- Published:
- Sunday 28 July 2019
Melbourne has confirmed its place as the theatre capital of Australia with Moulin Rouge! The Musical set to light up the city in 2021.
The new stage production, fresh from an acclaimed Broadway debut and based on Baz Luhrmann’s award-winning musical film Moulin Rouge!, will take over Melbourne’s much-loved Regent Theatre for its Australian debut.
The Andrews Labor Government has backed this latest theatrical coup for Victoria, as well as a major $19.4 million refurbishment of the Regent – the first significant works at the theatre since 1996.
Set in the Montmartre Quarter of Paris during the Belle Epoque at the turn of the 20th century, Moulin Rouge! The Musical tells the story of Christian, a young composer who falls in love with actress Satine, star of the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret.
As in Baz Luhrmann’s film, Moulin Rouge! The Musical celebrates some of the greatest popular music of the past 50 years. The stage musical features many of the iconic songs from the movie plus hits released since the movie premiered in 2001.
Global Creatures, the Australian production powerhouse created by Melbourne entrepreneur Gerry Ryan and acclaimed producer Carmen Pavlovic, is behind the new musical and will bring the show to Melbourne.
Victoria continues to be the creative and cultural capital of Australia, with recent industry reports showing the state generates the highest share of national live performance attendance, as well as the highest share of attendance at musical theatre productions.
Confirmation of Moulin Rouge! The Musical continues a run of major theatrical triumphs for Melbourne.
Locals and visitors continue to flock to the Princess Theatre to experience the magic of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child while the Comedy Theatre this month launched the debut Australian season of acclaimed musical Come From Away.
Major events are a key player in the state’s economy, generating more than $1.8 billion each year and bringing visitors from across Australia and around the world to Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
“Melbourne’s thriving cultural scene and its major events calendar are renowned around the world, and securing huge productions like this is why we are so highly regarded.”
“Securing Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a genuine coup for Victoria and a further boost for jobs in the events and creative sectors.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley
“The iconic Regent Theatre will provide the ideal backdrop for this stunning musical production, cementing Melbourne’s reputation as the live performance capital of Australia.”