leads me to think that it’s just the material, no matter who plays the parts. The only thing that seems to be in the performers’ power is the singing. This is a belter’s show. You need to belt.
Really looking forward to seeing this in the summer. Do you have any thoughts on best seats ? Stalls ? Circle ? Do you think the "booths" at the front would be worth the money ?
I sat in row seat C and was watching what it was like in the booth. Although you’re front row, the stage comes around and behind you which means you’ll either miss or have to turn 180 to be able to see what they’re doing and it’ll be from the back, it’s not often but it does happen
The big-time production has arrived in San Francisco and the scenic design, and lighting costumes are over the top. Reminded me of a show you would see in Las Vegas. The pop score after a while wears thin. Most of the cast is excellent a good show, but not a great Broadway Musical..
I've seen the show three times (once in Boston, twice on Broadway) and while I love it, I do think you have plenty of valid points. Similar to what you were saying about feeling "oh that happened" when that thing happened, I found it a bizarre directorial choice that Satine is lying in his arms, but speaking at full volume? I've seen it with three different actresses, and each time, I'm too distracted to feel anything. It's too bad the leads were lackluster, we've been lucky enough for Aaron Tveit to still be in the role, and he's still performing at full vocal strength, giving us goosebumps.
Honestly by that point in the show I think I was too far down the rabbit hole to care 😅 I'd love to see it again with a different pair as there's still so much to love about the show!
#mickeyjogiveaway Would love to receive this from you. I adore the film- it kept me sane when i needed to be- so i really am hoping i like the musical too!
I saw this on Broadway and I found the amount this show jumped between covers just really distracting. I just felt like the numbers never really developed because it just jumped to another covet.
Went to see this at the weekend. The cast I felt was exceptional but the chemistry between the leads was not there at all. Satine was wooden (perhaps having a bad night) while Christian was fantastic. Sadly I would say that the show itself was a 3*. The film Moulin Rouge was a 5* and the show I felt loosely hung on the story of the film and only played one song from the film from start to finish. The saying of 'if ain't broke, don't fix it comes to mind'. The rest of the show was a mash up of modern songs with the show songs taking away the charm from the elephant love medley scene but running it throughout the show. It felt a real shame that they felt the only way to keep the show relevant was to make it cheesy, bring in modern music and make it borderline panto. Zidler was great but I wanted him to be MORE!! This show had potential to be incredible, dark, inspiring and reflective of the bohemian values it boasts of. Instead I found myself watching an inarguably incredibly technical and fabulous performance of sia's chandelier and wondered quite frankly what the hell I was there to see; it certainly wasn't what I thought I was signing up for. The cast, technicality and set design of the show and theatre were incredible, however, for me, this show itself was what let them all down. 3* Show, 4-5* star everything else for me.
#MickeyJoGiveaway I was so excited about Moulin Rouge. I watched this film and knew it was gay! Such a pivotal moment in my growing up. I think I will wait a while then see it when the hype dies down based on what you have said.
Why though ? Really. Why do we need a live version. This happens a lot I think, the producers want to grab our $$$ people get caught up in the hype. The films are so fabulous. Moulin the movie was outstanding!
It was like having a Karaoke session with my mates whilst paying way too much for it!!!!!! I would not see it again even if I was paid to - the visuals are stunning and acting too, but song choices just destroyed it all!!!!! Go for &Juliet and you will have a lot more fun.
First off, the Broadway versions flies much higher the west end version (by far). The west end version, as you said, lacks chemistry. The lead actor has the finesse of a rock and subsequently brings the lead actress performance down (as in could I just die and go home)She looks miserable whenever they’re together and also makes no qualms about trying to hide it. As it keeps playing, see the next Christian and satine. It couldn’t be any worse. I saw the Broadway version with its two replacements and they’re both wonderful. It could have easily opened with them in the lead parts.
Couldn't agree more. Christian was horribly miscast and it's baffling that he was chosen over any other actor to originate a West End role. He was like a blonde Adam Driver attempting to sing.... Shame because the rest of the cast were incredible plus costume and set design. Still go see and support the show though ❤️
The winner of this #MickeyJoGiveaway is Dan Carey! Congratulations, thank you all for entering and stay tuned for another chance to win soon!
While I totally agree that the emotional connection is missing, I wouldn’t blame young grad Christian too much. I saw the Aussie version and felt the exact same thing, and I think a lot comes down to some of the changes made is Satine’s character (hear me out).
In the movie she teases the Duke but never gives in and sleeps with him. Not only do we get to see her cunning and charming to do so, but it shows that she really isn’t ok with the kind of transaction relationship he wants. In the musical (at least the Oz version) it’s heavily implied they sleep together their first meeting. Nothing wrong with that, sex work is real work. But when she has no problem with this transactional relationship and Christian does, he becomes just as possessive and jealous as the duke. Especially because she’s doing it all to showcase his songs and save her friends. At least on the movie she had her own motivation of becoming a ‘real actress’. He comes across as petulant and whining.
I also agree that while some of the medleys (backstage romance) were amazing, some of the songs were just…awful. Making Satine’s dramatic ‘I want’ song firework was horrendous and definitely got a few unfortunate giggles from the audience.
You are absolutely missing out not listening to the broadway cast recording! Aaron Tveit’s El Tango Roxanne is incredible!
The end of Act 1 was one of the most beautiful moments ever created on a theatre stage.
The second act opener had my jaw on the floor. Absolutely sensational.
I saw it on Broadway during previews and it was phenomenal, I felt so immersed in it and Aaron, Karen, Danny and the rest of the cast were incredible, was shook by Backstage Romance as had no idea what songs were in the musical
I was lucky enough to see Moulin Rouge in Chicago with the USA touring company. The production and cast were stellar. I loved the whole thing. I was pulled in from the moment I entered the theater. I saw it twice.
I watched last Monday and would agree with most of what you have said however I did have the understudy Satine and she was incredible, it may have also been the 2 bottles of wine we had but I was in tears at the end. I am in the camp that the film is a massive influence on me and I have a special love for it and I felt the show delivered a lot…I did also dislike the shoehorned songs as it made the audience laugh when I felt that wasn’t the intention at that point! But overall I bloody loved it. It really is SPECTACULAR! The weakest element for me was sadly Christian, but I feel like he improved a lot!
I just saw the US Touring production and I thought it was a 5 Star Show with a 5 Star Cast especially the role of Christian played by Conor Ryan. Wow that guy had charisma and a voice to match. It was Spectacular Spectacular! I thought it was a throwback to the big shows of the Eighties.
Agreed. He was great. He also wasn’t lacking something emotionally with either actress who played Satine.
I just saw the touring cast in Los Angeles last weekend and they were amazing!
I'm pleased that you addressed the issue of young voices in leading roles. It seems to be a trend and young voices often don't have as you said the vocal stamina. The vocal structure simply isn't developed enough.
Especially true for male voices that fully develop later than female voices (if I'm remembering my tuition properly!)
My issue was that the songs chosen for the film were obviously chosen for how they fit the story and they were integral to how the story was told, I haven't got a problem with them adding or changing songs, but it just seemed like they chose crowd-pleaser songs first and then tried to shoehorn them in.
I've watched a lot of interviews about the creation of the show and they said sometimes they even looked at a song and changed some of the lyrics or flipped it around, so I'd say they really thought the music out. I actually liked how they chose modern songs, for example Shut Up And Raise Your Glass immediately tells the viewer that Satine is Christian's destiny, while being a fun song everybody can sing along to, that actually ties to the story.
But hey, from what I've noticed, everybody feels different about the music choices.
It's interesting that Baz Luhrman wanted the rights to Cat Steven's Father and Son for the beginning of the film, and had everything written and stage directed around it. But Cat Stevens refused because of the reputation of the Moulin Rouge Paris as a place of debauchery, so the beginning was entirely different. I wonder how many other songs were scrapped for various reasons...
@@DeeFightingDreamer yeah this is a good point. But I also think for me moulin rouge is more of a romantic tragedy than a fun singalong type show. It depends what you wanted/were expecting from the stage version I guess. I definitely had fun, but I wanted to be sad and moved by it, rather than clapping along, you know?
I saw the show this afternoon. And i agree with all of your thoughts on the show. I had no emotional connection to the leads, which should be the heart of the show. Everthing else with the show is top notch.
Pretty fair summary of it. Its definately a visual treat, the dressing of the auditorium, the sets, and the lighting are all incredible. Loved the energy of the opening, Clive Carters Ziddler was great, but was underwhelmed by a lot of the rest. A lot of the vocals were a bit meh. The male lead reminded me a bit of the male lead in Cinderalla, not experienced enough for the role. Found the number of songs they'd squeeze into a medley a bit much at times. Loved the dancing and lighting on the tango number. Backstage Romance was great, liked the little references to A Chorus Line they snuck in.
The show will do well, people that come to the west end once or twice a year, the west end coach trippers and the hen parties will make a bee-line for it. It's still a fun night out.
It’s funny you mention the love story in the musical because i always felt like I was the only one who felt this about the movie. I thought she did fall in love with him but for him he didn’t realise it was pure infatuation. I love the movie but I had just accepted that was the dynamic, so I don’t notice it so much as a difference in the stage show personally. I can see how people who did see the connection originally would feel though
Having had the good fortune to see this show on Broadway I can confirm that is a 5 star show with a 5 star cast. Spectacular spectacular.
If you want to watch staged moulin rouge and actually cry, try and see Conor Ryan and Courtney Reed. Their chemistry was so good everyone around me was bawling during many parts in the musical. They both got two standing ovations from the crowd. Like honestly if you wanna to give this musical a chance see the touring cast they are phenomenal
Would be very interested to see your updated review on this now that they're nearly a year into their run and there are new leads!
I traveled from the UK to NYC especially to see this show on Broadway a few weeks after it opened with the full original Broadway cast, and my thoughts were pretty much the same. Visually it was spectacular, but the medley's got way too much and were inappropriate for the tone of the scene at times, and emotionally it all fell a bit flat. I am a fan of the movie and felt that they kind of missed the point a little in terms of the plot and the whole thing just really lacked substance. I've always thought it's just a badly written show rather than poor performances, and if the issues are the same on the West End then it confirms it. It's fun, but that's the extent of it.
Same! I was there the week broadway closed. I felt no emotional conection. And I wanted to like it so much. Like Mikey said, there was points that were wonderful, but as a whole, I couldn't wait for it to end before the end of the first act. The beginning of the second act was a highlight, but after that...
Yes I saw the show in Melbourne (Australia) at Christmas, and it's not the performers, it's the casting and direction that insist it falls flat. Zero chemistry between the leads, in fact they just weren't likeable. The ending was so depressing, it was like they had to throw a 5 minute wall of upbeat music at you so you walk out the theatre without wanting to commit suicide.
UK cast was brilliant. Much better than videos I saw on CZcams from Broadways version:)
You should see the Australian Christian. He is unbelievable and he was on Neighbours too.
Yesss, I saw the version in Chicago and it was just so painfully tongue in cheek with the updated song add ins. Some of them worked but alot were hey, see what we did there, did you see it, funny huh?
I agree that Elephant love Medley is a bit hyperactive but I would also say the songs towards the end of it are more powerful and should have gone on longer
Saw the Sydney (Australian) production last night and totally agree. This musical hangs solely on spectacle.
Razzle dazzle 'em with Bazza-ma-tazz extravagance and hopefully they'll forget all about substance, a believable storyline and the chemistry between the main characters.
I much prefer the film version.
So glad I won $30 lottery tickets to see this and didn't pay top dollar, otherwise I'd be HUGELY disappointed and asking for a refund.
It's hard to believe that Moulin Rouge! won Best New Musical at the 2021 Tony Awards over Jagged Little Pill and Tina Turner The Musical.
Jagged Little Pill was utterly brilliant and far more deserving of the award.
I think that Jamie is great!
Not usually a jukebox musical fan but I think the general spectacle of this show interests me enough that I think I'll try and grab some tickets
The movie is one of my favourite films of all time. Saw the first like half hour of a bootleg in CZcams and was like... eh, whatever. Will probably still go to see it when it opens in my country later this year.
I saw this last month and this review is pretty much spot on. Christian and the lack of chemistry between the leads was my issue also.
Saw this on NYE and loved the spectacle. But I agree with you it lacked the emotional connection needed to make it 5 star. A fun night out though. Would love to win the programme 😍 #MickeyJoGiveaway
I actually got the chance to see this and I was sitting in the circle above and there was cages on each side of the seating and they had performers dancing in them as well at the beginning
The national touring production of Moulin Rouge is now in San Francisco for a two-month run. Mickey Jo , always appreciate your review of the show, and after reading the comments feel I have a good idea of what to expect from this Broadway Musical. Know not to be late for the first ten minutes of Moulin Rouge.
I watched it but it was ruined by people in the audience singing along which I felt drowned out the cast and ruined the atmosphere.
For me I was distracted by a man in the row in front of me who kept turning to his partner and licking the side of her face...
I saw it on Saturday night and the lady behind me phone rang during the show AND during the curtain call she screaming and I nearly became deaf.
I saw the Broadway version and it sounds like casting was a major issue with the West End version.
Jamie Bogyo is actually American and Hungarian so I don’t think his accent was put on 😊
I absolutely agree with everything you said! I had the same thoughts when I saw it a couple of weeks ago. The staging is absolutely incredible and puts other shows to shame when you can see what can be done, same with the lighting and overall presentation of the show but it was the casting that let it down.
I loved the tone of Christian's voice but as you said it just wasn't powerful enough when it needed to be. I loved his performance of Roxanne which was in his lower register, and he seemed to cope far better with that? and the same thing with the chemistry, I didn't believe their love for one another, and I felt the ending because of this was underwhelming (especially when compared to the film)
I also thought Christian's accent felt very put on but turns out Jamie is actually American himself 😅
I has this same reaction, was saying to my friend his accent was bad and then found out he was American
Saw this on Broaway before the shutdown and couldn't agree more with the problems this show has. It is a beautiful spectacle. Did I care anything about the characters...no. The medleys and song choices are such a problem for the tone of the show...there is no recovery. Surely the creative team saw that but chose to go forward so they could still finish with more party music. Loved the Titanic joke regarding accents... lol.
[Minor spoilers]
I saw MR in its pre-Broadway tryout in Boston, and understand that nothing has substantively changed since. My feelings are much the same as yours, a gorgeous production lacking substance. I think the root of its problems is the changes to Christian's character from the movie. In the show, as a lyricist (as opposed to the revolutionary bohemian poet), he sings the same music as everyone else and he brings nothing new to the table. There's no reason Satine should choose him over the Duke. He's got the Duke's entitled and possesive attitude--but he's poor. Also, why does HE sing Roxanne? It makes no sense.
The leads also lacked romantic chemistry when I saw it. That said, watching the second act scene between Satine and Toulouse... I would have paid good money to see THEIR love story.
This review is absolutely spot on. There was zero emotional connection. I also didn't like the way they did your song as that is a big emotional moment in the film. Amazing visually though and brilliant performances from supporting cast.
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This is defo a show that is high up on my list to see this year!! Loved hearing your insight on the cast and execution of the performances.
I just watched it at Pantages Theater. I saw it with a different cast and now that I know you have the same opinions, the problem was the writing of the play. There was absolutely no love between Satine and Christian. The people who would love this are those who have never seen the movie. Those of us who just love the movie as a love story will be kinda disappointed. As an overall show, it was wonderful for the eyes.
I completely agree, I was so underwhelmed by the actor that played Christian, his voice was cracking when I saw it too and I just didn't believe him. I really missed the heart of the show and didn't feel the chemistry or love between the leads and it just didn't make me feel. I cry at the movie every time and I cry in many shows and I didn't when have a lump in my throat. The set and costumes and big musical numbers, amazing, Jason Pennycook and Clive Carter I thought were great too and my friend loved it as she doesn't go to the theatre as much as me and loved it for the spectacular it was, but as a regular theatre goer I was disappointed by the acting, chemistry and lack of heart
Yes, I agree. I wish that it was more like the movie and less like a modern jukebox musical. It was fun, but not powerful like the movie is
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I was lucky enough to see this with the original B’way cast and the West End cast. The B’way version was perfect and polished as you’d expect. But I think the West End Christian is much more believable and genuine as a young, eager naif, that’s exactly who the character is supposed to be. Both versions are amazing visual and insanely immersive feasts with incredibly talented ensembles. It’s a great night out. Also, just found your channel Mickey Jo, love your content, subscribed!
I’m going to be in London next month and still going to get a ticket for this. I’m obsessed with the movie (I went to a first screening of it in Melbourne allll the way back in its release). Hopefully Christian would have found his way by mid June.
It’s such a shame. I was lucky enough to see the original Broadway cast just after it opened and oh my god it was incredible. It is the best thing I’ve ever seen, but unfortunately I can 100% see that you need a good cast to get the most out of the show. Aaron and Karen’s chemistry was electric, as were their performances and vocals.
Its funny, because I actually loved the elephant love medley for the reason you didn’t like it, but again that is 100% down to how they performed it. Act one built up to a point where they were so in love, and elephant love medley put so much glitz and glamour in between them physically which almost read as a summary of act one (the glitz and glamour representing the actual moulin rouge stopping them from being together), leading up to the last note where they kiss. It definitely read as a clever foreshadowing/recap. It was just incredible.
I got standing tickets and, although my view was insane, standing for 2.5 hours is not fun, however, it made me completely forget I was standing and I only felt it after leaving! I think I’ll wait for the cast replacement to go see the show because I would hate for the West End production to tarnish the perfection of what I saw on broadway. I wish it had come a few years earlier because Oliver Tompsett would make a perfect Christian.
I recently saw the US tour, My term for this show (and other newer jukebox musicals) is RIFFSICLE. I am not certain if you are familiar with the rock show phenomenon of an audience breaking into cheers on the first chord, a real (or pretend) recognition of what is to come. MR had a lot of that crowd reaction (some actual roars) and it was annoying by the end. I'm fine with pop songs in musicals, I really appreciate what the original film did with pop and rock to tell a different story (and using The Sound Of Music is just balls out splendid)(76 songs listed in the rights roll in the program). What did bug me was the fragments - musical memes to evoke an emotion the show and the actors are just not putting across. Not that the audience cared. I appreciated two TWO sword swallowers in the first five. TWO. And Christian in the stage version is a dope.
Felt this way 100%. I really wish there was just ONE original song. For me, every time there was a serious moment, one character started to slowly sing a popular pop song and EVERYONE was laughing. So it took me out of the play too much. It's like Pitch Perfect the musical. Production, set, costumes, were top notch but some of the songs didn't fit. Also wasn't feeling Christian's character especially when he held a gun to her. I think it would've been more impactful had Satine found him being depressed first other than lustfully angry, that should be for the Duke's character. I would say see it with an open mind but don't go thinking you're seeing a 1:1 adaption of the movie.
Technically Come What May is an original song. It was in the original movie but it wasn’t a preexisting pop song
I didn’t quite see the UK version but I did see the tour in the US and can’t agree more with the first ten minutes, at first I was more conflicted and putting it along with the “too much cycling through songs”. However the more you think about it the more it captures the show itself.
I’ve been trying to put my finger on my thoughts- I both love and hate using pop songs /changing them to fit the context and I think it’s what you said. They push it a tad too far in certain moments.
It dampens the big dramatic and sad end, which is a shame as tango de Roxanne and Crazy rolling are EVERYTHING. They also have it happen then BAM CONFETTI BIG HAPPY NUMBER! Where as the movie does it better with the big happy number before the bad, it lets it sting and simmer so much more. Though you can’t exactly have people go home sad.
Regardless, it’s the perfect musical to go in blind to. No matter final thoughts it’ll blow you away.
Loved the film and broadway soundtrack but really didn't like the stage musical...
I couldn’t get into this one.
The main two cast members had no chemistry whatsoever. They took out The show must go on and the magnificent ending in the movie for something underwhelming.
Hard miss. I really wanted to love this
Great Review!!!!
A lot of your critiques were some of the same as the broadway version. This leads me to think that it’s just the material, no matter who plays the parts. The only thing that seems to be in the performers’ power is the singing. This is a belter’s show. You need to belt.
Really looking forward to seeing this in the summer. Do you have any thoughts on best seats ? Stalls ? Circle ? Do you think the "booths" at the front would be worth the money ?
I sat in row seat C and was watching what it was like in the booth. Although you’re front row, the stage comes around and behind you which means you’ll either miss or have to turn 180 to be able to see what they’re doing and it’ll be from the back, it’s not often but it does happen
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I’d LOVE to win this! I’m a international theatre kid, living in Japan, from the UK, and currently very theatre deprived lol!
The big-time production has arrived in San Francisco and the scenic design, and lighting costumes are over the top. Reminded me of a show you would see in Las Vegas. The pop score after a while wears thin. Most of the cast is excellent a good show, but not a great Broadway Musical..
I really want to see this show. What's the space like in the theatre ie covid?
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I've seen the show three times (once in Boston, twice on Broadway) and while I love it, I do think you have plenty of valid points. Similar to what you were saying about feeling "oh that happened" when that thing happened, I found it a bizarre directorial choice that Satine is lying in his arms, but speaking at full volume? I've seen it with three different actresses, and each time, I'm too distracted to feel anything. It's too bad the leads were lackluster, we've been lucky enough for Aaron Tveit to still be in the role, and he's still performing at full vocal strength, giving us goosebumps.
Honestly by that point in the show I think I was too far down the rabbit hole to care 😅 I'd love to see it again with a different pair as there's still so much to love about the show!
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I adore the film- it kept me sane when i needed to be- so i really am hoping i like the musical too!
Wulan Wouge 😆
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I saw this on Broadway and I found the amount this show jumped between covers just really distracting. I just felt like the numbers never really developed because it just jumped to another covet.
Went to see this at the weekend. The cast I felt was exceptional but the chemistry between the leads was not there at all. Satine was wooden (perhaps having a bad night) while Christian was fantastic. Sadly I would say that the show itself was a 3*. The film Moulin Rouge was a 5* and the show I felt loosely hung on the story of the film and only played one song from the film from start to finish. The saying of 'if ain't broke, don't fix it comes to mind'. The rest of the show was a mash up of modern songs with the show songs taking away the charm from the elephant love medley scene but running it throughout the show. It felt a real shame that they felt the only way to keep the show relevant was to make it cheesy, bring in modern music and make it borderline panto. Zidler was great but I wanted him to be MORE!! This show had potential to be incredible, dark, inspiring and reflective of the bohemian values it boasts of. Instead I found myself watching an inarguably incredibly technical and fabulous performance of sia's chandelier and wondered quite frankly what the hell I was there to see; it certainly wasn't what I thought I was signing up for. The cast, technicality and set design of the show and theatre were incredible, however, for me, this show itself was what let them all down. 3* Show, 4-5* star everything else for me.
#mickeyjogiveaway please please!!! I love Moulin Rouge ❤️
#MickeyJoGiveaway I was so excited about Moulin Rouge. I watched this film and knew it was gay! Such a pivotal moment in my growing up. I think I will wait a while then see it when the hype dies down based on what you have said.
Congratulations - you're the winner of this Giveaway, message me on Instagram / twitter or email me at mickeyjotheatre@gmail.com to arrange postage!
@@MickeyJoTheatre Oh my gosh! Thank you. I have emailed you my details!
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#mickeyjogiveaway pleeeease, I love Moulin Rouge!
Chicago was very good as a stage musical … the film though? Just wow.
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i didnt like how christian has now become a yank, didnt like the sound of his voice
Why though ? Really. Why do we need a live version. This happens a lot I think, the producers want to grab our $$$ people get caught up in the hype. The films are so fabulous. Moulin the movie was outstanding!
Ouch.
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It was like having a Karaoke session with my mates whilst paying way too much for it!!!!!! I would not see it again even if I was paid to - the visuals are stunning and acting too, but song choices just destroyed it all!!!!! Go for &Juliet and you will have a lot more fun.
I saw this on Broadway right before the lockdown and felt the same way...looks great but no chemistry and the one-offs in medleys got really old.
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First off, the Broadway versions flies much higher the west end version (by far). The west end version, as you said, lacks chemistry. The lead actor has the finesse of a rock and subsequently brings the lead actress performance down (as in could I just die and go home)She looks miserable whenever
they’re together and also makes no qualms about trying to hide it. As it keeps playing, see the next Christian and satine. It couldn’t be any worse. I saw the Broadway version with its two replacements and they’re both wonderful. It could have easily opened with them in the lead parts.
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Too much sensory overload here
Couldn't agree more. Christian was horribly miscast and it's baffling that he was chosen over any other actor to originate a West End role. He was like a blonde Adam Driver attempting to sing....
Shame because the rest of the cast were incredible plus costume and set design. Still go see and support the show though ❤️
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Bonded over you with a fellow theatre goer in Blackpool watching Hairspray over Christmas, we were both big fans! x