A Definitive Guide to the Moulin Rouge! the Musical Songs

Posted on Jul 23, 2024 | By Sophie Thomas (Updated on Jan 27, 2025)

It’s time to pop the champagne and can-can your way to the Piccadilly Theatre, home of Moulin Rouge! the Musical in London. Based on Baz Luhrmann’s sparkling movie of the same name, travel to fin de siècle Paris to see American composer Christian fall for club singer Satine. Together, they lock eyes and command each other’s hearts. But, can their love stay in the spotlight forever?

The all-singing, all-dancing spectacular packs glitz and glamour in every moment. And there’s plenty of pop songs you’ll recognise - did you know there are over 70 songs in the show? Brush up on your music knowledge by discovering all the chart-topping hits used as Moulin Rouge songs.

The most famous Moulin Rouge songs

As Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a film-to-stage adaptation, you’ll know a fair few of the songs if you’ve seen the Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor flick. Expect to hear the ballad “Come What May” in the second act, as well as foot-tapping mashups like the “Elephant Love Medley.” Moulin Rouge! The Musical is all about finding your freedom, beauty, truth and love, and every song in the show brings out one of the four elements. What will you tap into first? Read on to find out more.

Moulin Rouge! the Musical Act One songs

Welcome to the Moulin Rouge!

You can-can-can always visit the Moulin Rouge cabaret. It’s a hedonistic paradise where dreams come true and the party keeps going all night long. The opening number welcomes Harold Zidler, Moulin Rouge owner and emcee. Audiences also meet four dancers: Nini, Baby Doll, Arabia and La Chocolat, as well as bohemians Toulouse-Lautrec and Santiago. There’s also early teases of a stunning chanteuse named Satine. But you’ll have to wait a while to see her. “Welcome to the Moulin Rouge” samples 14 songs: "Lady Marmalade", "Because We Can", "Minnie the Moocher", "Galop Infernal", "Amores Como El Nuestro", "Mr. Big Stuff", "So Fresh, So Clean", "Money (That's What I Want)", "Ride wit Me", "Burning Down the House", "Walk This Way", "Where It's At", "Let's Dance" and "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)"

Bohemian Ideas

As Christian settles into his new Paris life, he stumbles upon Toulouse-Lautrec and Santiago. Our American protagonist is out of his depth, but he’s trying to communicate with the pair. And what’s better than a song (with poetic license, of course)? “Bohemian Ideas” samples four songs: “The Sound of Music”, “I Don’t Want to Wait”, “Every Breath You Take”, and “Never Gonna Give You Up”.

Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love

Toulouse-Lautrec and Santiago are familiar with a quartet of Montmartre ideals that embrace being your true self. So how can Christian, a young man from Lima, Ohio, also share them? The new trio can’t believe their luck and they share their ideals in a medley. “Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love” samples three songs: “Royals”, “Children of the Revolution”, and “We Are Young”.

The Sparkling Diamond

Here she is, the woman of the hour. Watch Satine appear from the ceiling in this shimmering musical medley, celebrating womanhood and taking centre stage. Satine’s joined by a gaggle of backup dancers too - you’ll wish you could be Satine. “The Sparkling Diamond” samples eight songs: “Diamonds Are Forever", "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend", "Material Girl", "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)", "Brick House", "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)", “Jungle Boogie, and “Diamonds”.

Shut Up and Raise Your Glass

Christian can’t take his eyes off Satine. Not only is she the star of the show, she’s now the star of his heart. But what Christians doesn’t know is that Satine shares similar thoughts. Could they be in love? Satine invites the audience member into the Elephant dressing room and they immediately hit it off. Watch sparks fly in the three-song medley: “Shut up and Dance,” “Raise Your Glass”, and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)”.

Firework

Katy Perry’s 2010 anthem gets the musical theatre treatment in Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Satine sings "Firework" as a heartfelt ballad, reflecting on her life and trials. She tries to stay strong for her fellow performers, but also knows she will struggle more as each day passes.

Your Song

I hope you don’t mind that we’ve had to put down in words how wonderful life is with “Your Song” in the Moulin Rouge musical. On stage, Christian uses the Elton John song to share his true identity - he’s not the Duke, but a struggling American writer who wants to make it big in Montmartre and beyond. It’s similar to the original song, in that a young man reveals his true self.

So Exciting! (The Pitch Song)

Christian and Satine’s love story is (perhaps rudely) interrupted by the Duke of Monroth. The pair lie and say they’re practising for a new show, however, this new song quickly becomes a reality. Can they use the new show - “Bohemian Rhapsody” - as the crown jewels for the Moulin Rouge and save the cabaret from going under? “So Exciting! The Pitch Song” samples five songs: “Complainte de la Butte”, “Milord”, “La Vie en Rose, “Habanera”, and “Galop Infernal”.

Sympathy for the Duke

It’s difficult to feel sympathy for the Duke. He seemingly has everything he could need, yet he still wants more. Meanwhile, our budding ingenue just wants Christian but is stuck with the wealthy royal. Christian is dismissed from the “Elephant”, leaving the Duke and Satine together. She’ll be alright with him, for now. “Sympathy for the Duke” samples three songs: “Sympathy for the Devil”, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”, and “Gimme Shelter”.

Nature Boy

Ever watched the Moulin Rouge! The Musical film? Then you’ll recognise “Nature Boy” - David Bowie covered the Nat King Cole song for the 2001 film. In this song, Toulouse convinces Christian to chase after what his heart desires. After all, "the greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return".

Elephant Love Medley

We’ve made it to the end of Act One, and what a medley to wrap up with. See the sparkling Eiffel Tower lights and feel love lift you in this love-tastic megamix. Christian and Satine commit themselves to one another, and all is well in both their worlds. But, with Satine hiding a tuberculosis secret, should she confess her life? The “Elephant Love Medley” uses a whopping 19 songs: "One More Night", "Pride (In the Name of Love)", "Play the Game", "Love Hurts", "Take On Me", "It Ain't Me Babe", "I Love You Always Forever", "Love is a Battlefield", "Don't Speak", "Everlasting Love", "What's Love Got to Do with It", "Fidelity", "Can't Help Falling in Love", "Torn", "Such Great Heights", "Up Where We Belong", "Heroes", "Your Song", and "I Will Always Love You".

Moulin Rouge! The Musical Act Two songs

Backstage Romance

Act Two begins in the middle of rehearsals for “Bohemian Rhapsody”. Nini and Santiago command a scintillating medley packed with sultry routines and lustrous lyrics. “Backstage Romance” combines five songs: “Bad Romance”, “Tainted Love”, “Seven Nation Army”, “Toxic”, and “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”.

Come What May

No Moulin Rouge! Songs setlist is complete without “Come What May”. It’s the only song written specifically for the 2001 film. Christian and Satine sing this heartbreaking duet to one another. Although their love knows no bounds, it must be dulled to save the show, the Moulin Rouge, and their lives.

Only Girl in a Material World

You have to feel for the Duke of Monroth. He’s doing all he can to convince Satine that they should be together, but Satine’s heart lies firmly with Christian. In “Only Girl in a Material World”, the Duke assesses Satine’s image to make her fit into upper-class Paris. “Only Girl in a Material World” combines three songs: “Only Girl (In the World)”, “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”, and “Material Girl”.

Chandelier

Sia’s breakout 2014 song gets another moment to break out into the musical theatre world, courtesy of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. “Chandelier” forms the backing for a heavy absinthe drinking power hour, led by Harold Zidler. These bohemians know how to party!

El Tango de Roxanne

What can a man like Christian do? Okay, he may not have the Duke’s wealth, but he has a much bigger heart. So when Christian learns of Satine’s affections with the Duke, he’s furious. It’s clear to see our budding American writer found himself in the middle of a story he can’t weave his way out of. “El Tango de Roxanne” samples three songs: “Roxanne”, “Tanguera” and “Chandelier”.

Crazy Rolling

Could Christian, Satine, and everyone at the Moulin Rouge be crazy? Possibly. Yes, the 2006 Gnarls Barkley hit forms part of a mashup towards the end of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. In this song, Satine leaves the Montmartre club for good - her life is worth more than how she’s valued. “Crazy Rolling” samples two songs: “Crazy” and “Rolling in the Deep.”

Your Song (Reprise)

Every musical needs a reprise of the love song, and that’s where the second outing for “Your Song” comes in. Satine shares their secret song in her final moments and pleads with Christian to share their story in her dying breaths. “Your Song (Reprise)” includes elements of “Come What May”, “Your Song”, and “Heroes”.

Finale

Good news! The Bohemian Rhapsody musical is a big success for the club. So much so, that Harold Zidler retains control. Bad news, Satine’s no longer with us. However, with Christian deciding to stay in Paris, the love story always has a heartbeat. The finale uses parts of “Come What May” and “Lady Marmalade”.

More More More!

Throughout Moulin Rouge! The Musical in London, one thing’s evident - where there’s a time for more, they’ll add more. And that rings true in the closing medley. Enjoy a mix of songs and relive the tale of Christian and Satine in a few minutes. “More More More!” samples eight songs: “Lady Marmalade”, “Hey Ya!”, “Because We Can”, “Minnie the Moocher,” “Bad Romance”, “What’s Love Got to Do With It”, “Crazy” and Galop Infernal.

How many different songs are in Moulin Rouge! The Musical?

There’s over 70 songs in the full musical, with over 160 years of music explored in the two-and-a-half-hour show. With 160 songwriters and 30 publishers, there’s plenty of musical influences and there’ll be a song you like. And if not, then add new ones to your playlists.

Is Moulin Rouge! The Musical based on a true story?

Elements of the show are based on real-life events. The Moulin Rouge club exists, and you can even see a live performance at the Moulin Rouge in Paris every night. Harold Zidler gets his name from real-life founder, Charles Zidler.

Is Moulin Rouge! The Musical worth seeing?

Yes, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a must-see show. If you enjoy big spectacles and want to be whisked away to another world, this is the musical for you.