5 scenography elements of the broadway show, "Moulin Rouge!”

Moulin Rouge! The Musical, a stage adaptation of Baz Luhrmann's 2001 film of the same name, is a lavish production that transports audiences to the colorful and theatrical world of the Parisian cabaret. The set design, like the movie, is an important part of the show's overall impact and success.

The set design, created by Derek McLane, recreates the iconic cabaret with a breathtaking attention to detail. From the sparkling chandeliers to the dramatic red and black color scheme, the set design is a feast for the eyes. The stage is dominated by a giant red windmill, reminiscent of the real-life Moulin Rouge cabaret, which serves as the centerpiece of the production.

Love is the universal theme of Moulin Rouge. “All you need is love”, "Love makes us act like we are fools” and beyond. It is a story that contrasts true and selfless love with lust. The Moulin Rouge is a place of fantasies where men can fulfil their deepest desires. So, let's explore how the designers created the scenography to tell that story:

1. The elephant

2. The Windmill

3. The heart

4. Lighting and projections

5. The velvet

6. EXTRA! - curiosity about me :)

1.The Elephant

Another standout aspect of the set design is the use of oversized sculptures, such as giant elephant and oversized playing cards, which help to create a larger-than-life atmosphere. The props also add to the overall whimsical and fantastical feel of the show.

In the book 'Designing Broadway’, Derek McLane and Eila Mell say, "Surrealism, which to my mind suggests the coexistence of impossibly incongruous elements, is tricky in the theatre". Below you can see how creative ideas and extensive research bring these many incongruent elements to life in a dazzling combination.

André Breton defines surrealism’s mission, in part, as “a means of reuniting so completely the world of **dream** and **fantasy** that they would join with the everyday rational world in an absolute reality, a **surreality**.”
That reminds me the Dali surrealist elephant paintings or even the Ganesha image, from the Indian culture, that creates this mystic and surrealist environment of the Moulin rouge.

The enormous head of the elephant signifies wisdom and knowledge. Elephants don't walk around obstacles, neither are they stopped by them. They just remove them and walk ahead – signifying effortlessness.

2. The Windmill

The windmill is a central symbol in the story of "Moulin Rouge!", both in the film and in the musical. The giant red windmill serves as the centerpiece of the cabaret club, which is named after the windmill. In the story, the windmill serves as a metaphor for the energy and vitality of the Moulin Rouge, with its spinning blades symbolizing the endless cycle of life, love, and desire.

In the musical, the windmill is depicted as a towering, glowing structure, made from velvet and adorned with glittering lights. Throughout the show, the windmill serves as both a backdrop and a prop, providing a visual anchor for the various musical numbers and helping to create a sense of place.

The Moullin Rouge Wind Mill during the belle époque.

The windmill have also been a surrealism icon in the "Dom quixote della mancha” a Miguel de Cervantes story, where the warrior fight with a windmill thinking that is a giant enemy. Again, the idea of a dream and allusions of men's craziness that the Moulin Rouge bring to life.
Overall, the windmill is a powerful visual symbol that helps to bring the story of the cabaret club to life, capturing the energy, excitement, and romance of this legendary institution. Whether you're a fan of the film or a newcomer to the story, the windmill is sure to leave a lasting impression, as it serves as a constant reminder of the beauty and glamour of the Moulin Rouge.

3. The Heart

The heart motif in the set design of "Moulin Rouge!" is a symbol of the film's central theme of love.

The heart shapes are meant to evoke the passionate and tumultuous nature of love, which is the driving force behind the film's plot and characters

The heart motif serves as a visual representation of the film's central message about the transformative power of love.

Parts of the heart sculptures for the set in Moulin Rouge! musical.
The construction of the **heart shapes** in the set of the "Moulin Rouge!" musical would have likely involved a combination of materials. The constructors would have used a combination of traditional set-building techniques and materials, such as wood, cardboard, or foam, to create the various heart-shaped elements. These elements could have been painted, lit, and decorated to achieve the desired look and feel.

4. Lighting & Projections

One of the most impressive elements of the set design is the use of neon lights and projection mapping technology. The projections, which are used throughout the show to create the illusion of changing scenery, are seamlessly integrated into the set design and help to immerse the audience into the world of the Moulin Rouge.

5. Velvet

One of the key elements of the show's design is the use of velvet, both as a material and a symbol. Throughout the musical, characters are often seen draped in lush, rich velvet fabric, evoking the opulence and glamour of the titular Parisian cabaret club. The stage is also adorned with velvet curtains, and the central stage piece, a giant red windmill, is made from velvet.

The use of velvet serves to emphasize the excess and indulgence of the Belle Époque, the period of French history in which the musical is set. At the same time, however, the fabric also symbolizes the sensuality and passion that are central to the Moulin Rouge and its performers.

This is me, so happy, before the show started.

Extra! My special connection to Moulin Rouge…

Why am I so in love with Moulin Rouge? First of all, because I'm a dancer. Second because the movie is such a dangerous and exciting romance. Third, because I love the energy of girls having fun together, dancing, flirting and charming those around them with their confidence. And, most importantly, because it reminds me of my own dance competitions from school. In 2009 we performed a French themed evening that featured can-can. The school was Catholic which made it even more fun and polemic. Our class was awarded first place and it was an EPIC experience for me! Enjoy this clip of the performance from YouTube. I am the central dancer in yellow :).

In conclusion, the set design of Moulin Rouge! The Musical is an essential aspect of the show's success. From the stunning use of projection mapping technology to the larger-than-life props and costumes, the set design transports audiences to the world of the Parisian cabaret and adds to the overall impact and enjoyment of the show. Whether you're a fan of the movie or a lover of musical theater, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a must-see production that will leave you in awe of its grand set design.