Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a jukebox musical with a book by John Logan. The musical is based on the film Moulin Rouge! At the 74th Tony Awards , Moulin Rouge! In โ, there was speculation about the possibility of a stage musical based on Moulin Rouge!
In , it was announced that a stage musical was being developed by Global Creatures with direction by Alex Timbers. A workshop took place in , [ 6 ] starring Aaron Tveit and Karen Olivo. The lab ran from October 30 until December The musical relates the story of Christian, a young composer, who falls in love with cabaret actress Satine, who is the star of the Moulin Rouge. Similar to the film, the musical's score weaves together original songs with popular music, including songs that have been written in the 17 years since the film's premiere.
The Moulin Rouge cabaret club, "where all your dreams come true", is in full swing under the direction of Harold Zidler, flanked by four dancers: Nini, Baby Doll, Arabia, and La Chocolat. At the same time, the money-motivated Duke of Monroth is introduced as well "Welcome to the Moulin Rouge". Right before Zidler introduces the Moulin Rouge's Sparkling Diamond, Christian interrupts to start a story "about love", about a woman named Satine. In , Christian arrives at the Montmartre district of Paris from Lima, Ohio, where he meets bohemians Toulouse-Lautrec and Santiago, who are attempting to create a play with songs in it.
The two are impressed by Christian's musical and songwriting talents and ask for help to get their work produced at the Moulin Rouge. The trio celebrates the Bohemian ideals of truth, beauty, freedom, and love "Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love". After Satine performs for the club, Zidler prepares for her to meet and impress the Duke of Monroth, who might invest in the Moulin Rouge and save it from financial ruin.
However, Satine mistakes Christian for the Duke. Toulouse and Santiago distract Zidler from seeing Satine and Christian interact. While dancing and still thinking she is speaking with the Duke, Satine invites Christian to come to her dressing room in "the Elephant" outside the club "Shut Up and Raise Your Glass".
