Review: Moulin Rouge! Musikaali

Theatre review: Moulin Rouge! Musical – Helsinki City Theatre

Helsinki City Theatre’s new production Moulin Rouge! is a visual and musical spectacle that enchants its audience from the very first minutes. Based on Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film, this musical brings to the stage the glowing and decadent cabaret world of Paris, where bohemian artists and cabaret dancers live in the midst of great emotions and drama.

Director Anders Albien has succeeded in creating a spectacular and energetic performance on the Helsinki stage that captivates with both its music and stage technique. The set design (Takis) and costume design (Astrid Lynge Ottosen) are detailed and impressive, full of sparkle and colour. Moulin Rouge! Not only does it look like a cabaret, it is a cabaret in all its glory. Viewers can almost feel the pulse of the Moulin Rouge as stunning dance scenes and spectacular lighting fill the stage.

The music, which consists of both familiar songs from the film and new pop and rock hits, is one of the musical’s strongest elements. The songs sound skilfully arranged and bring new layers to the story. The musical makes versatile use of contemporary pop culture, and it gives the performance a topical and fresh atmosphere.

The roles show great performances. Jennie Storbacka shines in the role of Satine, who manages to bring both the glamour and the fragility of the character to the stage. The love story between her and Christian (Martti Manninen) is at the heart of the musical, and their chemistry creates an emotional and deeply touching foundation for the performance. The main character, such as Zidler (Risto Kaskilahti), also brings his own strong contribution to the drama and humour of the story.

The dance choreography is spectacular and energetic, and the dancers manage to create a real cabaret atmosphere. Everything that happens on stage is precisely synchronized, and it gives the performance a sense of the big world. This musical leaves nothing halfway, but is a real visual firework that constantly offers the audience something new and surprising.

Moulin Rouge! is an excellent example of how a classic film can be turned into a new kind of theatre experience. The Helsinki City Theatre’s version of this story is a success, and it leaves viewers with the feeling that they have witnessed something special. It is an energetic, colourful and emotional performance that is not afraid to be spectacular and grandiose – just like the Moulin Rouge itself.

Rating: ★★★★ ☆

Review on the Theatre Corner website.