Moulin Rouge! The Musical takes a familiar love story and blows it up into an immersive, full-scale spectacle. Premiering in Calgary this January, the show has already toured the world and earned 10 Tony Awards.
Based on Baz Luhrmann’s iconic 2001 film, the stage adaptation immerses audiences in a world of splendour and romance. Beneath the Bohemian excess, however, lies a familiar and resonant story about love, ambition, and the search for one’s true self.
Moulin Rouge! is not just about music. It is a full sensory experience: Can Can skirts inspired by the Parisian cabaret era of 1899, lavish sets, and immersive lighting and sound. From the moment you enter the theatre, you are surrounded by a deep red glow. Even before the show begins, performers move slowly across the stage through shallow water, drawing viewers into the sensuality and theatrical excess of the Moulin Rouge.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical runs January 6–11 at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.
Inside the Spectacle with Jeff Sullivan
Swing performer Jeff Sullivan, who covers the lead roles of Christian and the Duke on tour and on Broadway, has been with Moulin Rouge! The Musical for more than a year.
Originally from Newfoundland, Sullivan made his debut as Christian in Toronto and says he is especially excited to bring the show home to Canadian audiences.
One of his favourite aspects of Broadway musicals is their ability to create a fully immersive world for the audience. “You walk into those doors and feel like you’re transported back to 1899 — but into an alternate universe where we’re using music from the 20th century. It’s very unique,” he says.
Sullivan also notes that this production holds personal meaning for him, as he dedicates the show to his mother, who passed away six years ago and was an early influence on his path.
How do you switch between characters?
“When I first joined the tour, I only covered Christian. He’s the golden retriever of the show, so it actually felt very easy to play him. I have some golden retriever tendencies in real life.
“It’s good to have a balance of both roles. Once you’ve seen the show from one side, it rounds out your understanding of it from the other. But playing the villain is always more fun. You get to drive the plot and push against what the audience wants, which is exciting as an antagonist.”
How long did it take to prepare for the show?
“In terms of rehearsals, I had 10 rehearsal days over two weeks because I joined when the tour was already running. In that time, I learned an ensemble track and the role of Christian, which was pretty intense.
“Then we went out on tour and had about three weeks of shadowing and costume fittings before officially joining the company. Altogether, it was about a month and a half.
“If you’re talking about building the entire tour from the very beginning, though, it can take two to two and a half months.”
How closely does the show follow the movie?
“There’s a lot of new music, which I won’t give away, but yes, there might be a little Gaga or Beyoncé in there. The story mostly follows the film, but it’s expanded: the characters are more developed, and everyone gets their own musical moment.
“Some scenes have been reimagined, including the “Elephant Love Medley.” There are also new dance numbers and musical arrangements. But don’t worry — “Roxanne” is still in the show. That’s everyone’s favourite.”
What was the most challenging — and the most rewarding — part of preparing for the show?
“The most challenging part was learning four people’s jobs. I cover two ensemble tracks, plus Christian and the Duke, so there’s a huge amount of material to hold in your head.
“The most rewarding part is being able to support your fellow performers and tell the same story together, making sure you take the audience on the journey with you.”
What makes Moulin Rouge! relevant to Canadian audiences?
“The show features music from the last 20, 30, even 50 years — songs everyone knows and loves — all told through a story set in 1899.
“The contrast of how cold Canada can be during January and how hot things are going to be in Moulin Rouge!. You walk into the theatre, and suddenly you’re somewhere warm, steamy, and alive.
“The story itself is beautiful. It’s about someone leaving home to pursue their dreams, which mirrors my own experience. I moved from Canada to America at 18 to study and pursue my dreams. Christian comes to Paris to find purpose, love, and a sense of belonging, and through that journey, becomes the writer he was meant to be.
“I think many people can relate to that feeling of leaving home — whether within your own country or across borders. For me, it’s such a big gift to come back to Canada and share this story with Canadian audiences.”
Do you have a favourite line in the show?
“‘Truth, beauty, freedom, and love’ — the core slogan of the show. We don’t always have all of those things at the same time, but it’s a beautiful reminder of the Bohemian ideal, and of what makes a life worth living.”
