Costa Mesa, CA (News 4 Us Online) – Immerse yourself into a world of dazzling glamour and interact with those who carry a charm that can only be met at the one and only Moulin Rouge!
Upon first impressions, the show doesn’t begin with a quiet and dimly lit theater, but with a preshow that allows this to feel like we are there in Paris. The effort of reeling the audience into Satine and Christian’s world goes beyond just including the preshow; it stems throughout the story in finer detail down to the final curtain closing.
The ensemble was phenomenal in the way they kept the show moving without a drop of character. No matter where you looked on the stage the continuous movement and actions kept this world going, elevating the reality of the production.
The chemistry shared between whoever was on stage plays into what this show is and wants to convey, which is passion. John Cardoza was exceptional, given his portrayal of Christian’s devotion and love for Satine.
Despite being a character that didn’t have a shimmering outfit and a big sign, his rich tone and great projection left the audience in complete awe, a true stand-out of the evening.
His counterpart, Arianna Rosario, matched his energy, creating wonderful chemistry, letting the audience feel for and root for Satine and Christian’s unconditional love. Rosario’s Satine demands attention with her wonderful projection as well as her ability to showcase the complexity of Satine.
The audience leaves with understanding her motivation to make the decisions she makes even if it comes at the cost of pushing the one she loves away. Rosario’s compelling performance helped translate the shared love towards Satine by the characters to the audience, saying goodbye was just as difficult for us and the ensemble.
Satine is a star, a lover, a friend, a companion, and most importantly, a human being.
Although they are supposed to be from different worlds, those that Satine and Christian have surrounded themselves with speak with similar forms of advice and support. Jahi Kearse as Toulouse-Lautrec and Robert Petkoff as Harold Zidler have a certain presence on stage where they are more than just a stepping stone for our leads.
Petkoff gives the impression that Zidler has the reputation he does for a reason and that is something that will not be taken out of his hands. As for Kearse, Toulouse has a certain free spirit that leaves you with understanding the need for limits within a certain context, as well as the push for community and the beauty within it.
What this show had left me with by the end of the night was eagerness, excitement, and an urge to rewatch the show. All around, everyone had done a phenomenal job that I wish I had the time to highlight everyone, a well-deserved pat on the back for the entire ensemble.
Featured Image Caption: Jay Armstrong Johnson and Arianna Rosario the 2025 touring production of MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.jpg
Attending Long Beach State University. Former color guard performer and graduate of Bellflower High School.
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