the mommy avenger

Last night, Denver sparkled. Opening night of Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Buell Theatre was a full-blown explosion of color, sound, and heart—and I am still buzzing.

Let me tell you something right now: this show? It’s not just theater. It’s a spectacle. It’s a dance party wrapped in diamonds. It’s a love story set on fire. Moulin Rouge! grabs you by the collar from the first beat and doesn’t let go—not when the confetti rains down, not when the heartbreak kicks in, and definitely not when the bass drops.

If you don’t know the story (don’t worry, I won’t spoil anything), Moulin Rouge! follows Christian, a dreamy writer, who falls head-over-heels for Satine, the dazzling star of the Moulin Rouge club. But this isn’t your usual tragic-romance fare. This is fast, fierce, and overflowing with pop music you didn’t see coming. The score is a mash-up miracle—Lady Gaga, Adele, Beyoncé, Elton John, and more—all reimagined for the stage in a way that makes the whole house pulse like a nightclub. You’re not just watching a musical; you’re feeling it in your chest.

The music alone is worth the ticket. I’m talking full-body chills during the love duets. Roaring applause after mash-ups so tight, the whole audience couldn’t help but cheer like they were at a concert. There’s a reason this show has a reputation. The arrangements are wild, the vocals are insane, and the performers? They did not miss a beat. Every note was nailed. Every harmony was on point. Every emotional high slammed right into you.

And the lighting? Unreal. It flickered and pulsed with every key change. Deep reds, sharp whites, moody blues—like someone took a paintbrush to electricity. The sound design was just as sharp. Crisp vocals, bone-shaking bass, perfect timing. The tech crew deserves a standing ovation of their own.

But the real magic? The cast. The talent on that stage was otherworldly. Satine’s power and vulnerability had the entire theater silent one moment and howling the next. Christian’s open-hearted longing made you root for him instantly. And the supporting cast? No weak links. Every dancer, every singer, every swing brought full heat. The choreography was pure adrenaline—legs flying, feathers flashing, arms slicing through the air like swords.

Here’s the truth: the entire audience was in it. We were part of something electric. I looked around during the show and saw faces lit up in awe, hands covering hearts, and couples grabbing each other’s arms like, “Are you feeling this too?” And we were. You couldn’t not.

This is what makes live theater so powerful. When it’s done right—when it’s done like this—it becomes a shared heartbeat between strangers. We laughed together, held our breath together, stood to our feet together. And honestly, that feeling is hard to find anywhere else. Streaming can’t touch it. TikToks can’t replicate it. There’s just nothing like live performance when it’s firing on all cylinders.

And Denver Center for the Performing Arts knows how to deliver. Every time I step into one of their theaters, I know I’m in for something polished, professional, and unforgettable. They don’t cut corners. They bring in top-tier talent and pair it with first-class production, every single show.

What’s even more exciting? This is only the beginning. The season ahead is packed, and it’s going to be wild. We’ve got The Lion King bringing its iconic magic. Shucked serving up laughs and unexpected heart. Six bringing girl-power with royal swagger. The Phantom of the Opera haunting us with timeless drama. The Outsiders stirring up raw emotion. And yes—Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will be casting spells on all of us before long.

If you haven’t grabbed tickets yet, don’t wait. Make it a date night. A girls’ night. A solo night of escape. Just go. Because this is the kind of art that fills your soul. The kind that jolts you out of your routine and reminds you that there is still beauty and power and JOY happening in real time.

Last night, I left the theater with my heart racing, my cheeks sore from smiling, and my brain already spinning about when I can see it again. Moulin Rouge! is a must.

So Denver, shine up those boots, grab your sequins, and get to the theater. The revolution is here—and it comes with glitter.

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}

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