Spotlight on 'Moulin Rouge! The Musical' with Samantha Dodemaide
As part of a series showcasing long-running Broadway shows, we speak to a star from the pop musical's original Australian cast now making her Broadway debut.
To star in a 10-time Tony Award-winning show on Broadway is spectacular. But to do it on two continents? That's spectacular-spectacular, to borrow a phrase from the Baz Luhrmann film that inspired Moulin Rouge! The Musical. And it's exactly what Samantha Dodemaide has done.
A veteran of the Australian stage, Dodemaide originated the role of nightclub dancer Nini in the country's first production of the musical in 2021. And as of January 2025, she's making her Broadway debut in the same part. Her global journey is not unlike that of the show itself: Since opening at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre in 2019, Moulin Rouge! The Musical has traveled to dozens of cities including London, Melbourne, Tokyo, Oslo, Seoul, and Stockholm.
Of course, that's not surprising given that the original film, which sets the star-crossed romance of a poor writer and a Parisian showgirl to a score of chart-topping pop hits, has become a cult classic since its 2001 release. And with the addition of even more songs, new takes on the film's sumptuous sets and costumes, and plenty of live can-can dancing, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is now a fan favorite in its own right. Dodemaide reflects on its success and shares some behind-the-curtain secrets.
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Why do you think this show has lasted so long on Broadway?
When the creative team was putting the show together, all the departments got it right [...] the direction, the music, the choreography, the costuming, the lighting, the sets, etc. I think when that happens, magic is created on stage, and therefore a brilliant show is created.
What is the best audience reaction you have seen to the show?
The best audience reaction would have to be when we had a "sing-along" show. I wasn't sure what to expect and if the audience would actually get involved, but they did, and it was incredible. I felt like we were rock stars at an arena concert. It was an amazing moment where the audience and the performers on stage felt united.
What is your favorite moment in the show?
By far my favorite moment every night is at the very end of the show, after the finale and bows, when I look out and see pure joy on the audience's faces. There is no greater feeling!
What is a little-known secret about performing in the show?
In particular at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, there is no space [...] in the wings. The backstage area is very small. So, our backstage crew does some incredible work getting sets on and off, and actually the huge set pieces that you see on stage end up being suspended in the air in the wings when they are not being used.
What do you hope audiences take away from the show?
Toulouse-Lautrec sings this iconic line in our show, and I think it's the point of not only our show, but of life: "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."
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Photo credit: Pepe Muñoz and Samantha Dodemaide in Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway. (Photo by Matthew Murphy)
Frequently asked questions
What is Moulin Rouge! The Musical about?
Baz Luhrmann's hit film takes to the stage with more than 40 pop hits from the past 40 years. Behold a dazzling production with all the magic of the Moulin Rouge cabaret, where freedom, beauty, truth, and love are the bohemian way. Come what may, get tickets to Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway today.
Where is Moulin Rouge! The Musical playing?
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is playing at Al Hirschfeld Theatre. The theatre is located at 302 West 45th Street, New York, 10036.
How long is Moulin Rouge! The Musical?
The running time of Moulin Rouge! The Musical is 2hr 35min. Incl. 1 intermission.
What's the age requirement for Moulin Rouge! The Musical?
The recommended age for Moulin Rouge! The Musical is Ages 12+. Children under 5 years old will not be admitted..
How do you book tickets for Moulin Rouge! The Musical?
Book tickets for Moulin Rouge! The Musical on New York Theatre Guide.
Who wrote Moulin Rouge! The Musical?
Moulin Rouge! The Musical has a script by John Logan, who adapted it from the film's screenplay by Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce. The songs have dozens of different composers and writers, as they are all existing pop hits from various decades.
Which pop songs are in Moulin Rouge! The Musical?
Moulin Rouge! The Musical contains some of the most famous pop songs included in the movie, like "Lady Marmalade," "Your Song," "Roxanne," and "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend." There are over 40 new additions as well, including "Bad Romance," "Rolling in the Deep," and "Toxic."
Is Moulin Rouge! The Musical appropriate for kids?
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is recommended for ages 12 and older due to mild sexual and sensual content. Please note that children 4 and younger are not permitted in Broadway theatres.
Is Moulin Rouge! The Musical different from the movie?
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is slightly different from the movie — the show includes dozens more pop songs besides the ones that the original movie used. The plot and characters, though, remain the same.
Is Moulin Rouge! The Musical a jukebox musical?
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a jukebox musical, containing more than 40 pop songs from the 1940s to the 2010s.
Who directed Moulin Rouge! The Musical?
Alex Timbers directed Moulin Rouge! The Musical, winning a Tony Award for his work. He's also known for staging Broadway musicals including Here Lies Love and Beetlejuice.
When did Moulin Rouge! The Musical open on Broadway?
Moulin Rouge! The Musical opened in June 2019 following a pre-Broadway run in Boston.
Is Moulin Rouge! The Musical good?
Moulin Rouge! The Musical won 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and is among the best-reviewed shows on New York Theatre Guide. Our five-star review reads, "Moulin Rouge! The Musical is in a league of originality and creativity all of its own; with a song stack of some 70 pop hits from the '40s to the present day, it is the ultimate jukebox show."
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