I am probably one of the only people on the face of this Earth who has not seen the movie Moulin Rouge. It’s not that I didn’t want to see it, I just never did. I went into this production completely blind. “Will it meet my expectations?” Who knows, I have nothing to compare it to. What I love about reviewing these big splashy Broadway tours is that it is typically a mixed bag. It’s a business. My words aren’t going to shut it down, but hopefully my words give the audience, or potential audience, a glimpse into my experience. Luckily, I was pleasantly surprised to a point. Beautiful costumes and sets give this show all the glitz it needs.

Moulin Rouge the musical is based on the Baz Luhrmann’s film of the same name. It tells the tale of love, beauty, truth and freedom – through the eyes of some underground Bohemians and their High Society counterparts. Sprinkle the sounds of the 90’s and early 20’s and songs from today, this jukebox musical is a toe-tapping ride down Nostalgia Avenue. The Glitz and Glamour that come from the stage, the cast, and the sets in this show is magic.  

Leading the show as Satine is Gabrielle McClinton. McClinton has a presence on stage, but doesn’t hit the mark as the “sparkling diamond” she is suppose to be portraying. A beautiful voice, and gorgeous demeanor, we get a bit more Beyonce than a cabaret star. Her performance of “Diamonds are a girls best friend” is fun.  

Christian Douglas plays the role of Christian (I wonder if he ever had trouble remembering his character’s name. . .I’m sure this joke has made an appearance about 60 times since he’s been working on this show) and paints a beautiful portrait of our leading man. His voice is wonderful and his performance of the hits of yesterday and today is brilliant. 

Robert Petkoff portrays Harold Zidler, the owner of the Moulin Rouge. His opening of the show is very entertaining, and captivates your attention right from the get-go. He sets the tone for what is to come, and keeps you wanting more.

The costumes designed by Catherine Zuber are a star all of their own. Beautiful, intricate designs, bring the Moulin Rouge to life. Derek McLane’s sets are breathtaking, and do a wonderful job of bringing us into the back alleys of Paris.

In all honesty, this show could have been a concept concert, and we would have been fine. The story – if there even is one – is very skimpy, like a lot of the outfits that the attractive ensemble wears in this production. The show is a tad bit too long, and there are virtually no stakes at all in our journey down lover’s lane. This show could have also been 90 minutes with no intermission, and I don’t think there would have been a complaint in the world.

Being in the raunchy areas in which this show takes place, you might want to leave the kids at home and have a date night on the town with you and your partner. Lots of sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll.

This show was a miss for me, but if you enjoy a great set of songs, beautiful sets, and costumes, you should go see this show!

Moulin Rouge runs until November 5, 2023 and is presented at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre. For more information, click here.