Get ready to say au revoir to a Broadway icon—Moulin Rouge! The Musical is set to take its final bow this July after a dazzling seven-year run. But here’s where it gets emotional: this Tony-winning spectacle, which brought Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film to life on stage, will close its curtains at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on July 26, leaving behind a legacy as the 36th longest-running show in Broadway history. And this is the part most people miss—despite its record-breaking status as the highest-grossing production in the venue’s century-long history, the musical’s recent box office numbers tell a more nuanced story.
Since its grand opening on July 25, 2019, Moulin Rouge! has captivated audiences with 2,265 performances and 24 previews. During its peak, the show regularly raked in over $2 million weekly, but recent figures show a decline, with a gross of $921,690 for the week ending February 1. Here’s the controversial twist: while attendance remained strong at 92% capacity, average ticket prices lagged behind newer productions like The Outsiders and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, sparking debates about the evolving economics of Broadway.
Producer Carmen Pavlovic of Global Creatures reflected on the journey, calling it ‘the honor of a lifetime’ and crediting Luhrmann and Catherine Martin for their trust and creative guidance. She also praised director Alex Timbers and the entire team for their passion and artistry. ‘This show is a celebration of Broadway and the artists who defy the odds,’ Pavlovic said, promising six more months of tributes to the cast and crew.
With ten 2021 Tony Awards under its belt, including Best Musical, Moulin Rouge! boasts a stellar creative team: John Logan’s book, Sonya Tayeh’s choreography, and Justin Levine’s music supervision. The $28 million production recouped its investment in late 2022, even after weathering the COVID-19 shutdown. It was among the first to reopen Broadway in 2021, symbolizing resilience and reinvention.
Beyond Broadway, the musical’s global footprint is undeniable, with tours across North America and productions in London, Germany, Korea, The Netherlands, and beyond. Its journey began in 2018 at Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theatre, starring Karen Olivo, Aaron Tveit, and Danny Burstein. Today’s cast includes Ricky Rojas, Meg Donnelly, and Bob the Drag Queen, keeping the spirit alive.
But here’s the question that’ll spark debate: As Moulin Rouge! prepares to exit the spotlight, what does its legacy say about the future of Broadway? Is it a testament to timeless storytelling, or a reminder of the challenges modern productions face? Share your thoughts below—we want to hear from you!
