Al Hirschfeld Theatre — Attraction in New York

On the sun-drenched afternoon of Wednesday, April 3rd, at 2:00 PM, I found myself stepping into an experience that would etch itself in the corridors of my memory forever. The occasion was none other than a performance of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, a spectacle that promised much and delivered exponentially more, with the ineffable Boy George leading a cast of unparalleled talent.From the moment the curtains rose, the energy in the room transformed into a palpable force, a testament to the anticipation that had been building long before the house lights dimmed. The storyline, a beautifully crafted narrative that has captivated audiences across the globe, was executed with a precision and passion that only a troupe of the highest caliber could achieve. Each scene unfolded like the petals of an exotic bloom, vibrant and alive, drawing us deeper into the world of love, art, and revolution that Moulin Rouge! The Musical is celebrated for.Accompanying this visual and auditory feast was an ensemble of sensory delights that only heightened the experience. The rich notes of red wine, a perfect complement to the unfolding drama, the comforting aroma of popcorn, and an array of other treats turned the afternoon into a celebration of not just the arts but of life itself. It was a reminder of the grandeur and spectacle of theatre, a medium that can transport and transform with its unique alchemy of story, song, and spectacle.Reflecting on the event, it's impossible not to consider the time that has elapsed since my last foray into the world of live theatre. Before the global standstill wrought by Covid-19, attending plays was a cherished pastime, a ritual that brought joy and reflection in equal measure. However, the intervening years had created a chasm, a disconnect from the vibrancy of live performance that I hadn't fully realized until this momentous Wednesday afternoon.The realization was as sudden as it was profound: the importance of immersing oneself in the world of theatre is not merely an indulgence but a necessity. The stories told on stage reflect our stories, the collective human experience rendered in the microcosm of the theatre. Moulin Rouge! The Musical was not just a play; it was a clarion call to reengage with this world, to make it a habit, a ritual to be repeated not out of routine but out of a deep-seated need to connect, reflect, and feel.And so, as the final notes of the performance echoed in the auditorium, a resolution formed, clear and unwavering. The coming months of spring and summer would not just be seasons of warmth and growth but of exploration and discovery in the world of theatre. With a landscape as rich and diverse as that offered by the stage, the possibilities are as boundless as the imagination.To those who have yet to experience the magic of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, or indeed any play since the world paused in the face of a global crisis, let this be your invitation. The world of theatre is alive, vibrant, and waiting with open arms. It's a world that promises not just entertainment, but enlightenment, not just spectacle, but soul-stirring moments of pure emotion. So here's to the plays that await us, to the stories yet to be told, and to the unbridled joy of live theatre. Spring and summer, here I come, ready to be captivated, inspired, and transformed, one...

Went to a midweek performance of Moulin Rouge, the theater was perfect the security line was very quick. Your bag will be checked and you go through a metal detector. Staff inside and out of the theater were efficient, kind and helpful. Don't be afraid to ask questions here, and explore a bit (provided you have enough time and aren't in the way of other patrons). We were seated up in the mezzanine, but came in and took some pictures from the first level before going up without issue- they just asked us to step into empty aisles to do so. The theater is cold, so if you run hot like me, you'll be very comfortable! I did bring a sweater just in case but didn't need it. My husband tends to run cold and he was comfortable with a t-shirt and flannel. As soon as ANY actors reach the stage you are prohibited from taking any pictures or videos. Actors started to come out around 10 minutes to show time or so. We witnessed a lot of people coming in and trying to take pictures of the stage, videos, and even selfies the opposite direction. They will stop you, period, so if you want pictures beforehand, arrive very early. You are allowed to take pictures and videos during intermission. At the end of the show (well, once the "official" show was over) there was a gentleman passing by all the rows telling us we were able to take pics/videos of the stage and actors. There is plenty of room underneath the seats, so if you're traveling with a backpack, it shouldn't be an issue but there's also an area to have items checked. Seating is very tight, the seats are comfortable though. I'm 5'9", and I'm pretty thick, I didn't have any issues, but I also always try to be at the end of an aisle for anxiety reasons. There was a very tall person next to my husband, and it seemed he was a bit uncomfortable because of his long legs. I'm quite certain you could probably get the dimensions of seats and space between by calling, and then choosing what's best for you. Be prepared to get up if someone needs to pass by you, I just stepped out and into the aisle since I was at the end, but if you're in the middle your personal space may be invaded a bit more.

We did not use the restrooms here, so I can't comment on the cleanliness or setup of them. I'm sure they'd be very nice/clean, judging by the rest of the venue. If you have any issues during the show, you're not "trapped" in your seat, you can leave if you need to. I didn't need to, but I did observe people doing so, they just had to wait to go back to their seats until the ushers let them do so when they came back in. There are emergency exits everywhere. There are multiple doors/ways in and out of the theater space itself to the seating area. Getting out was actually very smooth and unproblematic for the most part. Quick reminder to NOT stop on the stairs and hold up traffic. We had a group of 3 women stop to talk and take up half the staircase.

Overall this experience was wonderful and I'll be returning for future shows. The theater is extremely beautiful and breathtaking- arrive early to...

The whole experience at this Theater was great! There was ONLY ONE problem. Three words: THE WATER FOUNTAIN.

I went to see Moulin Rouge with my dear friend, and we left dehydrated, humiliated, and slightly aroused.

The story is this.

During the intermission of the show we were absolutely parched. Like literally the desert. We crowded into the upper mezzanine foyer and asked a kind gay usher to show us to the water fountain. Tonight was his night and he gave us a private escort to the nearest fountain next to the bar.

The bar was extremely crowded and it was unclear to us which line was for the bar and which was for the fountain (We still don't know).

We wait in line for a while for these two yuppies to finish their latest Instagram post at the fountain. While this was happening we rallied the entire line against them (sort of like the French revolution). Eventually we got them to leave from the fountain and it was forged on.

Finally when it was our turn we tried to act cool and get water fast and efficiently. We tried to do so while maintaining a sufficient level of swag and mysteriousness.

We failed.

We initially grabbed one of the tiny (I MEAN TINY) cups to the fountain. They sat in a plastic bag laying sideways on top of the fountain. The water pressure was crazy and we sprayed water everywhere. I would say 50% of the water coming out of the fountain made it into my cup.

This was shocking, of course, so I accidentally knocked the cups off the fountain onto the ground. We did so with a full line of people watching us. -1000 mysteriousness +200 annoying. The cups sprawled out on the ground and I got on my hands and knees to pick them all up. Upon re-stacking the, now slightly dirty, cups I placed them into what I thought was the cup receptacle. It turns out the receptacle did not in fact have a bottom. So all of the cups that I previously stacked re-fell onto the ground, dispersing in a similar matter as previously.

At this point, the flight response kicked in and we ran away.

The theater is also super great- very well maintained.

I would recommend visiting, although bring water as the fountain will only spur collective headaches and tarnish...