By Jay Darcy. The musical is, of course, based on the Baz Luhrmann film of the same name โ which is set at the real-life Moulin Rouge. Poetic, right? The Moulin Rouge is ran by the camptastic and unashamedly homosexual Harold Zidler. Jamie Muscato, a West End star who originated the role of J. I have seen Melissa James onstage three times before โ first, in Wise Children , and later in Gypsy twice. She is mesmerising from the moment she arrives onstage or, rather, is brought down from the heavens and makes you feel every single emotion she feels over the course of the show.
His ability to quickly switch from fun and supportive to mad and threatening is remarkable. Whilst the Duke is a less developed and more two-dimensional than the other characters, TV star Ben Richards brings a dark, sexual energy to the role that enchants the audience. Moulin Rouge! The foyer, which is surprisingly small and intimate, has a feature wall of Moulin Rouge! But nothing prepares you for the visual feast you encounter when you enter the auditorium. The stage musical, like the original film, is a jukebox musical, featuring famous songs from years gone by, most of them in medleys.
The stage adaptation uses songs from the original film as well as hits released in the two decades since the film was released. With most numbers being medleys, we are treated to scores and scores of famous songs, each of them placed masterfully. A few of the songs are a little predictable e. Such songs are so overplayed and generic that they have become hollow, devoid of feeling and emotion. But they are also fun, feel-good and nostalgic so I understand why they were chosen. Whilst a few of the newer songs feel a little out-of-place, the cast roll with it and deliver soaring renditions.
Some of the cheesy songs arouse laughter in the audience. But even they help carry the story, believe it or not. Whilst they are some of the highlights, every single scene is remarkable. I cannot fathom how the production manages to fit all that set backstage and above. It is very much a movie brought to life โ every scene, a new setting.
Whilst characterising Moulin Rouge! Thank goodness that there is one last upbeat megamix at the end to bring the mood back up!
