Moulin Rouge!’s Final Week On Broadway Breaks Major Record

When Moulin Rouge! The Musical was back on Broadway, Sarah Bowden returned to the Broadway company as she starred in the production at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. 

Moulin Rouge! The Musical, which had its final show on August 30, broke a record as it brought in $2.3 million in its last week on Broadway, making it the highest-grossing musical in the last several years on Broadway, according to The Hollywood Reporter.  

Bowden, who appeared in the ensemble of the Broadway production, she also appeared in other roles, such as in the TV series Gavin and Stacey, and the British drama series Young Dracula, among others. Bowden portrayed Nini in Moulin Rouge! which ran through May 3. In the production, the character Nini is a spirited, yet sarcastic dancer at the titular Moulin Rouge! 

This would not be her first time playing the character. Bowden previously portrayed Nini on the musical’s North American tour. Samantha Dodemaide, the actress who was currently performing the role at the time, resumed the role beginning May 5.

Rapper Megan Thee Stallion also made her Broadway return this spring, joining the cast for a limited eight-week run. The famous, award-winning entertainer reprised her role of Harold Zidler, the flamboyant owner and impresario (someone who sponsors or owns entertainment) of the titular Moulin Rouge! Her involvement was scheduled from March 24 through May 17.

“Moulin Rouge! The Musical” is based on Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film; however, it will have slight departures from it, as unlike the motion picture, it will also have multiple different songs, such as “Firework” by Katy Perry.  

The production announced in July that it would conclude its seven-year Broadway run. Running for that long would not make it the longest by any stretch of the imagination, surprisingly enough. That honor actually goes to The Phantom of the Opera, with an impressive 35-year run, per the IBDB (the Internet Broadway Database).