It’s that time again, time to head over to the National Arts Centre and enjoy another fantastic Broadway show. This time, on the docket is Moulin Rouge! The musical, based on the film from Baz Luhrmann that eventually became a stage production, winning 10 of the 14 Tony Awards it was nominated for.
I remember seeing the movie starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, and I also remember hearing “Lady Marmalade” everywhere at the time. Even today, there are probably many people who think the song is simply called “Voulez-Vous Coucher Avec Moi?”
I had never seen the musical before and honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. As I sat waiting for the show to begin, I flipped through the program and found myself confused as to why there wasn’t a track listing included. It didn’t take long after the curtain rose for me to get my answer. Moulin Rouge! is very much a jukebox musical, and the number of songs packed into the production is staggering.
The show itself is a love letter to Paris, embracing the glamour and romance of the City of Lights with nods to many of its iconic landmarks.
Set in the famous Parisian cabaret at the turn of the 20th century, the story follows Christian, a young American writer who falls deeply in love with Satine, the sparkling star performer of the Moulin Rouge. As the two pursue their passionate romance, they must navigate ambition, jealousy, and the pressures of a world where love and art often collide.
The musical combines extravagant costumes, breathtaking choreography, and a modern pop-inspired soundtrack featuring songs from artists such as Elton John, Lady Gaga, and Adele. Its energetic mashups and visually stunning stage design create an immersive experience that captures the glamour and chaos of bohemian Paris.
The colours of the set were bright and vibrant and were the perfect backdrop for the show.
Ryan Vasquez is great as Christian. His resume boasts some incredible experience on Broadway, and it shows. He has a strong stage presence and is extremely talented.
That brings us to Satine. As she stepped onto the stage in front of a sold-out Southam Hall audience, I knew there was something familiar about her, Gabriela Carillo, but I wasn’t sure what. She is luminous and engaging, absolutely owning the stage and every moment she is on it. I realized, after checking the program, she was in one of my favourite musicals, SIX, where she played Catherine Parr. She is literally a Queen.
This is a fun overall show and is worth your time. Broadway Across Canada has done it again!
Moulin Rouge! is at the NAC through Sunday, May 17, 2026
At its heart, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a celebration of truth, beauty, freedom, and above all, love, making it one of the most visually exciting and emotionally engaging productions on stage today.
Photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for Murphymade
