‘Moulin Rouge!’ Star Aaron Tveit Reveals If He Plans on Returning to the Broadway Musical

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When the musical drama Moulin Rouge! debuted in movie theaters in 2001, it immediately became a phenomenon. Infused with modern-day pop songs, the film told a tragic story between two starving artists that had more than their jobs on the line in 1899 Paris. So, when Aaron Tveit originated the role of Christian on Broadway in 2019, he didn't expect it to have a lasting effect for future jobs to come.

Already recognized for his work on Broadway and TV, longtime fans were thrilled to see Aaron take on one of the movie's iconic roles. His version of the bohemian, originally played by Ewan McGregor, garnered him critical acclaim, including a Tony Award for Lead Actor in a Musical. At the same time, his rendition of"El Tango De Roxanne"quickly made him a viral sensation with celebrities commenting on his performance. So, when producers asked him to return for a 12-week stint in early 2023, he jumped at the chance.

If the choice was up to Aaron, it may not be long before he gets onstage again. "I am absolutely open to coming back," he tells Good Housekeeping of whether he'd return to Moulin Rouge!. "I 'm totally open to coming back at another time and I hope the show continues to run and have success."

While the Gossip Girl alum exited Moulin Rouge! in early April, Aaron said his time in the Broadway show gave him pointers for his next big job: the Apple TV+ anthology show Schmigadoon! that gives nods to famous musicals through plotlines and songs. The comedy centers around a couple Melissa Gimble and Josh Skinner (Cecily Strong and Keegan-Michael Key, respectively) who get thrown into a musical-esque world amid relationship issues.

In season 1, Aaron portrayed Danny Bailey, a carnival barker with unrequited feelings for Melissa in the 1950s storyline. As he explained, the ability of starring on a production like Moulin Rouge! twice gave him the chance to grow into the role of Topher, a lost commune leader who's more central to the 1970s era seen in season 2.

"I kind of had to push myself, vocally and emotionally," he explained about bringing his Broadway expertise to television. "It definitely gave me some confidence that I could push myself there. I think I probably did lean on that."

As a result, Aaron's newfound skills helped him build a richer narrative for Topher, who folks meet as a lackadaisical leader trying to accept his role in counterculture society. By the end of the season, he discovers a unique outlook on life and falls in love with dancer Jenny Banks (Dove Cameron) amid a season-long murder mystery.

While it's unclear if Schmigadoon! will return for season 3, Aaron acknowledged his gratitude for the overall experience. He did note that whether he continues working in movies or TV, there is nothing like the power of Broadway.

"I always just wanted to be somebody who is accepted and seen by their peers in the theater," he concluded. "No matter all the other work I do, I will always come back, and I will continue to come back. That's what's been so amazing about this."

"With Schmigadoon! season 2... It's all done with love. No, we're not making fun of any of these other shows. We're all just people that love these musicals."

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