|
Regional Reviews: Phoenix Moulin Rouge! The Musical
The plot closely mirrors the film. Christian, a young idealistic writer from America, arrives in Paris and is quickly swept into the Bohemian underworld of Montmartre, finding artistic camaraderie with eccentric performers Toulouse-Lautrec and Santiago. He falls in love with Satine, the star courtesan of the Moulin Rouge cabaret. Their love is complicated by the club's need for financial support to stay afloat, which comes in the form of the controlling and jealous Duke of Monroth, who is possessive of Satine. As secrets unravel and emotions heighten, the characters are forced to confront love, sacrifice, and the inevitability of loss. Compared to the film, which also used a few pop song mashups, the combination of John Logan's book and Alex Timbers' direction leans even more heavily into its jukebox format, weaving together over 70 pop songs from the last several decades. While the movie had a more focused set list, the stage musical amps up the mash-up concept, sometimes layering just a sentence or two of lyrics from five or six songs into a single number. This often works brilliantly as a clever musical collage, but at times the sheer volume and frequency of the different songs combined into one number dilutes their emotional impact; there are also several times when the lyrics don't make much sense, having no relation to the characters or the situations the characters are in. Fortunately, Logan's book does expand the supporting characters and adds some additional layers to Satine and Christian which allows for deeper moments of interaction and gives the show a stronger ensemble feel. Also, while the ending is sad, there is a megamix finale that ramps up the theatrics and sends the audience out of the theater on a high. The cast of the national tour is very good. Christian is portrayed with wide-eyed sincerity by Jay Armstrong Johnson, whose rich voice and youthful charm make the character's naivety and passion believable. Arianna Rosario is a commanding presence as Satine. Her nuanced portrayal is elegant, vulnerable, and emotionally grounded, capturing the glittering façade of the courtesan as well as the vulnerable woman beneath. The chemistry between the leads is believable, with a strong sense of desire and longing. Both Armstrong Johnson and Rosario have excellent singing voices that shine on their many numbers. Robert Petkoff is fantastic as Harold Zidler, the flamboyant yet shrewd impresario of the Moulin Rouge who is also a protective figure to Satine. Jahi Kearse brings an upbeat theatrical flair and plenty of humor and heart to the role of Toulouse-Lautrec, while Danny Burgos as Santiago provides a strong presence along with pops of humor and energetic dancing. The Duke, played by Andrew Brewer, oozes menace and entitlement, providing a strong counterbalance to the idealism of the Bohemians, which results in a deliciously menacing antagonist. The large ensemble cast embody their roles with conviction, balancing the heightened theatricality with genuine emotion, non-stop energy, and plenty of fantastic dancing. Alex Timbers' direction and Sonya Tayeh's choreography create some thrilling moments, especially in the big ensemble numbers, but some of those moments can also feel chaotic and rushed, leaving little room for the story to breathe. Still, the production is undeniably a visual triumph. The lavish sets by Derek McLane, Catherine Zuber's glittering costumes, and Justin Townsend's superb lighting create an immersive experience that wows at every turn. The sheer spectacle when all of these elements come together is breathtaking at times. All three designers, as well as Timbers and Tayeh, received well-earned Tony Awards for their contributions. Moulin Rouge is a virtual feast for the eyes. It's an explosion of color, light, and sound that draws audiences in from the first moment you walk into the theater and see the vibrant ruby and scarlet set. However, while the production's visual spectacle is impressive, it often overshadows the emotional core of the plot and occasionally overwhelms with its relentless musical sequences. It's a bold, lavish experience that dazzles, even if it doesn't always deeply resonate. Moulin Rouge! The Musical runs through August 3, 2025, at ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.asugammage.com or call 480-965-3434. For information on the tour, visit moulinrougemusical.com/us-tour/home/. Book: John Logan Cast: |
