The musical Moulin Rouge is an incredible cabaret show!

Robert Petkoff as Harold Zidler and the cast of the North American tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade.

Truth. Beauty. Freedom. Love.

Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film Moulin Rouge! dazzles with its sensory excess, centering on two star-crossed lovers amidst the chaos. The critically acclaimed, Oscar-winning movie was a natural choice for stage adaptation, with its cabaret-style performances and madcap melodies drawn from popular songs. Currently running on Broadway at the Al Hirschfeld Theater, the Moulin Rouge North American tour is now lighting up the Broward Center until March 17. Tickets are available here.

Harper Miles, Sarah Bowden, Nicci Claspell & Max Heitmann in the North American Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade.

Set in the iconic nightclub in Paris's Montmartre Quarter, the show's ambiance begins with a pre-show featuring ensemble members strutting around the neon “Moulin Rouge” sign. Showgirls in feather headdresses, men in suits, and performers like sword swallowers gaze fiercely at the audience, drawing them into the Parisian underground. Christian (Christian Douglas) raises the sign to kick off the show. Showgirls Nini (Sarah Bowden), Baby Doll (Max Heitman), Arabia (Nicci Claspell), and La Chocolat (Harper Miles) take the stage, singing the signature tune “Lady Marmalade.” The exuberant master of ceremonies, Harold Zidler (Robert Petkoff), welcomes the audience into a world of the bourgeoisie, set to Outkast’s “So Fresh, So Clean,” and the bohemians, highlighted by Talking Heads’ “Burning Down the House.”

Andrew Brewer as The Duke of Monroth. Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade.

Within this class divide, Christian, a singer-songwriter from Ohio, travels to Paris seeking creative inspiration. He befriends anti-capitalist writer Toulouse-Lautrec (Nick Rashad Burroughs) and the lusty dancer Santiago (Danny Burgos). Derek McLane’s set design, using massive flat cut-outs to create the Moulin Rouge and the streets of Paris, translates beautifully on the road without much alteration from the Broadway production.

Christian Douglas as Christian in the North American Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade.

The trio sings about “Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love” with a mashup including Lorde’s “Royals” and Fun’s “We Are Young.” Music supervisor Justin Levine updated the original medleys for a new generation, finding songs that serve the story rather than following a typical jukebox musical format. This innovative approach elicits awe, occasional groans, and laughter, especially during Katy Perry’s “Firework.” The characterization of Christian as a savant penning great love songs rationalizes the use of pop music on stage.

Gabrielle McClinton (center) and the cast of the North American Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade.

Christian pitches their show to cabaret owners by meeting Satine (Gabrielle McClinton), resplendent in a glittering corset. She performs “Sparkling Diamonds,” a twist on “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Choreographer Sonya Tayeh’s staging combines classical cabaret with modern dance moves, highlighting her eclectic vision. As the club faces financial woes, Zidler cajoles Satine to seduce the wealthy Duke De Monroth (Andrew Brewer). A chance encounter leads Christian to woo Satine with “Your Song.”

Nick Rashad Burroughs as Toulouse-Lautrec in the North American Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade.

While Broadway introduces stars like pop singer JoJo and Boy George, the tour cast, though less known, shines brightly. Nick Rashad Burroughs as Toulouse-Lautrec commands the stage with urgency, while Danny Burgos as Santiago and Sarah Bowden as Nini share electric chemistry. Andrew Brewer’s Duke is dashing yet villainous, while Robert Petkoff’s Harold Zidler steals the show with his campy yet heartfelt performance. Christian Douglas as Christian exudes charm and vulnerability, particularly in “El Tango de Roxanne,” while Gabrielle McClinton’s Satine balances seduction, sass, and innocence.

Christian Douglas & Gabrielle McClinton in the North American Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade.

Directed by Alex Timbers, the show features collaborations with Justin Levine and lighting designer Justin Townsend, creating a spectacle with consistent performer visibility. Catherine Zuber’s costumes enhance the story’s glamour and excess, from Christian’s drab garments to Satine’s dazzling corset.

The cast of the North American Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical comments on art’s potential for change, highlighting class and art through the timeless tale of fated lovers. Satine faces the dilemma of dying penniless with Christian or living her last moments in wealth with the Duke. Toulouse-Lautrec grapples with maintaining his values amidst wealthy producers.

Broadway’s high-energy party, Moulin Rouge! The Musical radiates brilliance and underscores the tragic pursuit of love and justice through art. With massive staging and immersive sound design, the show captivates audiences. Moulin Rouge! The Musical is now playing at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available here.