Welcome to the Moulin Rouge!
On Tuesday 7 May, “Welcome to the Moulin Rouge!” will take the stage in the Roentgen Aula Magna at Bocconi. The show is curated by Bocconi Live Performance Students Association (BLPSA), and will enchant audiences with a story of love and intrigue (here is the link with more information and here is the one to buy a ticket).
At 8:30pm, the curtain will rise on a vibrant and impressive set, transporting viewers to the famous Parisian cabaret, Moulin Rouge. Behind the glitter of the lights and sparkle of the costumes lie secrets and entanglements that will keep the audience in suspense. In particular, the relationship between the club's star, Satine, and Christian – a young writer who has come to Paris to pursue his dreams – must be kept secret from the club's new buyer, a wealthy Duke who wants Satine for himself.
“Iconic songs that are part of Moulin Rouge history will be played,” says Rebecca Ivan, president of the association and a third-year BIEM student, “from Elton John's ‘Your Song’ to ‘Nature Boy’, a song that was practically the film’s soundtrack, but will have less prominence in our performance to make room for modern songs. We will have songs by Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and other contemporary artists. This is what makes the show interesting: despite being set in the late 19th century, there will be references to modern songs, which the audience will surely recognize. In fact, they will even be invited to sing along with us.”
The show will be made possible thanks to the talent and commitment of an outstanding team. “There is a lot of enthusiasm in the association,” comments Giuseppe Prodon, BLPSA vicepresident and second-year CLEAM student. “Since February we have met a minimum of three times a week for three hours each time. This year, compared to previous years, the musical is more complicated from the standpoint of song, chorus, choreography, acting and set design.”
“All costumes, for example, were made by a student from our association,” Rebecca adds. “Guiding us on the artistic front were Altea Russo, director of Milan's National Theater, while choreography was led by Ginevra Grossi.”
Live performances by students will continue on 8 May, when the 2024 Performing Arts Night will be held, bringing together participants from theater, singing and dance courses for an evening dedicated to the performing arts. Admission is free to the performances (Roentgen Aula Magna), but registration is required (link with information and registration form here).