Paris isn’t Paris without a Show! – Moulin Rouge

Saturday, May 9th, 2009 at10:43 pm by Guest Author

If you are heading to the exciting, romantic, historic capital of France then you must fit in a visit to a cabaret show. Paris is world famous for them and nothing encapsulates the many aspects of this glorious city better.

The most famous is probably the Moulin Rouge – especially since the recent film starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor.

Le Moulin Rouge.

Where is it?

In keeping with its’ history and ‘blowsy’ reputation, Le Moulin Rouge is on Boulevard de Clichy, in the ‘red light’ district of Pigalle but is also close to Montmartre. It has a red windmill on its’ roof, as Moulin Rouge means ‘red windmill’. The nearest Metro station is ‘Blanche’.

Potted History

Le Moulin Rouge was built in 1889 by Joseph Oller. It was one of the first cabaret venues in the world and became famous because of the ‘can can’ dance. This was originally a respectable dance but was then used, with increasing vulgarity, by courtesans at Le Moulin Rouge to attract and seduce male clients. This gave the venue its’ seamy reputation, which attracted the attention of the painter Toulouse Lautrec. He immortalized a lot of the history of the place as he captured the atmosphere of turn-of-the-century Paris on canvas and in posters. A more respectable version of the can can is still performed there today.

Famous People who have performed there

Mistinguett – famous for her risqué cabaret routines. Real name Jeanne Bourgeois. A flower seller who sang as she sold her flowers, first appeared at Le Moulin Rouge in 1907. She went on to become the highest paid female performer in the world at that time. In 1919, her legs were insured for 500,000 francs. She had a series of torrid affairs and a relationship with Maurice Chevalier, who was much younger than her at the time.

Her signature song was ‘Mon Homme’, recorded in 1916. The English version ‘My Man’ was popularized by Fanny Brice and made famous by Barbra Streisand in the ‘Funny Girl’ movies. She died in 1956, aged 80.

La Goulue – Real name Louise Weber. Known as the Queen of Montmartre. Can Can star of Le Moulin Rouge. Her specialty was to drink the customers’ champagne between high kicks, which is why she was called La Goulue (the glutton). She also kicked off the top hats of customers – which they loved! Was painted by Renoir and was one of Toulouse Lautrec’s favorite subjects. With her considerable earnings, she started her own travelling revue. Sadly, it was a failure. Depressed, she became an alcoholic, drinking away her fortune and ended her days selling peanuts, cigarettes and matches, ironically unrecognized, on the steps of Montmartre. She died in 1929 aged 33.
Edith Piaf
Frank Sinatra
Liza Minelli
Ella Fitzgerald
Elton John
Josephine Baker

What can you see there now?

The revues used to be changed frequently, but since 1963, Le Moulin Rouge has run a series of revues, each lasting for a few years and each beginning with the letter F!

1963-1965 Frou Frou

1965-1967 Frisson

1967-1970 Fascination

1970-1973 Fantastic

1973-1976 Festival

1976-1978 Follement

1978-1983 Frenesie

1983-1988 Femmes, Femmes, Femmes

1988-1999 Formidable (which celebrated 100 years of Le Moulin Rouge)

1999 – Current Revue - Féerie

Doris Haug has been the choreographer since 1961 and her dance troupe, the Doriss girls, perform in the current revue. This extravaganza includes -

100 artists, including 60 Doriss Girls recruited from all over the world.
Also features magicians, acrobats and clowns
1000 costumes of feathers, rhinestones and sequins, made in the most famous Parisian workshops
breathtaking sets in shimmering colours, designed by Italian artists especially for the show
outstanding international acts, and the long-awaited return of the Moulin Rouge’s giant aquarium
Music written especially for the show, recorded by 80 musicians and 60 chorus singers
Four main scenes and a total of 69 songs

How can I see a show at Le Moulin Rouge?

The venue can hold 850 people for lunch, dinner and for the revue. The revue is played twice nightly, at 9pm and 11pm. There is access for handicapped people. Returned tickets may be queued for on the night but be prepared to wait for around one and a half hours! To avoid disappointment, you can book tickets Here.

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