Washington Post - Somewhat Recommended
"...A cynical steamroller of a production, “Moulin Rouge!” does boast spectacular visuals that conjure the eponymous nightclub and Belle Époque Paris. And, as directed by Alex Timbers, the scenes move with sleekly bustling if soulless efficiency. But the jukebox-musical score — including interpretations, samples and mash-ups of songs made famous by the likes of Adele, Beyoncé and Katy Perry — has a distancing effect. The jukebox musical is a popular genre, but the unusually large number of tunes mined here (some 70 songs, according to the musical’s website) and the brevity of certain excerpts don’t draw us into the characters’ world and hearts as much as invite us to smirk in recognition."
MetroWeekly - Highly Recommended
"...Currently repped by a vivacious touring production of Alex Timbers' Tony-winning - and still running - Broadway hit, the show most vividly recreates the maximalist visual and musical style of Baz Luhrmann's Oscar-winning 2001 film (a personal favorite)."
Washington City Paper - Highly Recommended
"...The touring production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Kennedy Center is a belle epoque beauty. Adapted from Baz Luhrmann's 2001 frenetic jukebox musical starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, the Broadway musical with a book by John Logan and music arranged by Justin Levine-including more than 70 songs spanning almost 150 years of musical history-won 10 Tony Awards in 2021 including Best New Musical. Moulin Rouge now invites D.C. audiences to turn-of-the-century Paris for a postmodern pastiche that remixes 19th-century opera plotlines, top 40 pop hits from the past 20 years, and the socialist, bohemian ideals of "truth, beauty, freedom, love.""
Washington Blade - Highly Recommended
"...There’s nothing subtle about “Moulin Rouge! The Musical.” The set, the score, the book, the Vegas meets fin de siècle costumes are all undeniably extra but that’s what makes it tick. Now at the Kennedy Center, the jukebox musical is plying its over-the-top charms on D.C."
Washington Informer - Highly Recommended
"...Remember the movie “Moulin Rouge?” Well, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” should not be compared to the film. Yes, the talented Baz Luhrmann wrote and directed the film, and collaborated with Craig Pearce for the musical, but to witness the show in person is a true spectacle. What is on stage in D.C. is a colorful, glitzy, over-the-top musical that is time well spent for those attending the show."
MD Theatre Guide - Highly Recommended
"...This is not a show with deep character development or even an original story, but if you are looking for a no-holds barred, visually dazzling theatrical experience with LOTS of familiar music, this is the one to see."
Theatre Bloom - Highly Recommended
"...Moulin Rouge! won 10 Tony Awards in 2021 including Best Musical and Best Director for Alex Timbers. The book by John Logan is based on the highly stylized Baz Luhrmann film: while remaining largely faithful to Luhrmann’s movie, Logan’s version yields reduced emotional stakes, yet maximizes opportunity for sensuous dance, song, and opulent spectacle in this grandmaster of the romantic mash-up/jukebox musical, a contemporary pop music hybrid of La Traviata and La Bohème."
