The opulent "Moulin Rouge!" musical on Broadway is set to close its curtains on August 30, 2026, after a six-year run. The acclaimed production, inspired by Baz Luhrmann's 2001 film, has captivated audiences with its lavish spectacle and enduring love story.
Kelsie Watts, who has been portraying the iconic courtesan Satine since February, shared that her performance includes a deliberate "homage" to Nicole Kidman, who originated the role in the film and earned an Oscar nomination for her portrayal. Watts, who herself sports fiery red hair, noted the significance of maintaining this iconic look for the character's wigs. "She is the blueprint," Watts told The Daily Mail. "So many people were really excited that they let me keep my red hair for the wigs. It's like an homage back to Nicole."
The role of Satine has been a coveted part, with numerous actresses taking on the character on Broadway since the musical's debut. Watts expressed her awe at being the final performer in the role on the Great White Way, acknowledging the unique interpretations brought by her predecessors. "To be the last one that gets to be on Broadway is amazing," she said.
The musical "Moulin Rouge!" first premiered on Broadway in 2019 and quickly became a sensation. The production made a notable appearance at the Tony Awards, where singer Pink, alongside Megan Thee Stallion, delivered a rendition of "Lady Marmalade." Watts described the experience as "so, so cool," expressing her admiration for both artists.
Watts's journey to Broadway includes a prior role in the musical "Six" and an appearance on "The Voice" in 2020. On the reality television front, she has developed friendships with cast members from "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," who have attended her performances.
Watts is also pursuing her music career, with her latest single, "Made For Your Love," accumulating over 100,000 streams on Spotify.
Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, who starred as Satine and Christian respectively in the 2001 film, reunited earlier this year at the Academy Awards for a skit celebrating the film's 25th anniversary. The film itself saw actresses such as Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renée Zellweger, and Kate Winslet vying for the role of Satine before Kidman was cast.