January 27, 2012

Coming Soon: Moulin Rouge


Ahhh, February. The days of St. Valentine are nearly upon us, and now we can turn to thoughts romantic. And what better way to celebrate the love than to embrace something French, no? More specifically, The Paramount presents a unique opportunity for the lovers out there. The next guests to the stage are a special ballet company from our neighbors to the North. Although technically Canadian, this Royal Winnipeg Ballet brings a Parisian flair to the stage, and invite you to visit the famous Moulin Rouge. Ooh la la!

Distinctive for its red windmill, this historical venue has an iconic status in Paris second only to the Eiffel Tower itself. It's not just a cabaret... it's the cabaret; a artistic mecca for bohemian principles. Over the years, its history has become the stuff of legend, and its story has been told and fictionalized in all manner of arts. Perhaps you know of it from books, or from myth, or from its numerous depictions on film. The Moulin Rouge has always remained in the public eye, but interest was renewed ten years ago thanks to Baz Luhrmann's frenzied romantic musical starring Ewan MacGregor and Nicole Kidman.

On this side of the pond, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet has a distinctive history of its own. First established in 1939, the company began touring in 1945, and received its official royal title in 1953. In the decades since they have established themselves as one of North America's most accomplished ballet companies as well as a premier performing arts organization. Today, they present the story of Moulin Rouge as a unique extravaganza for the stage.

Don't believe me? Take a look at this behind-the-scenes video about the production's set design. Attention to detail is top notch, and reflects the quality of this entire show.


See? Now that, my friends, looks like something special.

You see, this Moulin Rouge ballet is more than just another act. It's a celebration of what may well be the most important thing of all: l'amour. If your idea of French romance extends solely to the likes of Pepe Le Pew, then you owe it to yourself to see this. See it for the dancing, the costumes, the performances, and the very spectacle of love itself. Grab a seat and reaffirm that "the greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."


The Royal Winnipeg Ballet brings their spectacular spectacular to The Paramount Theatre on Thursday, February 2nd at 8:00 p.m. Come because you can can-can!