What do music icons Sting, Jule Styne, Rogers and Hammerstein,  Madonna, eden abhez,  and the Rolling Stones have in common? Their song literature is represented in Moulin Rouge! The Musical, on stage now at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre…and it’s fantastic.

Full disclosure: I am really not a fan of the whole “beloved movies from your youth” on stage trend. This piece, based on the 2001 film was pretty forgettable as a movie, but it’s a powerhouse production now.

From the vibrant set,  the dazzling costumes, theatre magic by lighting, and an amazing cobbled- together score, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is completely entertaining.

For me, these extravagant traveling shows are experiences, and not the same as seeing a show in a smaller house with a local cast. In these big shows, the names don’t matter as much (although – fingers crossed – these could be the rising stars over Broadway), it’s the whole enchilada of story, song, and visual elements coming together in a grand way. Or as Moulin Rouge club owner and emcee Harold Zidler exclaims, “The Mouin Rouge is a state of mind!”

The story itself is a pretty predictable mash-up of plots: poor composer moves from America to Paris to find artistic expression. He meets up with a couple bohemians who are also looking to make some money from the foibles of the aristocracy. Enter the lovely chanteuse/prostitute who was ‘offered’ to a wealthy but soulless benefactor. But that composer has the words that touches her heart. There is love. There are threats. There are lots of costume changes. In brief, it’s An American in Paris meets La Boheme with a side of LaTraviata. Will truth, beauty, freedom, and love prevail? Mais oui!

From the get-go, you’re pulled into this flamboyant 1899 Parisian world. The fiery red of the Moulin Rouge itself is a grand backdrop for the deep jewel tones worn by the dancers (legend has it that yes, this is where the Can Can was first danced) and dazzling diamond-studded attire on our heroine, Satine. It’s an aural treat, too, with Patti LaBelle’s 1975 hit “Lady Marmalade” sung by the ensemble, closely followed by a clever medley of diamond songs by Satine, including “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” (listen carefully to the edited lyrics, since automats weren’t around in 1899 or 2023!), “Diamonds Are Forever,” Rihanna’s “Diamonds,” with a little of Madonna’s “Material Girl” and Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.”  

Poor but talented love interest Christian meets Satine (who thinks he’s the rich duke that club owner Harold Zidler set up for her) with another peppy mash up of Walk the Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance” and P!nk’s “Raise Your Glass.”

And it gets more fun from here.

The real music nerd treat for me is the “Elephant Love Song” with a whirlwind (I stopped counting at 15…I know I missed a few) song segments woven into one conversation between Satine and Christian about the meaning of love. Because who didn’t fall in love to A Ha’s “Take on Me” in 1985?

The Duke gets his piece with a Rolling Stones/Poison send up with a little foreshadowing (Duke, you may not always get what you want) before a mood shift. The Duke takes Satine on a stroll down the Champs Elysees (I admit, I was bummed to not hear a snippet of Joni Mitchell’s “Free Man in Paris” here), where Satine stands out in her bright red frock against the genteel sherbet-y pastels of the upper class and the pale façade of the palace the Duke is going to buy for her.

Of course, Elton John’s “Your Song” is woven into the mellow moments, as it did in the movie, and the two original songs “The Pitch” and “Come What May” were seamlessly integrated into the score, too.

Here’s a tease of a spoiler alert, so if you haven’t seen it, skip this sentence and if you have seen the show, let’s talk: at the very end, Christian makes a small gesture, similar to “the gasp” at the end of Hamilton, that left me wondering in that surprising way that a good production can do.

All told, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a fun night of songs you love, spectacular dancing, a gorgeous set, and a full-out theatrical experience. Snag your tickets now at sheas.org and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the lobby fun before the show, too. There are some ‘step and repeats” in the lobby calling out for selfies, social posts, and hashtags. Get in your seats early to see the on-stage antics before the show actually begins. This 10 Tony award-winning show is only here until November 5.