“Theater is definitely a new opportunity that I’m excited to embrace,” artist says
Megan Thee Stallion announced on Thursday that she will be joining the cast of Broadway’s Moulin Rouge! The Musical in the role of the Moulin Rouge’s owner and MC, Zidler. Her run with the production will start on March 24 and wrap on May 17, just in time for her to ready herself for a Hot Girl Summer.
“I’ve always believed in pushing myself creatively,” Megan Thee Stallion said in a statement, according to The New York Times, “and theater is definitely a new opportunity that I’m excited to embrace.”
Zidler, in the 2001 Baz Luhrman movie about a composer falling in love with a cabaret star in Belle Époque Paris, was Harold Zidler, the proprietor of the Moulin Rouge, and played by Jim Broadbent. It’s a pivotal role for the story and, unlike the movie, has been portrayed as a gay man on Broadway. The role was originated by Danny Burstein, who won a Tony for the role. Tituss Burgess, Boy George, and Wayne Brady have all played it since it opened in July 2018.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is set to end its Broadway run on July 26. Casting the rapper will likely generate a burst of interest (and ticket sales) as the sun sets on the musical.
“We want our show to go out with a spectacular bang, and Megan is the force of nature to lead us there,” Carmen Pavlovic, one of the production’s lead producers, said in a statement.
Megan Thee Stallion is set to perform at all of the performances during the aforementioned dates with the exception of May 2. Since the production weaves in hit songs, it’s safe to assume that “Savage,” “Hot Girl Summer,” or maybe even “WAP” could be performed during her run.
