Reviewer: Howard Steven Frydman aka “The Howard”
Production: Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Theater: Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts
Book: John Logan
Director: Alex Timbers
Choreographer: Sonja Tayeh
Music Supervision/ Orchestration/Arrangements: Justin Levine
The Howard Says – “Moulin Rouge! – A Legendary Musical – Pure HOT Imagination!
Ooh La La- Howie Wowie!!! Bonjour – It’s the first North American tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Winner of 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical! I am so confident in saying this is a “pour it out – it’s a Steaming hot” Musical venture that is not to be missed especially for its rousing Can-Can! Tis the eve of Thanksgiving and upcoming holidays and we have gathered this pre-Turkey Day at the majestic Bushnell in mid-town Hartford to take in this most incredible, highflying, technicolored, magical production of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical”. Let me tell you, the place is a happening and I am definitely on the “bright side of life.” This spectacular Broadway hit is in production for two weeks with performances beginning November 21 and running through December 3. Your Holiday cheer begins with a visit to see this highflying, thrilling, exquisite musical production!!
Genuine excitement is as hand this night as likeminded theater folks, ablaze with anticipation, are seen photobombing themselves against the Glitzy Colossal Colorful “Moulin Rouge” on-stage heart, playbill in hand, to send to distant friends and relatives, as to include them in their night’s escapade. And the game is afoot as our wayward Parisians slowly strut upon stage. From Hot – High kicking Choreography to its iconic music collection of contemporary/movie themes/disco/etc etc etc– we are so genuinely grateful on this Thanksgiving Eve to be part of this exclusive audience.
Friends, let me tell you, this is one musical opus. As stated, from the minute you enter the majestic Bushnell – and see the rouge heart shape stage with the words “Moulin Rouge” all ablaze, fluttering theater lights abound, passions are already spinning – ding dong – this is just pure imagination from start to end! The “Jardin de Paris” Moulin Rouge cabaret and its assorted denizens await! C’es Parti – Here we GO!!
For those not in the know – “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” is what is lovingly called a “jukebox” musical – as stated above, think a mix between “Camille” “Rent”, “Les Misérables”, “West Side Story”, “Romeo and Juliet” with just a bit of Dudley Do-Right, damsel-in-distress Nell and nemesis Snidely Whiplash thrown in. Moulin Rouge is simply an old-fashioned melodrama/love story with new-fangled music interludes. Moulin Rouge! The Musical opened in 2019 at the Al Hirschfeld Theater, on Broadway and is based on the 2001 Baz Luhrmann film which starred Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor and Jim Broadbent.
After a deliciously decadent opening “Welcome to the Moulin Rouge!”- (“Lady Marmalade, So Fresh, So Clean, and Rhythm of the Night”) we are quickly introduced to the penniless music composer Christian (Christian Douglas) who along with his friends Santiago (Danny Bourgos) and Toulouse-Lautrec (Nick Rashad Burroughs) endeavor to sell his new musical “Bohemian Rhapsody” to the cabarets owner- Harold Zidler (Robert Petkoff)– along the way Christian falls in love with the beautiful Satine, (Gabrielle McClinton) famed courtesan and “star” of the Moulin Rouge Cabaret. Romantic mix-ups and devilish dilemmas ensue, intermixed with music -The Howard so enjoyed “Satine’s Entrance” with its “Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend”/ “Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend, Material Girl and “Single Ladies-Put a Ring On It” musical montage. Any melodrama not only needs a dashing hero but a dastardly villain, here it’s the “Snidely Whiplash-esgue “Duke of Monroth” who is not only conniving to take over the theater but strives to make Satine his own- hiss hiss!! Take out a tissue it’s a tearjerker to the very end!!
Moulin Rouge! The Musical stars Gabrielle McClinton, Christian Douglas, Robert Petkoff, Nick Rashad Burroughs, Andrew Brewer, Sarah Bowden, Danny Burgos and Arianna Rosario. Please note our Howard Noticed You Award this time around is proudly presented to our Satine, Gabrielle McClinton- what a voice- crisp and enticing! As “Ring Leader” and owner of the Moulin Rouge cabaret- Robert Petkoff as “Harold Zidler” – steals the show – nay he “murders” in this “electric” performance with all eyes on this multi-talented performer whenever he appears on stage! Folks this is one production that is not to be missed and the start of numerous “Theatrical Gifts” that will be soon be enjoyed in the upcoming holiday weeks! Enjoy Live Theater in Connecticut!!
Tickets for Moulin Rouge! The Musical are available online at bushnell.org, by calling (860) 987-5900 or by visiting The Bushnell Box Office at 166 Capitol Avenue (Mon-Fri from 10am to 5pm). The Bushnell’s Broadway Series is sponsored by Travelers.
Howard Steven Frydman is General Manager and Executive Director of BATV – Channels 5, 95 & 96 and a member of the CCC. Please feel free to contact Mr. Frydman with your thoughts and ideas at TheHoward24@gmail.com.
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