Review: MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL at National Arts Centre
A fantastic show that everyone should experience for themselves if they can-can-can!
2025 touring production of Moulin Rouge! THE MUSICAL.
Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.
Bohemians rejoice! Broadway Across Canada's presentation of Moulin Rouge! the Musical is currently in performances at the National Arts Centre. The show is based on Baz Luhrmann's popular 2001 movie musical, starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor. The NAC stage has been transformed into the famous Montmartre landmark during La Belle Époque. People gather at the Moulin Rouge to watch all the single ladies, of course, but also to converse and people watch. Christian (Luke Monday) is a songwriter who has recently arrived in Paris from America. Soon after, he meets Toulouse-Lautrec (Ottawa's own Alex Nicholson), the painter, and Santiago (Danny Burgos), an Argentinian dancer, who tell him about the four ideals of Bohemians: Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Love. They convince Christian to audition a song for a new musical in front of Satine (Gabriela Carrillo), the beautiful star-slash-courtesan of the Moulin Rouge, in the hopes of getting their production mounted at the venue. But to get to Satine, Christian must avoid being seen by Harold Zidler (the wildly entertaining Robert Petkoff), the cabaret's owner, as well as The Duke of Monroth (Aaron C. Finley), Satine's potential ticket to a better life.
The set design (Derek McLane) is nothing short of spectacular, evoking the luxurious feel of the Moulin Rouge, with heavy red velvet curtains and brocade drapery, and with glitter and gold scattered throughout. The vibrancy of the cabaret is intentionally contrasted with the muted greys of the street scenes, reflecting the grim reality of the working class of the era and highlighting the escapist nature of the Moulin Rouge to its patrons. Screens are used sparingly to add elements that enhance the physical set pieces, instead of replacing them, as is too often the case with Broadway tours. Costumes (Catherine Zuber) range from colourful skirts to sparkly sequins to top hats, aiding in the creation of a visual feast for the senses.
2025 touring production of Moulin Rouge! THE MUSICAL.
Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.
Like the film, Moulin Rouge is a jukebox musical. Where it differs from others in this genre, is that its score consists of a series of mash-ups, where lyrics and melodies of over 70 different songs are layered and intertwined to drive the story forward. Various musical styles over many decades are used, with songs from The Police to Beyoncé included in the repertoire.
The cast delivers with stellar vocal performances. Luke Monday recently took over the lead role, but having been part of the show for over two years, he displays a mastery of the material that is impressive. Gabriela Carrillo is a true sparkling diamond; the vocal prowess required for this score cannot be understated. The choreography (Sonya Tayeh) is almost acrobatic at times; the energy of the ensemble heightens the sense of frenzied urgency between Christian and Satine. Rodney Thompson and Kaitlin Mesh give megawatt performances that make them stand out.
The music is fun and even though the sound at the NAC was excessively loud at times on opening night, I was actually grateful for it, as it successfully covered the sound of enthusiastic audience members attempting to sing along to the musical numbers.
2025 touring production of Moulin Rouge! THE MUSICAL.
Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.
That this is an unusually experienced touring cast is obvious in the calibre of the production from beginning to end. Although the audience cannot immerse themselves in the show the same way as when the entire theatre is committed to recreating the ambiance of La Belle Époque, this production of Moulin Rouge is the closest thing to the Broadway production to be found outside of the Big Apple. Overall, it is a fantastic show, and I heartily encourage everyone to experience it for themselves if they can-can-can!
Moulin Rouge is in performances at the NAC's Southam Hall through May 17th. Tickets can be purchased at the link below. Be sure to check out Broadway Across Canada for more information about the other shows coming to Ottawa during its recently announced 2026-2027 season.
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