A Trip to the Moulin Rouge

A Trip to The Moulin Rouge by Leah Landron

This year for our Theatre Arts Broadway trip, we went to see Moulin Rouge. Moulin Rouge is a jukebox musical, meaning almost all of its songs are popular songs from a specific genre/artist, instead of being all original music. Moulin Rouge is filled with various pop-rock songs ranging from Shut Up and Dance with Me, to Firework, to Take on Me. The songs weave in and out of each other to tell the story of a writer who, while mistaken for a Duke, meets and falls in love with the star of the Moulin Rouge Club. Those two main characters, Christian and Satine, embark on a secret love affair, all the while trying to save the Moulin Rouge from bankruptcy by putting on a new show to win the real Duke’s investments.

The musical was beautiful, from the insane set pieces to how the songs effortlessly transitioned to grab at your heartstrings. I believe there was seldom a dry eye in the house. I loved how songs we all know and love became characters’ words that made sense in the story. The story and score were both incredibly well written, with twists and turns that left you simultaneously distraught and overjoyed in the end.

It was a wonderfully magical senior year field trip for me, as when our group split off for lunch, my group went to a monstrosity of a candy store, a cupcake boutique, and Barnes & Nobles. Other groups explored other parts of the city, ranging from ice-skating to Bryant Park to grabbing sushi. I greatly appreciated the freedom we were given to choose our destinations, even if it meant later learning I should have recalibrated Google Maps. We got to learn by watching the actors and gain practical life experience as a part of the same adventure. Overall, it was a glorious time at the theater and I plan to savor it in my memory for years to come.