It’s hard to imagine that if it weren’t for the pandemic, Moulin Rouge! The Musical would be closer to its fourth year on Broadway (fifth if we count the pre-show in Boston). The nearly two-year pause didn’t allow for such celebrations, but plenty of Tony Award wins. This is one of the most outstanding productions in theatre, and this cast has been extraordinary throughout, each in its own way; it’s been breathtaking to see.
The official announcements came through first on Instagram and considering how emotional we are now, we’ll likely be utter wrecks come May 8, the day they each take their final bows.
Robyn Hurder’s exit in February left us particularly bummed, but there’s beauty in the detail that Ricky Rojas is now leaving, too, as it gives new actors the chance to breathe life into the roles of Nini and Santiago. Who’ll take up the mantle as Christian? Who’ll be the new Satine? We didn’t get to see Natalie Mendoza in the performance, but we’ve heard nothing but extraordinary things about her, and surely the actor who comes next will be just as dazzling as the sparkling diamond.
Tam Mutu was always fantastic as The Duke, and if you were fortunate enough to see him, then you know–you get. It’s harder to loathe him in the musical when the performances are so stellar. But the Bohemians leave the Moulin Rouge stage with accolades that prove their embodiments of the characters were sensational.
If you can, run, don’t walk to see these final performances as they’re bound to floor you. If you aren’t a theatre person, this production could even change that. It’s fun. It’s exhilarating. And as incredible as the original soundtrack is, the stars are even more breathtaking live.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is now playing at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre!