Brisbane had the pleasure of hosting Australian film royalty last night. Acclaimed director, producer, and writer Baz Luhrmann attended the Brisbane premiere of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. This production is based on Luhrmann’s legendary 2001 film, Moulin Rouge!. It completes the ‘Red Curtain Trilogy’, following 1992’s Strictly Ballroom (Also adapted into a major musical by producer Global Creatures) and 1996’s Romeo + Juliet.
While Luhrmann has attended international productions of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, this marked his first appearance at an Australian performance. A scheduling conflict had previously kept him away, but last night, he was there and was full of praise and complements.
Between himself, Catherine Martin (His partner, who was also involved with the original feature film) and Global Creatures CEO Carmen Pavlovic – there was much praise going around, not only of the production and the cast, but Queensland as a whole – who recently was the filming location of Luhrmann’s 2022 feature film Elvis. A number of anecdotes and fun titbits were also shared about the development process.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is performing at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s (QPAC) Lyric Theatre until 27 July 2023. Tickets are available via the QPAC website or by phoning their box office on 136 246.
Stay tuned for my full review of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Expected to be live either later today or tomorrow!
