I have attended Broadway shows here in Philadelphia ever since I started covering theatre. It has been my desire to go to New York and attend a Broadway show. It’s not that I couldn’t have done it before now but the opportunity came and I had to go. To see Moulin Rouge! The Musical this past weekend was pure joy. So how did it come to be and how can you see it a little more local?
Kimmel Cultural Campus
I love working with both the Kimmel Cultural Campus. They are responsible for a lot of the theatre and movie screenings that I attend. I and 3 other Broadway Bloggers and Influencers were asked to attend Moulin Rouge! The Musical in New York. They took care of our travel and we didn’t have to come out of pocket for anything. For those who do not know I love traveling via train so Amtrak was a great way to get to New York in less than 2 hours and be comfortable while riding.
Brenda, Camille in blue and Mel
They worked around our schedules and made it all happen. We caught the 3:25 train that was on time. Stopped at one of my favorite stops, Garces Trading Company right next to the train station. I had water, sparkling wine, and got a snack for the train. By the way I didn’t even finish the snack. Nonetheless we collaborated our arrival time and enjoyed conversations as we traveled.
Travel and Anxiety
I have been in New York numerous times. From conquering my anxiety by driving several times and staying overnight many times to getting there via train-no matter how I travel anxiety is sure to tag along. One thing that people who have traveled with me know I don’t like not being at a spot in more than enough time to settle in. So if I am flying I am definitely getting to the airport the 2 hours before if not a little more. If by train I want to be there at least an hour before. It’s the settling in to where I need to be that has to go hand in hand. Brenda, one of the Bloggers who was there is in New York religiously. She did a lot of research for the trip to get us together. I appreciate her efforts because it made everything work so well.
With my anxiety I was grateful for a schedule that allows me to move in the way that helps me.
New York State of Mind-Moulin Rouge! The Musical
I try my best to have my thing organized when I travel that I don’t have to look like a full tourist. In my opinion it can draw unwanted attention. We got off the train and walked from Penn Station to 5 Napkin Burger. The food was absolutely delicious. Since we got there during happy hour our food was even cheaper. We looked up the menu before we got there. However the happy hour specials wasn’t listed. It was a pleasant surprise to spend less money. We all had an appetizer, meal, and a cocktail. The trick was that this location was next to where Moulin Rouge! The Musical was located at the Al Hirschfield Theatre. The show started at 7pm but we had VIP tickets to the VIP room that allows you into the theatre at 6pm with a welcome drink and more.
The staff once we told them we were on a time restraint made sure we were served in record time. A special shout out to Isabella. She was helpful and treated us well.
VIP Room for Moulin Rouge! The Musical
I appreciated the Kimmel Cultural Campus getting us access to the VIP Room. We had a ball. This room is red and beautiful. Here are some of the perks of this room:
- Entrance one hour before the show
- Welcome glass of Prosecco
- Private bathrooms
- You can leave your items in there until the second half of the show and it is secured
- You can preorder your drink for intermission
- Drinks are placed inside of a keepsake cup
- The staff is hands down nice, welcoming, and answer all of your questions
The VIP experience was so good if there is ever a chance to do it again I will definitely make that apart of my experience. It cuts your walking time inside of the theatre in half. Thank you to Elizabeth for treating us with the upmost respect, answering our questions, and being an amazing human being.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical- Experience
As soon as I walked into the theatre it was like walking into a new world. The lighting, the theatrics of the set was mesmerizing. I sat there in awe. There’s nothing like New York Broadway and now I understand why. Everything seems larger than life there. You are able to take as many photos as you can until about 10 minutes before the show. This is due to actors/actresses coming onto the stage at that time. Trust me if you do not adhere to it, they will call you out. Be respectful and be on time if you want to get shots in the room.
In our time at the show we were able to see, Recording Artist, Jo Jo Levesque as Satine. If you have ever heard Jo Jo not to be confused with Jojo Siwa who is great in her own way too. I have loved Jo Jo’s talent for years. If you go on YouTube you can hear her music and her covers. She has soul. However hearing her in person confirms that talent even more. Her voice is magical. I’ve always wanted to see her perform and seeing her in Moulin Rouge as outstanding.
The Magic of Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Every actor and actress that stepped onto the stage was dynamic. If you have never seen a musical at all this is one that will be great. The story line, music, theatrics, and performances is a first time Broadway show’s dream. It has all of the elements one would expect from a musical. It will be here in Philadelphia from July 5-30th giving you a solid 3 weeks to see it. The show will sell out. I encourage you to get your tickets now. Also for Pride, Kimmel Cultural Campus is allowing the first 4 shows at a discount of $49 dollars. No code is necessary. Once the tickets sell out for those performances tickets will be at regular price. A portion of proceeds from the Pride performances will be benefit William Way Community Center.
Stopped at the Woo Woo Bar for drinks before we left, drink names are sexually charged but amazing drinks and atmosphere was fun
Some of the words to describe the show: powerful, colorful, beautiful, mesmerizing, and enchanting. Will I see Moulin Rouge! The Musical here in Philadelphia when it comes? The answer is hands down yes. I will showing some of the background content from travel and more. You can catch it by following me on Instagram and TikTok. I got my sticker that says how it was my first Broadway show for me to wear as well as I placed one on my handbill. I will be keeping it as a keepsake. The experience was amazing.
My first time Broadway sticker
Back to Philadelphia to Prepare for Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Again, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is coming to Philadelphia July 5-23rd. Our ride back we slept or talked. I was drained from all of the hype. It was well worth the trip. We even stopped at a bar before coming home and walked Times Square for a little bit. The entire night just had me in my feelings. These are the experiences that last forever. Thank you to the Kimmel Cultural Campus, as well as the staff at Al Hirschfield Theatre who not only welcomed us with New York hospitality but surprised us with a gift. Thank you to my Broadway Besties, Camille, Mel, and Brenda for the memories that were made. Next up is making it a weekend in New York.
Thank you so much and yes get your tickets now