In a theater filled with burgundy velvet wallpaper, rows of string lights, and a life-sized elephant head, you can see Broadway’s Moulin Rouge! The Musical. From song swaps to stunt casting, the show has had an interesting run. Although it’s closing on August 30, 2026, you still have time to grab tickets to see this classic story. But is it really worth it?
I saw Moulin Rouge in early April, a few nights after Megan Thee Stallion joined the cast. The energy was electric from the audience, and I expected a high-quality, classic show. I truthfully should have done more research.
To start, Moulin Rouge is not a bad show. The talent was incredible, as always, and certain songs live up to the hype. Not to mention the set and costumes, which were so immersive and captivating. The show is meant to be an experience, hence the decorated theater and often interactive comedy and scenes. If you were to sit at one of the tables close to the stage, Zidler (played by Megan when I saw it, but now played by Eric Anderson) would deliver lines to you, interact with you, and even direct some ribbing at you. I liked that aspect, and thought it fit well with the setting of a cabaret.
What I didn’t like, however, were the songs, plot, and characters. This is a jukebox musical, but I assumed the original songs from the show’s debut were still being performed. Instead, modern music by Beyonce, Katy Perry, etc. was used instead. This is apparently done to keep the musical current, but I found it cheapened the music. In a show like &Juliet, the song choices are so intentional, and don’t feel jarring at all. But in Moulin Rouge, when “Firework” starts playing during an emotional moment and the entire audience is scoffing and laughing, it starts to feel ridiculous.
The plot was also a problem for me. It was hard to follow, and didn’t stick to one tone. At times, it was silly, making references to other musicals and joking with the audience. But the serious moments were too serious, and it was hard to feel anything for the characters’ circumstances when the tone shift is so out of place.
The characters were the biggest issue for me after the music. The main female lead, Satine, was completely unlikeable. She has little personality beyond her relationship with men like the male lead, Christian, and the antagonist Duke. In conversations with other women, it’s hard to determine what kind of person she is—there’s just not much there. Christian makes strange, selfish decisions, and ignores reality in a way that’s not inspiring, just unrealistic. In my opinion, idealistic characters can be really likeable and endearing. But here, I found that wasn’t the case.
Although Moulin Rouge was a fun, immersive experience with amazing talent and very strong visuals, I personally did not find it to be worth a second visit.
If you like a jukebox musical, flashy costumes, and musical fun with a bittersweet ending, you might love this show. Even though it wasn’t for me, the crowded theater and notoriety this show maintains is a testament to how many people love Moulin Rouge.
