Overview
It's the first Australian-produced show to win the Tony Award for Best Musical. It's based on an adored Baz Luhrmann-directed, Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor-starring film that celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. With its tale of star-crossed lovers set to a toe-tapping soundtrack, it's been a Broadway sensation — and it's finally opening in Australia.
That'd be Moulin Rouge! The Musical — and, if you're as keen to attend its Melbourne premiere season as its central duo are about each other (and about professing their affection through song), then you just might be able to nab yourself a cheap ticket. As has happened with The Book of Mormon, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Hamilton, a ticket lottery is being held for the production's homegrown debut run. Via Today Tix, you can sign up for your chance to score a ticket for just $30. Yes, that figure is accurate.
This is your spectacular (spectacular) chance to see the acclaimed screen-to-stage musical for less than the price of a dinner. To take part in the lottery, you will need to download the Today Tix app — which is available for iOS and Android — and submit your entry each week for the next week's performances. The lottery will go live at 12.01am every Thursday morning, starting from today, Thursday, November 11, with winners drawn between 1–6pm on the following Wednesday. If your name is selected, you'll have an hour to claim your tickets from when you receive the good news.
If you need a reminder, you can also sign up for lottery alerts via Today Tix, too.
Opening at Melbourne's Regent Theatre on Friday, November 12, Moulin Rouge! The Musical brings to life the famed Belle Époque story of young composer Christian and his heady romance with Satine, actress and star of the legendary Moulin Rouge cabaret. Set in the Montmartre Quarter of Paris, the show is known for its soundtrack, celebrating iconic tunes from across the past five decades. The film was, too; however, the stage version backs up the movie's tracks with even more hit songs that have been released in the two decades since the feature premiered.
Usually, tickets will set you back $95–219 a pop — so the $30 lottery really is an absolute bargain.
There's no word yet on whether Moulin Rouge! The Musical will head to other Aussie cities later on. It's possible, as other big musicals, such as The Book of Mormon, have — and Hamilton has announced a move from Sydney to Melbourne, too. But, if you don't want to risk it, those located interstate should to start planning a trip ASAP — we think it'll be more than worth it.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical will make its Australian premiere at Melbourne's Regent Theatre from Friday, November 12. To enter the Today Tix $30 lottery, download the company's iOS or Android app, and head to the company's website for more information — and to set up an alert.
Images: Michelle Grace Hunder.