Review: Moulin Rouge the musical in the Netherlands

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Moulin Rouge Utrecht

Cause you can, can, can — and I did, did, did! Together with my mom, we traveled to Utrecht to see the sensational musical Moulin Rouge. With its outstanding set and talented cast, it was about time I witnessed this spectacular show. Featuring famous songs like “Firework,” “Crazy Rolling,” and many more, it truly lived up to the hype!

Since we attended a matinee performance, the venue was less crowded than it would be during an evening show. This gave us the perfect opportunity to upgrade our seats for a small fee. Naturally, I had to check the available options. For just €14 total (€7 each), we moved from row 31 all the way up to row 9. Being closer allowed us to catch the subtle facial expressions of the actors, which really added to the magic of the performance.

Walking into the theater, you’re immediately greeted by the iconic Moulin Rouge set: the famous windmill on one side and a giant elephant on the other. The venue also offers the well-known “can-can seats,” which are super close to the stage. However, I wouldn’t personally spend my money on these — the angle forces you to look up or behind you, which can be uncomfortable. For the price of those seats (at least in the Dutch production), you could actually watch the show twice! I’m not sure if this is the case in the West End or other productions, but it’s something to consider.

One of the highlights for me was seeing Brecht van Arnhem perform as the walking cover for Christian.

He actually performed on the day we attended, and it felt extra special knowing he’s originally from Belgium. Before the performance truly begins, the performers make a mysterious entrance onto the stage that instantly sets the mood. This unique moment draws you in and builds anticipation, making you ready to be swept away by the story.

Throughout the show, you follow the story of Satine (played by Chayenne Lont, who usually stars as Satine in the German production), Christian, and his friends as they try to convince Zidler (Carlo Boszhard) and the Duke (Nino Ruiter) to bring their show to the Moulin Rouge. The story is filled with passion, drama, and incredible music — the songs were absolutely phenomenal, and I would gladly come back just to hear them again.

Conclusion: Moulin Rouge in Utrecht is an unforgettable and immersive musical experience you don’t want to miss. With an impressive cast, spectacular sets, and phenomenal music, this show takes you on an emotional journey full of passion and drama. Whether it’s your first time or a return visit, make sure to get the best seats possible and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of Moulin Rouge!

More information can be find on the official website of Moulin Rouge NL - West End

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