The mesmerizing and intoxicating movie Moulin Rouge! has been synonymous with combining stunning visuals and top-notch musical performances since it appeared in theaters in 2001.
And now, 20 years later, the Baz Luhrmann classic is on Broadway as “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” serving up all the color, spectacle and drama but remixed and mashed up for our new era.
This latest production has updated its musical lineup, coming at you fresh with 70 songs spanning over 160 years of popular music — from Offenbach to Lady Gaga. But before you check it out, can you predict which songs are making their debut?
Try your luck at guessing which of your favorites are featured in the updated spectacular, then check out how you can catch them live. Ready, Bohemians?
Song #1: “Shut Up and Raise Your Glass”
This stage song features the hit that catapulted the legendary Whitney Houston into platinum status. Originally released in 1987, this song followed in the footsteps of the breakout “How Will I Know.” It was an unlikely fan favorite that raced up the charts and had everybody heading to the dance floor.
Answer: “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”
Give it a listen, and see if you can hear the tell-tale notes in the musical’s “Shut Up and Raise Your Glass”!
Song #2: “Only Girl in a Material World”
In 2010, the song that serves as the heartbeat for this new update debuted on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 at #75, then raced up the charts to No. 1 after only a few weeks. The singer-turned-mogul and newly minted billionaire is quoted as saying: “I think women want freedom. They want to be empowered. They want hope. They want love. They want all the things that I want. And I’m not afraid to say those things and act on them.” Can you guess the song that has so many feeling the same way?
Answer: “Only Girl (in the World)”
See if you can catch this banger in the song “Only Girl in a Material World,” which has a POV that turns the original on its head!
Song #3: “The Sparkling Diamond”
With the unmistakable influence of two of the greatest harmonizing groups of our times, “Sparkling Diamond” features not one, but two quintessential hits making an appearance! Catch the Commodores’ ode to feminine perfection paired up with some “lovin’” from En Vogue.
Answer: “Brick House” / “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)”
Song #4: “Welcome to the Moulin Rouge!”
While technically not featured in its own number, this hot track makes an appearance throughout the show. Originally penned and performed by OutKast, this song celebrates dopeness in all its forms. The Grammy award-winning duo has collaborated on several projects throughout the years, starting in their high school days in the ATL. This song comes straight at you off their fourth album.
Answer: “So Fresh, So Clean”
Keep your ears open for the chorus as it sets the vibe throughout the musical.
Song #5: “Elephant Love Medley”
Who doesn’t love a great love song? Throughout his career, Robert Knight has penned some of the best. While performing with his group The Paramounts, Knight (orig. Robert Peebles) found his love for R&B. And while honing his craft solo, Knight created what historian Michael Gray called “the blueprint for one of the most famous, most enduring songs to ever come out.” Reaching that level of crossover continuity was no small feat during the height of the Civil Rights era. Can you guess what the song was?
Answer: “Everlasting Love”
Keep your ears up and your heart wide open during the “Elephant Love Medley,” and you won’t miss this tune!
Make sure you catch all these hits and even more stunning performances and visuals when you check out “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” which is back on Broadway now.
This editorial is brought to you in partnership with Moulin Rouge! The Musical.
