Moulin Rouge! The Musical first opened on Broadway in 2019 after a successful run in Boston. Based on the 2001 Baz Luhrmann film, Moulin Rouge! brings the tragic love story of Christian and Satine to the stage in a dazzling spectacle of song, dance, and romance. With pop hits spanning decades integrated into the story, elaborate sets and costumes, and stellar performances, Moulin Rouge! has been a hit with both critics and audiences. But at premium Broadway ticket prices, is Moulin Rouge! worth the investment? Here we’ll examine the key factors to consider when deciding whether to see this Broadway smash.
The Music
One of the main draws of Moulin Rouge! is the way it creatively reimagines popular songs as big production numbers and intimate ballads that propel the narrative. Over 70 chart-topping hits are featured, including songs like “Lady Marmalade,” “Rolling In The Deep,” and “Bad Romance.” The musical arrangements interweave these familiar tunes in exciting new ways. For musical theatre fans, the pop score is a treat, though more casual theatregoers may find it less appealing than an original score. Still, the music of Moulin Rouge! is undoubtedly one of its standout elements.
The Performances
While the leads Aaron Tveit and Karen Olivo both departed the show in 2021, their replacements have earned strong reviews. Broadway veteran Derek Klena now plays the idealistic Christian, with Jessica Rabbit look-alike Jacqueline B. Arnold as the alluring Satine. The supporting cast is also fantastic, especially Tony Award-winner Danny Burstein as impresario Harold Zidler. Their vocals and acting bring an emotional depth to the spectacle. The casting ensures Moulin Rouge! has Broadway-caliber triple threat talent at its core.
The Production
As a Tony Award winner for Best Scenic Design, Moulin Rouge! is a visual feast. The set uses bold reds and golds to evoke the decadent nightclub. Massive chandeliers descend from the ceiling, the giant windmill turns, and there is even a trapeze swing used for aerial stunts. The costumes are equally lavish, with the iconic can-can dresses and plenty of pailettes and feathers. Dramatic lighting, video screens, and effects like fireworks, fog and snow complement the visuals. On a technical level, Moulin Rouge! delivers Broadway production value deserving of its $16 million budget.
Is Moulin Rouge! Worth the Broadway Ticket Price?
At an average price of $155 for a regular ticket, according to Broadway League data, Moulin Rouge! is one of the more expensive shows on Broadway. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help evaluate if it’s worth the splurge:
Pros
- Jukebox musical with 70+ hit pop songs integrated into story
- Lavish spectacle including sets, costumes and effects
- Strong lead and ensemble performances
- Immersive Parisian nightclub experience
- Family-friendly for ages 10+
Cons
- Very expensive tickets, averaging $155 for regular seats
- Pricing continues to increase over time
- No original score by Broadway composers
- Some find pop scores less compelling than originals
- Sexy content and themes may not suit young kids
Ways to Get Cheaper Moulin Rouge! Tickets
If the ticket price tag is holding you back from seeing Moulin Rouge!, here are some strategies to secure less expensive seats:
Enter Lotteries and RUSH
Many Broadway shows, including Moulin Rouge!, offer lotteries and RUSH ticket policies to provide access to more affordable tickets. Through digital lotteries, a limited number of $50 seats are raffled off for each performance. At the box office, a RUSH policy releases discounted seats if available right before showtime. These options do require some luck and flexibility, but allow you to potentially score tickets for half off or less.
Look for Discounts
Check sites like BroadwayBox.com and TheaterMania.com for Moulin Rouge! ticket deals. Codes and promotions can bring down prices, especially during slower weeks. You can also call the box office directly to ask about any potential discounts on offer. Weekday matinees and rear mezzanine seats often have lower demand.
Watch for Special Promotions
Occasionally, special discount codes will be released to the public for certain performances. Sign up for email alerts or follow the show’s social media to be notified right away when these specials are announced. You may also find promotions tied to hotels or restaurants that package discounted show tickets.
Consider a Rear/Partial View
If you don’t mind not being front and center, look for rear mezzanine or partial view seats which tend to be the lowest priced options. You’ll still get to experience the full spectacle while saving money. Reviews indicate even the rear seats at the intimate Al Hirschfeld Theatre have decent views.
Seat Location | Average Price | View Rating |
---|---|---|
Front Orchestra | $249 | Excellent |
Mid Orchestra | $199 | Excellent |
Rear Orchestra | $155 | Very Good |
Front Mezzanine | $170 | Excellent |
Rear Mezzanine | $99 | Good |
Partial View | $79 | Limited |
Is It Worth Paying More for Better Seats?
Sitting closer to the action comes at a steep price premium at Moulin Rouge! Here are some factors to weigh when deciding if it’s worth splurging on the best seats:
Pros of Paying More
- See intricate costumes, makeup and expressions up close
- Never miss an element of the fast-paced choreography
- Be immersed in the grandeur of the set’s full height
- Experience every sensational moment to the fullest
Cons of Paying More
- Orchestra/front mezzanine seats are 2-3x more than rear seats
- Al Hirschfeld Theatre only has 1,600 seats so no seat is terribly far
- Clear elevated views from less expensive mezzanine
- Save over $100 per ticket to spend on drinks, dinner, souvenirs etc.
While the best seats provide an extra dash of spectacle, the more budget conscious can opt for rear orchestra or mezzanine seats to still get an excellent experience. Given the rising costs, sitting a bit further back can be a smart way to enjoy the show without breaking the bank.
Is Moulin Rouge! Better Than Other Broadway Shows?
Moulin Rouge! stands out for its technical achievements, stunning theatricality and familiar pop score, but how does it compare to other top Broadway musicals? Here’s a look at how it stacks up to some other hot tickets in town:
Show | Category | Moulin Rouge! | Hamilton | The Lion King | Wicked |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Music | Pop jukebox score | ✔️ | |||
Original Broadway score | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ||
Production | Lavish costumes and sets | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
High-tech lighting and effects | ✔️ | ||||
Story | Based on popular movie | ✔️ | ✔️ | ||
Original story | ✔️ | ✔️ |
While each show has its own superlative qualities, Moulin Rouge! stands out for its technical theatrics, pop score and recognizable love story. Fans of splashy musicals may find it worth the premium price for an unparalleled Broadway spectacle.
Conclusion
Moulin Rouge! on Broadway delivers stunning production value and chart-topping pop music that provides an exhilarating night of theatre. However, as one of the top-priced shows on Broadway, premium orchestra/front mezzanine tickets entail a hefty investment. Budget-focused theatre fans can find ways to secure discounted rear and partial view seats for a reasonable price. While the more expensive seats unquestionably enhance the experience, the show remains a visual treat even from further back in the intimate venue. Given its virtues, unique attributes and demand from audiences, Moulin Rouge! justifies its spot as a top-grossing Broadway smash. For musical theatre devotees or fans of the movie, Moulin Rouge! is a worthwhile splurge to see a Broadway spectacle like no other.