“Moulin Rouge! The Musical” dazzles in telling a tale of love with pop music

By Kyran Kennedy | Arts Angle Vantage Reporter

duPont Manual/Youth Performing Arts School, Class of 2027

“Moulin Rouge! The Musical” is an electrifying theatrical experience that masterfully blends romance, spectacle and a powerhouse jukebox score into an unforgettable night of entertainment. From the moment the curtain rises, the show transports the audience into the heart of the bohemian world of Paris, where passion, freedom and love reign supreme.

Robert Petkoff (Harold Zidler) and the cast of the North American Tour of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical.” Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman.  Courtesy PNC Broadway in Louisville.

The production — part of the PNC Broadway in Louisville season, which opened at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 28 and runs through March 2 — is a feast for the eyes with lavish set designs and dazzling costumes. For example, Harold Zidler (Robert Petkoff), the club’s owner, wears a blood-red tailcoat with a black-and-gold-bedazzled undershirt. Vibrant lighting immerses the audience in the decadent world of this gentlemen’s club crossed with a circus. Every scene bursts with color and energy, making it feel as though you’ve stepped into a living, breathing painting. The choreography is equally mesmerizing — high-energy, dynamic and executed with remarkable precision.

The show’s music is one of its biggest triumphs. Seamlessly weaving together iconic pop and rock hits. So fresh and so clean, it feels exhilarating and emotionally charged. The clever arrangements breathe new life into beloved songs to create a thrilling musical tapestry that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish.

The cast of the North American Tour of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical.” Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman.  Courtesy PNC Broadway in Louisville.

The cast delivers powerhouse performances, with Arianna Rosario as Satine and Christian Douglas as Christian embodying their roles with charisma and depth. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, making their love story all the more compelling. Their vocal performances, like Douglas’s “Sound of Music,” are breathtaking and include soaring ballads and electrifying duets that leave the audience spellbound.

Beyond the spectacle, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” is a heartfelt story of love, sacrifice and following one’s dreams. It balances grand theatricality with intimate, emotional moments, ensuring that its impact lingers long after the final curtain call.

In short, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” is a must-see — a dazzling, high-energy celebration of love, music and the magic of theater. Whether you’re a fan of the original film or new to the story, this production delivers an unforgettable experience that will leave you singing long after you leave the theater, as I did with Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy.”

Kyran Kennedy, a sophomore at Youth Performing Arts School, enjoys spending time with family on the holidays and eating pizza. He has been in pageants, dance performances and talent shows. He has performed in “Grease!” (Sonny); “13 The Musical” (Archie); “Best Christmas Pageant Ever” (Olie & Charlie); “Kinky Boots” (Simon/Lola); “Wizard of Oz” (Lollipop guild) and “Spam A Lot” (Sir Robin).