Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love: Moulin Rouge!’s Final Bow
I spent most of my childhood in the velvet flip-up seats of the theater with my mom. Keller Auditorium in Portland, OR, became a place of comfort and solace. A place where $7 water and the chaotic ritual of intermission bathroom lines stood as a reminder that I was right where I was supposed to be. As many tourists flooded the Statue of Liberty or the dazzling lights of Los Angeles, my North Star was the sparkling diamond marquee, always demanding my attention with a defiant exclamation point.
Moulin Rouge! might be an acquired taste for some, but for me, it’s a religion. From the moment Ewan McGregor first graced my screen as a child, I was captivated and sworn in as a devotee. Since 2023, I’ve tracked the evolution of the show’s main character, Christian, from some of the best seats in the house (though the can-can seats remain my ultimate goal). From Cott, to Tveit, to Fisher, I’ve seen such mesmerizing cast members bring the “Spectacular Spectacular” that is this show to life. Over the last 19 years, I’ve seen 20+ shows both on and off Broadway; nothing ever has and ever will compare to the soul of this shimmering, unapologetic jukebox show. The storyline follows the impoverished and lovesick poet Christian who falls in love with the star of the Moulin Rouge cabaret, Satine. Despite their epic love story, Satine has promised the Duke that she would be with him. Torn between her true love or being wealthy for the rest of her life, the show must go on even through her tuberculosis.
One vital pillar of this show is the light and visibility that is shined on queer actors, and how it fosters a safe haven for all members of the LGBTQ+ community. Harold Zidler, one of the main characters, is often portrayed as a gay man. This role has been honored by many queer actors and is welcoming rapper and icon Megan Thee Stallion as its first gender-bending actress to play this role (Factora, 2026). “Baby Doll”, a character who appears mostly in the opening song and throughout ensemble choreography, is a drag queen. Jeigh Madjus who originated “Baby Doll” talks about the character in an interview: “Baby Doll is a drag queen, a female impersonator. When I auditioned, Baby Doll was described as a drag queen in the breakdown, and that’s how the character is described in the script.” (Voss, 2019). This stage serves as a refuge of solace and comfort for people of all different genders, races, sizes, and sexual orientations; one of the many reasons this show is so magical.
More of the show’s sparkle shines with its jukebox structure. A jukebox musical is a show that features hit songs from popular groups or genres rather than original music. Mamma Mia, & Juliet, Jersey Boys, and Ain’t Too Proud are some examples of popular jukebox musicals. Moulin Rouge! features songs such as “We Are Young” (fun), “Material Girl” (Madonna), “Shut Up and Dance” (WALK THE MOON), “Firework” (Katy Perry), and “Raise Your Glass” (P!nk). While I don’t think the majority of the population prefers jukebox musicals (I certainly don’t), Moulin Rouge! does a great job integrating these songs and combining them with the storyline in both a humorous and heartfelt way. I will never not find it funny, though, when Christian is struggling with his love life and then breaks out into “Firework” by Katy Perry. In that moment, we all sympathize with Christian and do feel like plastic bags.
Unfortunately, after seven triumphant years of running, Moulin Rouge! will perform its last show on July 26, 2026. According to Variety, Moulin Rouge! performed “2,265 regular performances and 24 previews, making it the 36th longest-running show in Broadway history.” (Variety, 2026). A lot of this show’s success comes from their ability to cast such popular performers and celebrities. Cast members such as the beloved Aaron Tveit (original), Derek Klena, Karen Olivo (original), Solea Pfeiffer, Meg Donnelly, Boy George, Bob the Drag Queen, and soon Megan Thee Stallion, have charmed the Al Hirschfeld Theatre’s stage over the past seven years.
My very first thought when reading the headlines about this show closing was “Why? This show is so successful”. I’m not wrong, Moulin Rouge! grossed almost $7 million in February of 2026 (Broadway World, 2026). The initial budget for this show was $28 million, making it the third most expensive Broadway show ever produced as of 2023, following behind Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark (Natale, 2023). The “weekly nut” (operating cost) for Moulin Rouge! is roughly $1 million, due to such a high production value, a quality that is becoming more and more unrealistic in New York’s economic climate. This show being a jukebox musical also has an impact, as the grand rights take 6% of gross box office fees for the rights to the songs they use since most of them are not original works (Grand Right Licensing and Rental Fees, 2011).
Despite setbacks due to global pandemics, actor strikes, and the overall current political state and show backlash, Moulin Rouge! has had an incredibly successful seven years and will always remain a staple in my household. Truth, beauty, freedom, and love have never been illustrated so well in a live production. I firmly believe that despite this show closing, its impact will last for years and years, come what may.
About the author: PK is a freshman studying advertising, art & technology, and science communication. She loves collecting tattoos, listening to Phoebe Bridgers, seeing Broadway musicals, and calling herself a coffee connoisseur. She is passionate about writing, art direction, and travel journalism and hopes to pursue any of these in New York City one day!