Hello, this is Mizuki from the At Broadway staff. Like many theater fans, I’ve been missing musicals during the long Broadway shutdown caused by COVID-19.
However, there’s finally some exciting news: on October 15, the nominees for the 2020 Tony Awards were announced! Our staff favorite, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, which we all attended together, received an incredible 14 nominations.
In this article, we’ll explain what the Tony Awards are and take another look at why Moulin Rouge! became one of our top Broadway picks.
What are the Tony Awards announced in 2020?
Many of you have probably heard of the Academy Awards and the Grammy Awards. Like those, the Tony Awards honor the best achievements in a specific field—in this case, theater and musicals performed on Broadway.Just as the Oscars feature categories like Best Picture or Best Actor, the Tonys have awards for Best Musical, Best Actor, Best Direction, and more. The most anticipated of all is, of course, Best Musical, which crowns the year’s top Broadway production.
Moulin Rouge! Nominated in 14 Tony Award Categories
Moulin Rouge! The Musical received 14 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, confirming its status as one of the most celebrated Broadway shows of 2020. Here’s the complete list of categories in which it was recognized:
| Best Musical | Moulin Rouge! The Musical |
| Best Book of a Musical | John Logan |
| Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical | Aaron Tveit |
| Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical | Karen Olivo |
| Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical | Danny Burstein Sahr Ngaujah |
| Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical | Robyn Hurder |
| Best Direction of a Musical | Alex Timbers |
| Best Choreography | Anthony Van Laast |
| Best Scenic Design of a Musical | Derek McLane |
| Best Costume Design of a Musical | Catherine Zuber |
| Best Lighting Design of a Musical | Justin Townsend |
| Best Sound Design of a Musical | Peter Hylenski |
| Best Orchestrations | Katie Kresek, Charlie Rosen, Matt Stine, Justin Levine |
Why Moulin Rouge! Is One of the Most Passionate Broadway Musicals
Moulin Rouge! The Musical tells the story of Christian, a passionate young writer who arrives in Paris, and Satine, the dazzling star of a struggling cabaret called the Moulin Rouge.Many audiences may already know the story from Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor. Satine, who sacrifices herself to survive in the adult world, and Christian, whose pure love awakens her heart, are destined for a bittersweet ending that never fails to bring tears.
Set in a Parisian nightclub, the show is sensual, glamorous, and deeply emotional—filled with breathtaking choreography and provocative costumes. It’s stylish, daring, and overflowing with passion. No wonder it’s one of our staff’s all-time Broadway favorites.
Why Moulin Rouge! Stands Out Among Broadway Musicals
The first reason we recommend this show is its stunning stage design. As soon as you step into the theater, you’re transported into the world of the Moulin Rouge—complete with rich red lighting, velvet decor, and a giant windmill onstage. It’s one of the most immersive sets on Broadway.The second reason is its emotional power through music. Unlike many traditional musicals that feature original songs, Moulin Rouge is a “jukebox musical” that uses famous pop hits—from Elton John to Lady Gaga—to tell its story. Even if you’re new to musicals, you’ll recognize the tunes and find yourself swept up in the rhythm.
For those who want to prepare before seeing it, we’ve listed all the featured songs on our detailed show page. Understanding the lyrics in advance can make the emotional moments even more powerful.
We’ve also compiled cast insights, backstage moments, and detailed reviews in our Moulin Rouge show report—don’t miss it!
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