'Moulin Rouge!' Being Developed Into a Stage Musical
Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor in ‘Moulin Rouge!’ (Photo: Moviestore Collection/Rex/Shuttersock)
Moulin Rouge! will can-can its way onto the stage in a theatrical reimagining of the big screen musical.
Global Creatures is developing the show and has tapped Skyfall and Gladiator writer John Logan to craft the book and Alex Timbers, who previously oversaw Peter and the Starcatcher and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, to direct the play. As a film, Moulin Rouge! was a frenetic pop culture pastiche, mixing in rock classics by the likes of David Bowie and Nirvana with an old-fashioned romance about star-crossed lovers. It was Baz Luhrmann’s Baz Luhrmanniest work — all quick cuts, ADHD pacing and big emotions that the screen could barely contain. But Global Creatures is familiar with the director’s oeuvre, having previously transformed his film Strictly Ballroom into a stage production.
Luhrmann hailed the choice of Timbers and Logan in a statement, praising the director for his “creative spirit” and calling the writer “gifted.” “It’s immensely gratifying to know that a new wave of artists will be leading Moulin Rouge! into its rightful theatrical realm,” he said.
Like the film, the show will follow an idealistic writer who falls in love with a cabaret star and courtesan, all set in the Montmartre Quarter of Paris, France. The show is being currently being developed and the producers said an opening venue will be announced at a later date.