There's Going to Be a Moulin Rouge! Musical

Yes we can-can-can see Moulin Rouge! on Broadway—maybe!

The world just found out that a musical adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s fabulously over-the-top film is in the works. Which is excellent news for anyone who loves jukebox musicals, or 19th-century Paris, or spectacular sets and costumes, or (most importantly) HUUUUGE dance numbers.

The production is still in its infancy, so we don’t know much about it, beyond the fact that Alex Timbers has been tapped to direct and John Logan will handle the script. But while there may not be a choreographer attached just yet (John O’Connell, who also worked on Luhrmann’s 2013 adaptation of The Great Gatsby, choreographed the movie version), it’s safe to assume that this show is going to involve some spectacular dancing. Remember the film’s dramatic “Roxane” tango? Its circusy “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” number? Its marvelously manic can can medley? Every five minutes there’s a dance-friendly scene that’s pretty much tailor-made for the stage. (Little-known fact: The movie choreo was so intense that star Nicole Kidman actually fractured two ribs and injured her knee while rehearsing a dance number. Yeeps!)

Here’s hoping Moulin Rouge! makes its way to the Great White Way eventually—we’ll keep you posted as we hear more. In the meantime, we obviously need to talk fantasy casting. Idina Menzel as Satine, anyone?

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