One of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s most successful and exciting ballets is back on the stage! Ballet is often dismissed as being old-fashioned and boring, but the RWB’s Moulin Rouge is neither old-fashioned nor boring. Created by formed RWB principal dancer Jorden Morris, this production is one of the company’s most successful modern pieces. It has been seen by well over 100,000 people across the globe, and was also broadcast on film to reach even more people. You absolutely need to see the RWB’s Moulin Rouge, it is a highlight of the year!
I have to give a massive thank you to the RWB for providing a ticket for the show, and for staging such an amazing production!
The Story Behind the RWB’s Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge is over 130 years old now, and has more stories than any of us could imagine. This production is its own story (not related to the 2001 film of the same name at all), and pulls you straight into the heart of the cabaret. Morris created the full-length ballet, Peter Pan, for the company in 2006, and then Moulin Rouge in 2009. He has an energetic and engaging style of choreography, and is always exciting to watch. (Perfect for anyone new to dance!) So, what can you expect?
Drawn to Paris by the city’s passion, a flame fuelled by the hearts of lovers and the souls of poets, Matthew and Nathalie tempt fate as they seek love and destiny at the infamous cabaret – The Moulin Rouge®. Seen and adored by over 125,000 people across North America, Europe, and Asia, Moulin Rouge® – The Ballet returns with a flurry of high-kicking choreography set to a rousing French soundtrack.
The most famous cabaret in history, the Moulin Rouge has been the subject of many books, paintings, movies and musicals ‐ birthplace of the Cancan and home to a cast of outrageous dancers known as the Diamond Dogs. When the Moulin Rouge opened, Paris was a city of exquisite contradiction; art was both elevated and abused, pomp and excess ran hand in hand with poverty and hardship, and the heady elixir of personal freedom bred lifestyles that were often reckless and addictive. (RWB)
The Highlights
Alanna McAdie is an expressive and beautiful Natalie. She has an emotive quality to her dancing that you so rarely see, but still brought a spark and energy to Natalie. It has been wonderful to see her rise through the company, and she is a uniquely talented dancer. Liam Caines’ Zidler is also fantastic- villains can be a difficult role, and Caines is more than simply a mean boss. (I think the boos at his bow are an indication of just how good of a villain he is [the only time that a boo is appropriate!]).
The company as a whole sells this show, though. Every scene has its supporting characters, from the tailor and his assistants to the street sweeper and baker, and the dancers deliver. Character and comedic acting in dance can be difficult for some dancers, but every single dancer committed to create this world of the Moulin Rouge, making it even more enjoyable.
The tango scene in Act II is still one of my favourites, after 10 years. It is exciting to see the dancers in a different style, and to see ballet mixed with tango. Obviously the ballet is about the Moulin Rouge, and the dancers and characters who inhabit it. However, seeing another part of Paris only enhances the story. What would Bohemian Paris be without the Bohemians, quite frankly?
The Costumes of Moulin Rouge
Without a doubt, my favourite part of this production is the costuming. The costume department has done an incredible job with every single one of the costumes, and they look amazing on stage. As you might guess, the costumes for the can-can dancers are as colourful and exciting as any can-can dancer could be. I appreciated that they are still in the style of the period, as many production tend to modernise a lot- you feel like it is 19th Paris, not 21st century Winnipeg. However, the costumes that truly stood out to me are Natalie’s other costumes. They have such beautiful movement and dynamics, it creates an indescribable element to the piece that elevates it. Shannon Lovelace, the Costume Designer, absolutely nailed these designs and they come to life on stage. And I would be remiss not to mention the men’s costumes, as they are fantastic, as well. The tailoring and details on the suits are perfect for Belle Epoque Paris. (Watch out for the entertaining scene where Matthew gets fitted for and dressed in his new tails- one of the best in the show!)
If you are like me, and love the costumes as well, you can purchase prints of the costumes sketches- they make gorgeous artwork, and I have one for myself now!
Where You Can Find It
The RWB’s Moulin Rouge has five performance dates, with three more remaining. It is at the Centennial Concert Hall in the Exchange District:
Friday, 28 February 2020- 7:30pm
Saturday, 29 February 2020- 7:30pm
Sunday, 1 March 2020- 2:00pm
There is a running of time of two hours and ten minutes (including intermissions) . I would absolutely recommend getting to the Concert Hall early, as there is a pre-show chat with a dancer or artistic staff member before each performance, as well as live music being performed. You can get your tickets here (choose your performance on the left hand side)!
If you are looking for the history of the Moulin Rouge itself, check out my post here!
When will you be seeing the RWB’s Moulin Rouge?
Cheers,
The Historian
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin’
