'Moulin Rouge! The Musical' delivers rich, splashy spectacle in Providence tour stop

PROVIDENCE – Broadway has a way of reminding us to check expectations at the door and submit to sheer entertainment, something those flocking to the Providence stand of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” are experiencing nightly.

The Tony Award-winning best musical, on stage at the Providence Performing Arts Center through Dec. 31, tells a classically tragic love story set in a tawdry cabaret in late-19th-century Paris. We think we know the Bohemian tale – seedy and flashy, downtrodden and heartwarming – before we even get to our seats.

Then, cleverly interwoven modern songs – sometimes just familiar lines – relay the story of Christian, Satine and the entire Moulin Rouge family with such punch that it creates an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Dubbed a “jukebox musical” for the continuous flow of songs moving the story along, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” sets the tone by opening the 2½-hour production with strains of the disco hit “Lady Marmalade” as cabaret manager Harold Zidler welcomes all “reprobates and rascals” to the place “where all your dreams come true.”

Money troubles lead Zidler to partner with the ignoble Duke, who finances a new show in exchange for possession of Satine, the company’s star. In theater’s standard identity mix-up, however, Satine first falls in love with American playwright Christian, who promises to work with another Montmartre creative on the production and retake his love from the Duke.

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It's a standard love-versus-evil-interloper story, perhaps. But line after line, dance after dance, the production leaves the audience smiling and nodding along to familiar songs like “Firework,” “Royals,” “Material Girl,” “Bad Romance,” “Single Ladies” and “Shut Up and Dance.”

John Logan’s book flows seamlessly as director Alex Timbers and choreographer Sonya Tayeh layer scenes with two, three and more pockets of activity for a mesmerizing effect. In one early scene, men with horns dance past fluttering layers of can-can dancers’ skirts and strutting men in tuxedoes, all against a brilliant mesh of lines from “Burning Down the House” and “Lady Marmalade.” The composite is dazzling.

Creative choices in scenes such as Christian taking absinthe for courage – glowing goblets hoisted around a dimly lit stage – and edgy choreography that leaves the ensemble twisting and arcing through songs in sync are the hallmarks of this engaging production.

Such enthusiasm compels the cast through energetic scenes, clad in gorgeous costumes and delivering solid vocals throughout. Christian Douglas’ performance as Christian is the standout, as he delivers powerful versions of “Rolling in the Deep” and “Roxanne” in the second act.

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His counter, Gabrielle McClinton as Satine, has moments of greatness. Her opening number, while perched on a swing above the stage, is a rich medley, starting with “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” that hits some power notes. But her delivery through the show is largely – and disappointingly – inconsistent.

Other cast contrasts exist. Nick Rashad Burroughs, as Christian’s co-collaborator Toulouse-Lautree, is delightfully unique with engaging antics and dramatic meltdowns, while Andrew Brewer creates a much less sinister Duke than expected. But together, the cast – with exquisite dancing and vocals from the ensemble – packages the production well.

“Moulin Rouge! The Musical” is on stage through Dec. 31 at Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St. in Providence. For tickets, go to ppacri.org.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: 'Moulin Rouge! The Musical' is rich, splashy spectacle in Providence