Broadway is about to lose one of its most dazzling spectacles.
“Moulin Rouge! The Musical” will take its final bow on July 26 after seven glittering years at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre.
The announcement marks the end of an era for one of Broadway’s most successful post-pandemic productions, a show that defied the odds when so many other musicals struggled to survive.
By closing night, the production will have racked up 2,265 regular performances and 24 previews, making it the 36th longest-running show in Broadway history.
A Spectacular Run Against All Odds
The jukebox musical burst onto Broadway on July 25, 2019, bringing Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film to life with an explosion of color, music, and bohemian energy. Critics praised the adaptation, which transforms hits from Elton John, Beyoncé, Katy Perry, and Sia into a story about Parisian nightclub performers fighting to keep their venue alive.
After just nine months of strong ticket sales, the pandemic slammed the curtain shut on “Moulin Rouge” along with every other Broadway production. When theaters reopened in September 2021, the show came roaring back and swept the Tony Awards with 10 wins, including Best Musical.
Director Alex Timbers, book writer John Logan, and choreographer Sonya Tayeh all took home Tony Awards for their work on the production.
The Money Behind the Sparkle
Producers haven’t publicly explained why they’re closing a show that’s been playing to nearly full houses. However, the production’s enormous operating costs tell part of the story.
“Moulin Rouge! The Musical” is extraordinarily expensive to mount. Music rights for dozens of pop hits combined with the elaborate, constantly-glittering set create weekly running costs that dwarf most Broadway productions.
Despite these challenges, the show became the only musical from the 2019-2020 season to recoup its investment, achieving that milestone in late 2022. That accomplishment stands as remarkable evidence of the production’s commercial success in an era when most new musicals close without ever breaking even.
A Global Phenomenon
The Broadway production spawned a worldwide empire. Fifteen international productions have launched across the globe, bringing the Moulin Rouge experience to audiences in London’s West End, Germany, Korea, and a North American tour that continues to sell out cities across the continent.
Producer Carmen Pavlovic reflected on the journey with gratitude and pride.
It’s truly been the honor of a lifetime bringing this exceptional show to Broadway. We couldn’t have done it without Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin’s trust in allowing us to adapt their iconic film for the stage and for their creative guidance and generosity throughout.
She praised director Alex Timbers’ vision and the entire creative team’s passion, calling their artistry “unmatched.”
What Makes “Moulin Rouge” Special
The musical adaptation weaves together over 70 songs spanning decades of pop music history. Iconic tracks become part of the bohemian narrative set in Montmartre’s famous nightclub district.
Audiences experience familiar hits in entirely new contexts:
- Elton John’s romantic ballad “Your Song”
- The seductive classic “Lady Marmalade”
- Sia’s powerful “Chandelier”
- Katy Perry’s anthem “Firework”
- Beyoncé’s empowering “Single Ladies”
This innovative approach to musical storytelling helped “Moulin Rouge” stand out in Broadway’s crowded landscape. The production proved that jukebox musicals could achieve both critical acclaim and commercial success when executed with creativity and spectacle.
The Final Months
Producers have hinted at surprises before the curtain falls for the last time. Pavlovic teased “more exciting announcements” that will be revealed during the show’s final six months.
We’ve always said that ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’ is a celebration of Broadway and of the artists who, against all odds, make it possible. We look forward to six more months of celebrating the remarkable people who created this show and those who perform eight times a week.
She added with characteristic flair, signing off with the show’s signature catchphrase.
See you at the Moulin Rouge, Chickens!
A Post-Pandemic Success Story
The timing of “Moulin Rouge’s” closure carries particular significance. In post-pandemic Broadway, new musicals have struggled dramatically to find audiences and financial stability. Productions that once might have run for years now close within months.
Against this challenging backdrop, “Moulin Rouge” achieved what most considered impossible: seven years of performances, 10 Tony Awards, full recoupment, and global expansion.
The production’s success demonstrates that Broadway audiences still crave spectacular, immersive theatrical experiences. When done right, musical theater can overcome even the most daunting financial and logistical challenges.
Theater fans have six more months to experience the glittering world of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” before Broadway loses one of its brightest lights. For those who haven’t yet visited the Moulin Rouge, time is running out to witness this historic production that defied odds and redefined what jukebox musicals could achieve.