Megan Thee Stallion will make her Broadway debut in “Moulin Rouge! The Musical.” She’s stepping into the role of nightclub impresario Harold Zidler, a part originated by Tony winner Danny Burstein.
She will take the stage at the Al Hirshfeld Theatre on March 24 for an eight-week engagement that runs through May 17. Megan Thee Stallion’s turn will mark the first time a female-identifying performer is portraying the character in any “Moulin Rouge” production worldwide. Since Burstein departed the production, Tituss Burgess, Boy George and Wayne Brady have welcomed audiences to the legendary Parisian venue as Harold Zidler. “RuPaul’s Drag Race” winner Bob the Drag Queen is currently in the role through March 22.
“Stepping onto the Broadway stage and joining the ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’ team is an absolute honor,” Megan Thee Stallion said. “I’ve always believed in pushing myself creatively and theater is definitely a new opportunity that I’m excited to embrace. Broadway demands a different level of discipline, preparation and storytelling, but I’m up for the challenge and can’t wait for the Hotties to see a new side of me.”
“Moulin Rouge! The Musical” will close on July 26 after seven years on Broadway. By then, “Moulin Rouge” will have played 2,265 regular performances and 24 previews, making it the 36th longest-running show in Broadway history. Producers didn’t give a reason for closure. Although the production has been playing to nearly full houses, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” is enormously expensive to mount because of the music rights and the elaborate, glittering set.
An adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 musical “Moulin Rouge,” the show uses music including Elton John’s “Your Song,” “Lady Marmalade,” Sia’s “Chandelier,” Katy Perry’s “Firework” and Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” to score a story about bohemians in the Parisian neighborhood of Montmartre who are trying to keep their nightclub in business. Producers hinted that theatergoers will hear some of Megan Thee Stallion’s songs in the jukebox musical. The Grammy winner is best known for hits like “Bodak Yellow,” “I Like It,” “Savage (Remix)” with Beyoncé and “WAP” with Cardi B.
“Welcoming Megan Thee Stallion into the ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’ community is a thrilling moment for us,” said producer Carmen Pavlovic. “Megan is a true global superstar. She is one of the most influential artists of her generation and her impact on music and culture is undeniable. This historic casting is a major part of our closing celebrations: our farewell gift to Broadway audiences and one of our biggest announcements in the history of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. We want our show to go out with a spectacular bang, and Megan is the force of nature to lead us there. And yes, there will be a hint of music from her own iconic catalogue. It’s an unmissable moment for both Megan’s fans and ours.”