Melbourne to stage the world’s biggest production of Moulin Rouge

After sitting dark during the world’s longest lockdown, the curtain will finally rise to reveal the globe’s biggest production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical 

Broadway hit Moulin Rouge will finally can-can into Melbourne after the production went dark due to Melbourne’s lockdowns and rehearsal restrictions.

The multi-million dollar show triumphed Broadway, which was also batted by the pandemic. Just last month, New York made a covid comeback – Now it’s Melbourne’s turn, the theatre capital of Oz.

A stellar cast is about to dazzle the stage of the world’s biggest production of the musical adapted from the Baz Luhrmann film.

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The landmark Regent Theatre holds a key part in Melbourne’s history since opening as a grand picture palace in 1929. 

Set designer Derek McLane used the theatre’s rich history to enhance the set that will immerse audiences into the world of Moulin Rouge the moment they enter.

Speaking to The Age, McLane said it was bigger than both the New York and London stages.

Tens of millions of dollars were poured upgrading The Regent Theatre, partially funded by the Victorian State Government.

“It lends itself to becoming the Moulin Rouge, it feels more European, the architecture feels closer to 1899 and it has a lot of opulence to it, which is really useful.”

The set is flanked by two huge scene-setters, a big red windmill and a big blue elephant.

Moulin Rouge celebrates bohemian life in 19th century Paris but it is a love story at its heart, between Moulin Rouge performer Satine and budding poet/songwriter Christian.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical is brought to the stage by a Tony Award-nominated creative team. It’s produced by Global Creatures and is the first Australian-produced musical to originate on Broadway.

Audiences can expect a live performance that will transport them into the lush, energetic and crazy club which is the moulin rouge.

The musical was on track for an August opening but due to covid the long-awaited Australian opening night will now be on November 12.

Tickets for Moulin Rouge! The Musical are on sale now, with performances through to April 7, 2022