Ooh la la! Eighteenth-century Paris was revived in Vancouver last night by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Moulin Rouge production and what a sultry, flamboyant time was had! The show lustily delivered glitter and glamour to the stage at the Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts and was rewarded with a standing ovation. Indeed, the innovative and colourful production once more solidified the company’s status as Canada’s premier ballet troupe (full declaration: I am a former Winnipegger and have been a fan of the RWB’s since I could walk). The groundbreaking production celebrates the indulgence of the infamous Moulin Rouge while examining the hopes and heartbreaks of an ill-fated love affair between an artist and a laundress-turned-Cancan dancer.
Here’s a look at some of the show’s top highlights:
Cancan magic: Once Offenbach and Rosenthal’s iconic Can-can theme began, a ripple of anticipation could palpably be felt throughout the audience. Of course, the Cancan numbers, particularly the flamboyant and high-energy number in Act 1, are the jewels of the production. The RWB has never been afraid to push the envelope and the amount of leg flashed and derrieres flaunted here prove it. Never before have I been to a ballet where the audience has clapped along with the music and whopped and cheered as kicks were aimed skyward.
Especially impressive was Moulin Rouge veteran La Goulue’s (Jo-ann Sundermeier) Cancan dance-off with newcomer Nathalie (Vanessa Lawson). Perfection.
Tango for two: Paris wasn’t only about the Cancan. The sizzling tango numbers in the show bring to life the passion and intensity of the French esprit. Painter Toulouse’s pas de deux with an imaginary green fairy while in the grips of absinthe is both fiery and amusing—he drunkenly clenches a paintbrush in his teeth instead of a rose.
The costumes: Corsets, color, and Cancan skirts with a dash of sparkle helped set the tone for the joie-de-vivre dance numbers. Costume changes were frequent and the eye was continually dazzled by old Paris panache. Particularly enjoyable was an on-stage costume change in which starving artist Matthew is literally poured into a tuxedo by lively tailors.
Moulin Rouge runs until Sun, Nov. 22. Tickets are available through Ticket master.
