Walk into the historic James M. Nederlander Theater and you're transported to The Moulin Rouge. Based on the real Moulin Rouge in Paris, it's a visual cornucopia constructed especially for the national tour.
"There's so many reasons we chose Chicago to start this show," said Producer Bill Damaschke, who grew up in south suburban Summit.
"This is a massive show, it's a true first class tour in every way."
Red mood lighting fills the theater. A giant, working windmill and a blue elephant surround the main stage.
"This is an underwater, mysterious energy of opulence, elegance and mystery and sensuality and power. It gives you a giant embrace when you walk in so you really feel the atmosphere and feel a part of it." said Sonya Tayeh, Tony-award winning choreographer.
The extravagant set arrived in 13 semitrucks, and the ensemble is made up of 63 cast and crew.
"We're doing something really, really challenging under normal circumstances. Chicago is the perfect place because the theater is incredible and the local crews and the local musicians are phenomenal and they are here to meet the challenge that Moulin Rouge requires." said Damaschke.
Elgin native Courtney Reed leads the national tour. She originated the role of princess Jasmine in Disney's "Aladdin" and appeared in Lin Manuel Miranda's "In the Heights." She made her Broadway debut in "Mamma Mia."
Now, fresh off 10 Tony wins for "Moulin Rouge," she plays lead Satine.
"This is a dream for me. I'm thrilled to show diversity and show people I'm not just a Disney Princess," she laughed.
Reed said it's surreal to be back home as part of such a huge show.
"It's such an out of body experience to be back in this classic theater, formerly known as the Oriental which I knew it as, the James Nederlander and I've seen many shows here so to be on the actual stage feels so crazy to me. I'm so lucky," said Reed.
"Moulin Rouge! The Musical" features 70 songs credited to 160 songwriters, administered by 30 publishers, representing over 160 years of music.
"There's everything from Beyoncé, Elton John, Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, The Stones. It'll be musically something to please anyone," said Conor Ryan, who plays Christian.
He said he's never performed for Chicago audiences before.
"I've never done anything in Chicago. I can't wait to get to know the audiences here," he said.
While native Reed is an expert on the subject.
"Chicago has wonderful theater so what we love as performers are sophisticated audiences who get the humor, get the references. Chicago is so good at honoring theater as it should be. I know Chicagoans will be a lovely and warm and rowdy audience I hope," smiled Reed.
Reed attended Larkin Visual and Performing Arts Academy and the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt university.
"I have so many friends and family coming to see me every night. It's awesome to be home. My mom has been emailing me everyday about tickets." she laughed.
The jukebox musical is based on Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 movie.
"At its heart it's a love story surrounded by sex, drugs and rock and roll," said Ryan. "The experience has been described as sensory overload. Every second of the experience of the show is just exploding with life and beauty. You're not going to want to miss it." He smiled.
The musical will play March 19 to May 14 at the Nederlander Theatre. It had previously been slated for February 26 to April 24, so for the cast and crew, kicking off the national tour has been a long time coming.
"We've been working on this show for almost 6 years. It's been such a gift to create it. This company is so exquisite, so generous, so kind. It takes a hot blooded company to want to do this type of show. We are invested and ready." said Tayeh.
"Moulin Rouge! The Musical" opened on Broadway at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre in June of 2019.
Damaschke said he can't wait to share the show with Chicago audiences.
"The audiences in Chicago are smart and discerning yet they are warm and generous. I cannot wait for them to see what we are doing. The talent on stage and behind the scenes are doing something incredible," said Damaschke.
Tayeh can't wait to welcome audience members to the show.
"When you walk into the Moulin Rouge, all are welcome. I think that should reign true for the world. We can learn something from our beautiful Moulin Rouge," said Tayeh.
"Moulin Rouge! The Musical" runs March 19 through May 14th at the Nederlander Theatre.
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