Moulin Rouge!: Musical script

Moulin Rouge! Script - Broadway musical

MOULIN ROUGE!
Book by
John Logan
Based on the film MOULIN ROUGE
Directed by Baz Luhrmann
Screenplay by Baz Lurhmann & Craig Pearce
Broadway Script
July 19, 2019SETTING
1899.
Inside the Moulin Rouge and in various parts of Paris.
FEATURED CHARACTERS in order of appearance:
CHRISTIAN
NINI
ARABIA
LA CHOCOLAT
BABY DOLL
ZIDLER
THE DUKE
LAUTREC
SANTIAGO
SATINE
AND
The patrons of the Moulin Rouge, the people of Montmartre, Pierre,
Boulevardiers and Ladies, Couturiers.
ii.ACT ONE
ACT ONE, SCENE 1: THE CLUB
Sex and smoke.
Rich red velvet and shining brass.
We’re inside the Moulin Rouge. Part nightclub,
part dance hall, part theatre, part
dreamscape.
The world of the club and of fin de siècle
Paris surrounds us, engulfs us: catwalks and
levels and performance ramps. It’s sinuous and
sexy, intoxicating.
Patrons and performers wander, a grand and
decadent promenade. They are slow and
dreamlike.
Then…
CHRISTIAN enters. He’s a handsome young
American man, with a special drive behind his
easy and natural charm. A young man of agile
talent, quick passion and warm humor.
He looks around, taking in the patrons, the
performers, the world of the club.
Remembering it all. There are such memories
with these walls.
But there is also love.
Finally he smiles.
Then he gestures and the large MOULIN ROUGE
sign rises as...
MUSIC begins.
The first notes of LADY MARMALADE growl forth
as Christian leaves the stage and...
THE GIRLS -- “Four Bad Ass Chicks from the
Moulin Rouge” -- strut their way through the
song, ushering us into the insanely erotic and
exciting world of the club.
They are…
2019-07-19 4PM 1.NINI LEGS-IN-THE-AIR: Sharp, ambitious and
cunning. Hard and gorgeous as a gemstone, but
with stealth kindness. Brilliant dancer.
ARABIA: Exotic and foreign, by way of the
slums of Algeria and Morocco. Been through a
lot. Clever and quick. A sense of glamorous
decay.
LA CHOCOLAT: Untouchable, superior and
imperious, but with a tender care for her
sisters. She has seen it all. Do not – repeat
– do not mess with her.
BABY DOLL: A beautiful young drag performer.
Plays the ingénue brilliantly, and genuinely
sweet at heart. An innocent among the wolves.
Together they are an amazing quartet of sex,
glamour, promise, deviltry and decadence.
#1 “OPENING”
THE GIRLS
HEY SISTA, GO SISTA, SOUL SISTA, FLOW SISTA
HEY SISTA, GO SISTA, SOUL SISTA, FLOW SISTA
HEY SISTA, GO SISTA, SOUL SISTA, FLOW SISTA
HEY SISTA, GO SISTA, SOUL SISTA, FLOW SISTA
ARABIA
HE MET MARMALADE DOWN IN OLD MOULIN ROUGE
STRUTTIN’ HER STUFF ON THE STREET
BABY DOLL
SHE SAID, “HELLO, HEY JO,
YOU WANNA GIVE IT A GO?” OH!
THE GIRLS
GIUCHIE, GIUCHIE, YA YA DADA
GIUCHIE, GIUCHIE, YA YA HERE
MOCHA CHOCALATA YA YA
CREOLE LADY MARMALADE
VOULEZ VOUS COUCHER AVEC MOI CE SOIR
VOULEZ VOUS COUCHER AVEC MOI
LA CHOCOLAT
HE SAT IN HER BOUDOIR WHILE SHE
FRESHENED UP
BOY DRANK ALL THAT MAGNOLIA WINE
THE GIRLS
HEY SISTA, GO SISTA, SOUL SISTA,
FLOW SISTA
HEY SISTA, GO SISTA, SOUL SISTA,
FLOW SISTA
LA CHOCOLAT
ON HER BLACK SATIN SHEETS
IS WHERE HE STARTED TO FREAK, YEAH
2019-07-19 4PM 2.THE GIRLS
GIUCHIE, GIUCHIE, YA YA DADA
GIUCHIE, GIUCHIE, YA YA HERE
MOCHA CHOCALATA YA YA
CREOLE LADY MARMALADE.
HAROLD ZIDLER, the Impresario of the Moulin
Rouge, makes a gloriously playful entrance. He
seems almost a human caricature – too grand
and showy. His manner is sly and insinuating
... Yet beneath his intoxicating flamboyance
there’s genuine steel. He’s a tough and
professional: a survivor.
Zidler speaks to the patrons of the club, the
audience:
ZIDLER
Hello, chickens! Yes, it’s me. Your own beloved Harold
Zidler. In the flesh. Welcome, you gorgeous collection of
reprobates and rascals, artistes and arrivistes, soubrettes
and sodomites, welcome to the Moulin Rouge!
THE GIRLS
VOULEZ VOUS COUCHER AVEC MOI
CE SOIR
VOULEZ VOUS COUCHER AVEC MOI
ZIDLER
WHAT WHAT WHAT
SAY WHAT?
The song and dance continues, then music
under:
ZIDLER
No matter your sin, you’re welcome here. No matter your
desire, you’re welcome here. For this is more than a
nightclub. The Moulin Rouge is a state of mind. It is that
part of your soul which throbs and pulses, it is that corner
of your mind where your fantasies live...
(He approaches and interacts
easily with different audience
members: )
Your fantasies, sir ... And yours, madam ... And, yes,
especially yours! You filthy bastard.
(He sweeps back to the stage as:)
This is where all your dreams come true! Your love affairs!
Your carnal desires! YOU are the Moulin Rouge!
The music explodes into Zidler’s ferocious CANCAN. Which evolves into a club-like call and
response:
2019-07-19 4PM 3.ZIDLER
BECAUSE YOU CAN CAN CAN!
BECAUSE YOU CAN CAN CAN!
HIDEE HIDEE HIDEE HI!
HODEE HODEE HODEE HO!
BECAUSE YOU CAN CAN CAN
BECAUSE YOU CAN CAN CAN
BECAUSE YOU CAN CAN
CAN CAN CAN CAN CAN CAN
EVERYBODY CAN CAN!
ALL
BECAUSE YOU CAN CAN CAN!
BECAUSE YOU CAN CAN CAN!
HIDEE HIDEE HIDEE HI!
HODEE HODEE HODEE HO!
BECAUSE YOU CAN CAN CAN
BECAUSE YOU CAN CAN CAN
CAN CAN CAN CAN CAN CAN
CAN CAN CAN CAN CAN CAN CAN CAN
COMPANY
WOO! WOO! WOO! WOO!
WOO! WOO! WOO! WOO!
OH OH OH OH OH OH OH OH
ZIDLER
EVERYBODY CAN CAN!
ZIDLER (CONT’D)
EVERYBODY CAN CAN!
COMPANY
BECAUSE YOU CAN CAN CAN!
BECAUSE YOU CAN CAN CAN!
BECAUSE YOU CAN CAN CAN!
BECAUSE YOU CAN CAN CAN!
BECAUSE YOU CAN CAN CAN!
GIUCHIE GIUCHIE YA YA DA DA
GIUCHIE GIUCHIE YA YA HERE
MOCHA CHOCOLATA YA YA
CREOLE LADY MARMALADE
OH OH OH OH OH OH
OH OH OH OH OH OH
HEY HEY HEY HEY
EVERYBODY CAN CAN!
ZIDLER
(he refers up to the balcony)
For the gallery it’s peanuts and lager. Hello, chickens. I
want to make desperate love to each and every one of you ...
(MORE)
2019-07-19 4PM 4.(he refers down to the
expensive orchestra seats)
But for the aristocracy ... hello, aristocracy ... it’s quail
eggs and caviar. Listen carefully and you’ll hear them
arriving outside, their jewels rattling, their wallets
stuffed to bursting. Ladies and Gentlemen! May I introduce
... The Duke de Monroth!!
The DUKE OF MONROTH enters dramatically.
The Duke is a handsome, viral man. Dripping
with wealth and power. Old French Aristocracy,
modern attitudes and tastes. Dangerously sexy.
The Duke sweeps through the club like he owns
it. The four Moulin Rouge Girls melt over him.
MEN
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?
THE GIRLS
OH YEAH
DUKE AND
ENSEMBLE
AIN’T NOBODY DOPE AS ME
I’M DRESSED SO FRESH, SO CLEAN...
THE GIRLS
SO FRESH AND SO CLEAN, CLEAN
DUKE AND
ENSEMBLE
DON’T YOU THINK I’M SO SEXY
I’M DRESSED SO FRESH, SO CLEAN
THE GIRLS
SO FRESH AND SO CLEAN, CLEAN
DUKE
THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE
BUT YOU CAN KEEP THEM FOR THE BIRDS AND BEES
I’VE GOT MONEY
DUKE
THAT’S WHAT I WANT
THAT’S WHAT I WANT
YEAH THAT’S WHAT I WANT
THAT’S WHAT I WANT
MEN
THAT’S WHAT I WANT
THAT’S WHAT I WANT
THAT’S WHAT I WANT
THAT’S WHAT I WANT
ZIDLER (CONT'D)
2019-07-19 4PM 5.DUKE
YOUR LOVE GIVES ME SUCH A THRILL
BUT YOUR LOVE DON’T PAY MY BILLS
MONEY DON’T GET EVERYTHING IT’S TRUE
BUT WHAT IT DON’T GET, I CAN’T USE
DUKE
I’VE GOT MONEY
THAT’S RIGHT MONEY
I’VE GOT MONEY
WHY MUST I LIVE THIS WAY?
ENSEMBLE
THAT’S WHAT I WANT
THAT’S WHAT I WANT
THAT’S WHAT I WANT
HEY! MUST BE THE MONEY!
The Duke enters a box on one side of the
stage.
Zidler zips to the Duke for a quick exchange:
ZIDLER
All is in readiness, your grace.
DUKE
She’s awaiting me?
ZIDLER
After her performance.
DUKE
When does she go on?
ZIDLER
Satine closes the show. She is our coup de grâce.
DUKE
She had best live up to your description, Zidler.
ZIDLER
Hyperbole has no place in my heart, sir! Satine is every inch the
Venus I have promised.
DUKE
(smiles)
Go back to work, you old pander.
The Duke, amused, waves Zidler away. Zidler
continues to the audience:
ZIDLER
On the Right Bank they wear kid gloves and gaze imperiously
2019-07-19 4PM 6.ZIDLER (CONT’D)
through gilded lorgnettes. But there is another Paris, yes? And
other Parisians. These are the denizens of the Left Bank, the rats
of the Latin Quarter, the starving artists and thieves and whores
of Montmartre. Our own beloved BOHEMIANS!
CHRISTIAN, LAUTREC and SANTIAGO enter
dramatically.
HENRI TOULOUSE-LAUTREC is the famous French
artist. Legs stunted by childhood injury and
illness. He is a bold visionary and a toughminded anti-romantic romantic. A doomed
genius. Charismatic and fervently, joyously
eloquent.
SANTIAGO is a comically dashing figure. He’s
the greatest tango dancer in Paris – and the
greatest gigolo. A ferocious Argentinian
swashbuckler, he lives for the extravagant
torments of love. But he’s a fine man to have
as a friend: faithful and true.
They perform a hot and funky number. We like
them instantly, the coolest cats in the club.
CHRISTIAN, LAUTREC,
SANTIAGO
WATCH OUT
YOU MIGHT GET WHAT YOU’RE AFTER
ROUGE BABY
STRANGE BUT NOT A STRANGER
I’M AN ORDINARY GUY
BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE
ALL
MY HOUSE!
CHRISTIAN, LAUTREC,
SANTIAGO
OUT OF THE ORDINARY
ALL
THAT’S RIGHT!
CHRISTIAN, LAUTREC,
SANTIAGO
DON’T WANT TO HURT NOBODY
SOME THINGS SURE CAN SWEEP ME OFF MY FEET
ALL
BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE
LAUTREC AND
SANTIAGO
HERE’S YOUR TICKET PACK YOUR BAG
TIME FOR JUMPIN’ OVERBOARD
TRANSPORTATION IS HERE
2019-07-19 4PM 7.CHRISTIAN, LAUTREC
AND SANTIAGO
CLOSE ENOUGH BUT NOT TOO FAR
MAYBE YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE
FIGHTIN’ FIRE WITH FIRE
There’s a dramatic, sexy dance break as the
horns take over. Then...
ALL
LET’S DANCE!
LET’S SWAY
LET’S DANCE!
LET’S SWAY
ZIDLER
And now it’s time for the breakdown!
ALL
AH
AH
AH
AH
WATCH OUT YOU MIGHT GET WHAT YOU’RE AFTER
SHAKEDOWN! DREAMS WALKING IN BROAD DAYLIGHT
HOLD TIGHT WAIT TIL THE PARTY’S OVER
CHRISTIAN, LAUTREC, SANTIAGO,
AND THE GIRLS
BURNIN’
BURNIN’
BURNIN’
BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE!
ENSEMBLE
BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE!
BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE!
BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE!
BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE!
As the song and dance continue, the Bohemians
settle into a box across from the Duke, on the
opposite side of the stage:
CHRISTIAN
It’s incredible here!
LAUTREC
Welcome to the Moulin Rouge, my friend.
SANTIAGO
Where Eros thrills your blood like the clatter of a thousand
castanets!!
2019-07-19 4PM 8.CHRISTIAN
Wow. Okay ... But are you sure this “Satine” will even agree
to meet me?
LAUTREC
Of course she will! And you will charm her, delight her,
dazzle her with your unassuming if slightly gauche American
ways.
CHRISTIAN
(unsure)
If you say so...
LAUTREC
Don’t underestimate yourself, Christian! The world will
always seek to grind us under its heel. We cannot let it. We
must rise up!
SANTIAGO
Assault the barricades of Aphrodite and claim our prize!
LAUTREC
Satine must surrender to you. So string your bow, Cupid, and
let the arrows fly!
Christian gulps. What has he gotten himself
into?
Zidler and The Girls and Company dive back
into LADY MARMALADE/BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE,
whipping the crowd into a frenzy and bringing
the number to a sensational climax!
ZIDLER
HEY
HEY YEAH
HEY
ENSEMBLE
MARMALADE
LADY MARMALADE
MARMALADE
ZIDLER
HEY!
THE GIRLS
HEY
HEY
HEY!
2019-07-19 4PM 9.WOMEN CHRISTIAN, LAUTREC,
SANTIAGO
GIUCHIE
GIUCHIE
YA YA
DA DA
BURNING DOWN
THE HOUSE
GIUCHIE
GIUCHIE
YA YA
HERE
BURNING DOWN
THE HOUSE
MOCHA
CHOCOLATA
YA YA
BURNING DOWN
THE HOUSE
ZIDLER AND MEN
YOU
SPIN ME
RIGHT ROUND
BABY
RIGHT
ROUND
LIKE A
RECORD BABY
RIGHT ROUND
ROUND
ROUND
YOU
SPIN ME
RIGHT ROUND
BABY
THE GIRLS AND
SOME ENSEMBLE
CREOLE LADY MARMALA-AH-AH-AH,
THE GIRLS AND
MORE ENSEMBLE
AH-AH-AH
ALL
AH-AH-AH
CREOLE LADY MARMALADE!
WHOO!
Then:
A drum roll begins, anticipation. Spotlights
focus on Zidler:
ZIDLER
And now the time has come to meet our star… the epicenter of
your passions, the apogee of your desires...
The suspense is building and building and
building …
ZIDLER (CONT’D)
Ladies and gentlemen … Bohemians and Artists, Coquettes and
Boulevardiers … May I present to you our Sparkling Diamond …
the unique … the indomitable … the one and only--
2019-07-19 4PM 10.But just as the crescendo is upon us, and all
are waiting breathlessly, waiting for the
arrival of Satine --
Lights suddenly find Christian--
ZIDLER AND
CHRISTIAN
Satine.
MUSIC changes as Christian leaves the box and
moves across the stage. He addresses the
audience with buoyant, youthful energy:
CHRISTIAN
This is a story about love ... About passionate love and
desperate love and foolish love and the kind of love you
never forget and that one enchanted evening where your eyes
meet across a crowded room and...
He realizes his enthusiasm has run away with
him. He smiles. Gathers his thoughts, then he
knows how to proceed:
CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)
This is a story about a woman named Satine... I had arrived
in Paris that very day. Only hours before... I came to escape
my suffocating life in America. To find a place where I could
belong, where my heart could be free. I came to be a child of
the revolution. To be an artist. To fall in love.
As he speaks Montmartre begins to form around
him, his words are like an incantation causing
it to appear...
CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)
So when I got off the boat I didn’t go to the Eifel Tower or
the Louvre ... I went to Montmartre! To lose myself in that
dazzling chaos of poets and painters and musicians and
writers. Everything I wanted to be.
(he indicates Lautrec and
Santiago)
And in the midst of it all, the two most peculiar men I had
ever seen...
And we are at...
2019-07-19 4PM 11.ACT ONE, SCENE 2: MONTMARTRE STREET-SIDEWALK CAFE
Montmartre, the slums, the gloriously decaying
and foul realm of the Bohemians.
Lautrec and Santiago are working over
composition paper, fruitlessly trying to write
a song... Some of Lautrec’s paintings are
spread around for sale to tourists.
Christian inches nearer, watching them
closely:
LAUTREC
How’s this...?
(he holds up composition
paper and sings)
THE HILLS ARE ALIVE...
WITH THE SCREAMS OF THE PROLETARIAT
SANTIAGO
That’s awful.
LAUTREC
Then what do you have?
SANTIAGO
(he holds up composition
paper and sings)
THE HILLS ARE ALIVE...
WITH THE SOUND OF THE CONDORS SHRIEKING OVER THE
ANDES!
LAUTREC
Condors shrieking?! This is supposed to be a love song!
SANTIAGO
Face it, Toulouse. We’re not songwriters.
LAUTREC
How hard can it be for God sake?! June, spoon, moon -- done!
Here -- let me try again--
He takes a deep breath to sing, but Christian
jumps in--
CHRISTIAN
THE HILLS ARE ALIVE
WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC!
Lautrec and Santiago practically fall out of
their chairs. Christian steps boldly up.
2019-07-19 4PM 12.CHRISTIAN
(CONT’D)
WITH SONGS THEY HAVE SUNG
FOR A THOUSAND YEARS!
LAUTREC
Hello I love you won’t you tell me your name?
CHRISTIAN
My name’s Christian.
SANTIAGO
You’re a songwriter then?
CHRISTIAN
Yes.
LAUTREC
And why have you come to Paris?
CHRISTIAN
(”I Don’t Want to Wait”)
I DON’T WANT TO WAIT FOR MY LIFE TO BE
OVER.
I WANT TO KNOW RIGHT NOW WHAT WILL IT BE
SANTIAGO
Tell me, have you ever written a love song?
CHRISTIAN
(”Every Breath You Take”)
WITH EVERY BREATH I TAKE.
LAUTREC
Sing one of your love songs instantly!
CHRISTIAN
(“Never Gonna Give You Up”)
NEVER GONNA GIVE YOU UP…
LAUTREC AND
SANTIAGO
GENIUS!
LAUTREC
Sit, sit, join us! I am Henri Marie Raymond de ToulouseLautrec-Monfa and I am, as is obvious --
(he gestures to his paintings)
-- a very great artist. And this is my friend Santiago Diego
Romero Ruiz, who, as you can clearly see, is Argentinian.
He’s the greatest tango dancer in all of Paris! ...
(Santiago strikes a pose)
... Which needless to say also means he’s the greatest
gigolo…
2019-07-19 4PM 13.LAUTREC (CONT’D)
(Santiago strikes another
pose)
… Now tell me, Christian, have you the heart of a lion?
CHRISTIAN
What? Sure.
SANTIAGO
Willing to risk all on one impossibly insane gamble?
CHRISTIAN
Why not?!
LAUTREC
Do you believe in the Bohemian ideals?
SANTIAGO
Truth!
LAUTREC
Beauty!
SANTIAGO
Freedom!
LAUTREC
Love!
CHRISTIAN
YES!
LAUTREC
Then you must join us in our great cause!
Lautrec and Santiago lean in to explain --
they freeze -- as Christian eagerly explains
to us:
CHRISTIAN
So it turns out they were in the midst of writing a
theatrical play with some songs in it. They wanted me to go
to the Moulin Rouge and sing one of my songs for the star
there, sort of an audition. If she liked my music then she’d
get the club to put on their show, which they called --
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY. I swear, they were like two knockabout
vaudevillians escaped from the nearest asylum and the whole
thing was the single most insane idea I’d ever heard ... (he
spins back to them, excited) ... I’LL DO IT!
LAUTREC AND
SANTIAGO
Bravo!
2019-07-19 4PM 14.LAUTREC
Glory awaits, my lad. And in the meantime, you shall live
here with us in dire and glorious poverty ... Look around.
This is Montmartre. We are whores and beggars here, criminals
all. It’s a hard life we lead, but it is ours, and we share
it with you openly. We may live on crusts and charity, but we
have our honor.
He sings:
#2 “ROYALS/WE ARE YOUNG”
LAUTREC (CONT’D)
I’VE NEVER SEEN A DIAMOND IN THE FLESH…
I CUT MY TEETH ON WEDDING RINGS IN THE MOVIES
AND I’M NOT PROUD OF MY ADDRESS
IN THE TORN UP TOWN, NO POST CODE ENVY.
BUT EVERYBODY’S LIKE
LAUTREC,
SANTIAGO
CRISTAL, MAYBACH,
DIAMONDS ON YOUR TIMEPIECE
STEAM SHIPS, ISLANDS,
TIGERS ON A GOLD LEASH
WE DON’T CARE
LAUTREC
WE’RE NOT CAUGHT UP IN YOUR LOVE AFFAIR
SO WE'LL NEVER BE ROYALS
CHRISTIAN,
LAUTREC,
SANTIAGO
ROYALS
LAUTREC
IT DON'T RUN IN OUR BLOOD
THAT KIND OF LUX JUST AIN'T FOR US
WE CRAVE A DIFFERENT KIND OF BUZZ
LET ME BE YOUR RULER…
CHRISTIAN,
LAUTREC,
SANTIAGO
RULER…
LAUTREC
YOU CAN CALL ME QUEEN BEE
AND BABY I'LL RULE…
2019-07-19 4PM 15.SANTIAGO
I'LL RULE…
CHRISTIAN
I'LL RULE…
CHRISTIAN,
LAUTREC,
SANTIAGO
LET ME LIVE THAT FANTASY!
LAUTREC
Now tell me, Christian, what do we believe in?!
LAUTREC (CONT’D)
FREEDOM, BEAUTY, TRUTH AND LOVE!
CHRISTIAN,
LAUTREC,
SANTIAGO
FREEDOM, BEAUTY, TRUTH AND LOVE!
SANTIAGO
WELL YOU CAN BUMP AND GRIND
SAY IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR MIND
YOU CAN TWIST AND SHOUT
LET IT ALL HANG OUT
CHRISTIAN,
LAUTREC,
SANTIAGO
BUT YOU
WON'T FOOL THE CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION
NO YOU WON'T FOOL THE CHILDREN OF THE REVOLUTION!
CHRISTIAN
TONIGHT, WE ARE YOUNG
SO LET'S SET THE WORLD ON FIRE
WE CAN BURN BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN
The people on the street join in ... A
community celebration of independence and
defiant pride as the songs blend:
CHRISTIAN AND ENSEMBLE
TONIGHT…
WE ARE YOUNG…
SO LET’S SET THE WORLD ON FIRE
WE CAN BURN BRIGHTER
THAN THE SUN
LAUTREC, SANTIAGO, ENSEMBLE
AND WE’LL NEVER BE
ROYALS…
IT DON’T RUN IN OUR BLOOD…
THAT KIND OF LUX JUST AIN’T
FOR US…
WE CAN BURN BRIGHTER
THAN THE SUN
I’VE NEVER SEEN A DIAMOND IN THE
FLESH…
2019-07-19 4PM 16.CHRISTIAN ENSEMBLE
TONIGHT TONIGHT
WE ARE WE ARE
YOUNG YOUNG
TONIGHT TONIGHT
WE ARE WE ARE
FREEDOM YOUNG
BEAUTY BEAUTY
TRUTH AND TRUTH AND
LOVE LOVE
LAUTREC, SANTIAGO, ENSEMBLE
NO YOU
WON’T FOOL THE CHILDREN OF
THE REVOLUTION
WON’T FOOL THE CHILDREN OF
THE REVOLUTION
NO YOU
WON’T FOOL THE CHILDREN OF
THE REVOLUTION
FREEDOM
BEAUTY
TRUTH AND
LOVE
As the song ends we return to…
2019-07-19 4PM 17.ACT ONE, SCENE 3: THE CLUB
Zidler brings us back to the world of the
club, where we left it before...
ZIDLER
And now the time has come to meet our star… the epicenter of
your passions, the apogee of your desires... Ladies and
gentlemen … Bohemians and Artists, Coquettes and
Boulevardiers … May I present to you our Sparkling Diamond …
the unique … the indomitable … the one and only … Satine.
The spotlight finds…
SATINE.
Descending dramatically from above.
Satine is a star. Beautiful, glamorous,
commanding. Fully aware of her worth. Wicked
sense of humor and smart ... But beyond this,
our heroine has a deep humanity. She has
suffered and her wounds are very close to the
skin. Heartbreaking, in her way.
#2A “DIAMONDS INTRO”
SATINE
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER,
THEY ARE ALL I NEED TO PLEASE ME
THEY CAN STIMULATE AND TEASE ME
THEY WON’T LEAVE IN THE NIGHT
I’VE NO FEAR THAT THEY MIGHT DESERT ME
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
HOLD ONE UP AND THEN CARESS IT
TOUCH IT, STROKE IT, AND UNDRESS IT
I CAN SEE EV’RY PART
NOTHING HIDES IN THEIR HEART TO HURT ME...
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
AND EVER
AND EVER
The music explodes and we’re off!
#3 “DIAMONDS”
Satine and The Moulin Rouge Girls perform a
sizzling mash-up of DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL’S BEST
FRIEND/MATERIAL GIRL/SINGLE LADIES:
SATINE (CONT’D)
A KISS ON THE HAND
MAY BE QUITE CONTINENTAL
2019-07-19 4PM 18.SATINE (CONT’D)
BUT DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND
A KISS MAY BE GRAND
BUT IT WON'T PAY THE RENTAL
ON YOUR HUMBLE FLAT
OR HELP YOU FEED YOUR PUSSYCAT
MEN GROW COLD
AS GIRLS GROW OLD
AND WE ALL LOSE OUR CHARMS IN THE END
BUT SQUARE-CUT OR PEAR-SHAPE
THESE ROCKS DON'T LOSE THEIR SHAPE
DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND
SOME WOMEN
WHOA-OH
OH, OH, OH, OH,
OH, OH
OH, OH, OH, OH
WHOA-OH,
OH, OH, OH, OH,
OH, OH
OH, OH, OH, OH
OTHER WOMEN LA CHOCOLAT,
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARABIA, F4
DOO D-DOO DOO DOO
DOO DOO DOO DOO D-DOO
DOO D-DOO DOO DOO
DOO DOO DOO DOO D-DOO
DOO D-DOO DOO DOO
DOO DOO DOO DOO D-DOO
DOO D-DOO DOO DOO
SATINE AND WOMEN
'CAUSE WE ARE LIVING IN A MATERIAL WORLD
AND I AM A MATERIAL GIRL
THE GIRLS
OOOOOOOOOOOOOO
SATINE AND THE GIRLS
ALL THE SINGLE LADIES
ALL THE SINGLE LADIES
ALL THE SINGLE LADIES
ALL THE SINGLE LADIES
NOW PUT YOUR HANDS UP
WOMEN
ALL THE SINGLE LADIES
ALL THE SINGLE LADIES
ALL THE SINGLE LADIES
NOW PUT YOUR HANDS UP
SATINE
GLOSS ON MY LIPS
MAN ON MY HIPS
TIGHTER THAN MY DEREON JEANS
ACTING UP,
DRINK IN MY CUP
I COULD CARE LESS WHAT YOU THINK
WOMEN AND THE GIRLS
LIPS
HIPS
UP
CUP
2019-07-19 4PM 19.SATINE (CONT’D)
I NEED NO PERMISSION, DID I
MENTION
DON’T PAY HIM ANY ATTENTION
CAUSE YOU HAD YOUR TURN
AND NOW YOU’RE GONNA LEARN
WHAT IT REALLY FEELS LIKE TO
MISS ME
WOMEN AND THE GIRLS (CONT’D)
TENTION
TURN
SATINE AND WOMEN
IF YOU LIKED IT THEN YOU SHOULDA PUT A RING ON IT
IF YOU LIKED IT THEN YOU SHOULDA PUT A RING ON IT
DON’T BE MAD ONCE YOU SEE THAT HE WANT IT
IF YOU LIKED IT THEN YOU SHOULDA PUT A RING ON IT
WHOA, OH, OH, OH, OH, OH, OH, OH
OH, OH, OH, OH
WHOA, OH, OH, OH, OH, OH, OH, OH
SATINE
DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL’S
TIFFANY!
CARTIER!
BLACK STARR!
ROSCOE!
WOMEN
OH, OH, OH, OH
MEN
SHE’S A BRICK HOUSE
SHE’S MIGHTY MIGHTY
WOMEN
NO YOU’RE NEVER GONNA GET IT
NEVER, EVER GONA GET IT
NO YOU’RE NEVER GONNA GET IT
NEVER EVER GONNA GET IT
SATINE
TALK TO ME, HARRY ZIDLER, TELL ME ALL ABOUT IT!
Then – an abrupt change in the music – as
Satine stumbles!
She suddenly feels ill. She can’t breathe. The
world is disorienting around her. We hear her
amplified heartbeat ... The cold shiver of
illness, disease, mortality. The shape of
things to come...
She pulls herself together through sheer force
of will and the world returns to normal as...
SATINE (V.O.)
SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND
SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND
SATINE
SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND
2019-07-19 4PM 20.MEN
ALL THE SINGLE LADIES
IF YOU LIKED IT THEN
YOU SHOULD’VE PUT A
RING ON IT
WOMEN AND THE GIRLS
OH
OH OH OH
OH OH OH
OH OH
OH
WOAH OH OH
OH OH OH
OH OH OH
OH OH
OH
MEN
ALL THE
SINGLE LADIES
IF YOU
LIKED IT THEN
YOU SHOULD’VE
PUT A
RING ON IT
ALL THE
SINGLE LADIES
IF YOU
LIKED IT THEN
YOU SHOULD’VE
PUT A
RING ON IT
WOMEN THE GIRLS
WOAH OH
OH DIAMONDS
OH OH ARE
OH FOREVER
OH OH
OH
OH
OH
OH
WOAH OH
OH DIAMONDS
OH OH ARE
OH FOREVER
OH OH AND
OH EVER
OH
OH
OH
WOMEN
HE'S YOUR GUY
WHEN STOCKS ARE HIGH
BUT BEWARE WHEN THEY START TO DESCEND
SATINE
IT'S THEN THAT THOSE LOUSES
GO BACK TO THEIR SPOUSES
DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND!
The number ends spectacularly as the music
continues and Zidler steps forward:
ZIDLER
Our Sparkling Diamond, Satine!
2019-07-19 4PM 21.#3A “DIAMONDS TAG”
ARABIA
AND WE’LL NEVER BE
ROYALS YEAH
I’VE NEVER SEEN A DIAMOND IN THE
FLESH
ROYALS
YOU’RE NEVER GONNA GET MY LOVE
CREOLE LADY MARMALADE
BABY DOLL
AND WE’LL NEVER BE
ROYALS
DIAMOND IN THE FLESH
ROYALS
YOU’RE NEVER GONNA GET MY LOVE
CREOLE LADY MARMALADE
Zidler grabs a private word with Satine as he
helps her with a costume change:
ZIDLER
Well done, my girl. You killed it.
SATINE
That’s my job.
2019-07-19 4PM 21A.ZIDLER
But are you feeling all right? You seemed ill during the
number.
SATINE
Corset’s too tight, that’s all. I’m fine ... So where is he?
ZIDLER
(looking at the Duke)
In the box. The steely looking one.
SATINE
(looking at Christian, not
the Duke)
He doesn’t look like a duke.
ZIDLER
(looking at the Duke, not
Christian)
When you’re that rich, you can look like anything you want.
SATINE
(looking at Christian, not
the Duke)
He’s rather handsome.
ZIDLER
I couldn’t agree more. But more to the point, he’s rich
beyond my most heroic dreams of avarice. The Duke de Monroth
could save us.
SATINE
We’re that much in need of saving?
ZIDLER
God, don’t let all the glitter and velvet fool you. I’m in
hock up to my eyeballs ... You know what to do, pet.
SATINE
Watch momma go to work.
She slips away to continue her costume change
as Zidler goes to the Duke’s box:
ZIDLER
She quivers for you, your grace, and has pronounced you
triumphantly handsome!
DUKE
And she’s everything you promised…
2019-07-19 4PM 22.ZIDLER
The greatest courtesan in Paris! And she will await you after
the performance, breathlessly…
Meanwhile, in the box across the stage:
CHRISTIAN
(looking at Satine)
My God, she’s sensational!
LAUTREC
After the performance you’ll go to her dressing room…
DUKE
(continuing to Zidler)
Where am I to meet her?
ZIDLER
In the Elephant!
LAUTREC
(continuing to Christian)
In the Elephant!
CHRISTIAN AND
THE DUKE
In the Elephant?
ZIDLER
Her private sanctuary upstairs for discrete tete-a-tete. And
if you should care to prepare for your rendezvous in private
you may use my office ... And perhaps we can talk a little
business?
DUKE
Business on such a night, Zidler? You’re a sad, venal soul.
ZIDLER
Just making my way through a treacherous world, your grace…
Zidler bows obsequiously and leads the Duke
off as…
LAUTREC
(to Christian)
Now are you ready, Christian? You must be debonair!
CHRISTIAN
I don’t know, Toulouse...
SANTIAGO
What are you worried about?!
2019-07-19 4PM 23.CHRISTIAN
She’s a little out of my league, pal.
LAUTREC
Genius has no league!
Satine appears, chatting with patrons and
fans.
LAUTREC (CONT’D)
Go forth and triumph!
Lautrec and Santiago physically push Christian
from the box and toward Satine...
She suddenly turns and – BAM! – they are face
to face!
The music and lighting instantly change.
SATINE
You’re not what I expected.
CHRISTIAN
(endearingly bumbling)
Surprise! Ha. Can I -- um -- buy you a drink? Wait. No. I
don’t have any money.
SATINE
Excuse me?
CHRISTIAN
This isn’t going well ... So I understand I’m to meet you
inside an Elephant?
SATINE
My dressing room, yes. Harold has arranged a light supper for
us.
CHRISTIAN
(mystified)
Harold, okay...
2019-07-19 4PM 24.SATINE
You have the most interesting accent, I must say.
CHRISTIAN
Lima, Ohio!
SATINE
(smoothly)
Lima, Ohio. But of course, where else?
CHRISTIAN
(rattling on nervously)
I know, I know, my accent sounds like Cleveland sometimes,
but it’s pure Lima. You know, just over from Indiana, above
Kentucky, down from Toledo, why can’t I stop talking--?!
SATINE
Darling, I think you better shut up and dance with me.
Lighting changes as Christian steps out of
time for a glorious moment and they joyously
fling themselves into...
#4 “SHUT UP AND RAISE A GLASS”
CHRISTIAN
OH DON'T YOU DARE LOOK BACK
JUST KEEP YOUR EYES ON ME
I SAID YOU'RE HOLDING BACK
SHE SAID…
SATINE
SHUT UP AND DANCE WITH ME
CHRISTIAN
THIS WOMAN IS MY DESTINY
SHE SAID…
SATINE
OOH OOH
SHUT UP AND DANCE WITH ME.
Satine and Christian enjoy the song,
and each other. An entertaining
spark between them.
As Zidler re-enters.
Lautrec spots him and instantly sees disaster:
LAUTREC
(to Santiago)
My God, it’s Zidler!
(MORE)
2019-07-19 4PM 25.If he sees Christian and Satine together, we’re sunk! Now my
friend – we must be magnificently distracting!
Lautrec grabs Santiago and they race across
the stage, weaving in and out of the dance, to
intercept Zidler and distract him:
LAUTREC (CONT’D)
My dear Harold! You’ve lost some weight haven’t you, you old
fox.
ZIDLER
What? Yes, well maybe a couple of-- Wait, what are you doing
here, Lautrec?! And you were supposed to be barred until you
paid your tab! Which is, I might add, astronomic.
LAUTREC
Let’s not pollute our ears with talk of money.
SANTIAGO
Filthy money! Tonight is for love!
Lautrec launches into RAISE YOUR GLASS and
pulls Zidler into a dance ... Lautrec and
Santiago keep Zidler away from Satine and
Christian throughout.
RAISE YOUR GLASS is quickly picked up by The
Moulin Rouge Girls and the Company -- and
counterpoints SHUT UP AND DANCE WITH ME.
LAUTREC
SO RAISE YOUR GLASS IF YOU ARE WRONG,
IN ALL THE RIGHT WAYS,
ALL MY UNDERDOGS,
LAUTREC AND
SANTIAGO
WE WILL NEVER BE NEVER BE, ANYTHING BUT LOUD
AND NITTY GRITTY DIRTY LITTLE FREAKS
LAUTREC AND SANTIAGO
WON'T YOU COME ON AND
COME ON AND
RAISE YOUR GLASS
JUST COME ON AND COME ON AND
RAISE YOUR GLASS
THE GIRLS
RAISE YOUR GLASS
RAISE YOUR GLASS
LAUTREC
2019-07-19 4PM 26.CHRISTIAN AND
SATINE
WE WERE VICTIMS OF THE NIGHT
THE CHEMICAL, PHYSICAL, KRYPTONITE
HELPLESS TO THE BASS AND THE FADING LIGHT
OH WE WERE BOUND TO GET TOGETHER
BOUND TO GET TOGETHER
CHRISTIAN
SHE TOOK MY ARM
I DON'T KNOW HOW IT HAPPENED
WE TOOK THE FLOOR AND SHE SAID
CHRISTIAN AND
SATINE
OH DON'T YOU DARE LOOK BACK
JUST KEEP YOUR EYES ON ME
CHRISTIAN
SHE SAID YOU'RE HOLDING BACK
SHE SAID
CHRISTIAN AND
SATINE
SHUT UP AND DANCE WITH ME
CHRISTIAN
THIS WOMAN IS MY DESTINY
SHE SAID
CHRISTIAN AND
SATINE
OOH OOH
SHUT UP AND DANCE WITH ME
ALL
OOH OOH
SHUT UP AND DANCE WITH ME
SATINE AND
LAUTREC
SLAM SLAM, OH HOT DAMN
WHAT PART OF PARTY DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND?
WISH YOU'D JUST FREAK OUT
CAN'T STOP, COMIN' IN HOT,
I SHOULD BE LOCKED UP RIGHT ON THE SPOT
CHRISTIAN
WHY SO SERIOUS?
2019-07-19 4PM 27.CHRISTIAN, MEN
OH DON'T YOU DARE LOOK BACK
JUST KEEP YOUR EYES ON ME
I SAID YOU'RE HOLDING BACK
SHE SAID…
SHUT UP AND DANCE WITH ME
THIS WOMAN
IS MY DESTINY
SHE SAID OOH OOH
SHUT UP AND DANCE WITH ME
SATINE, WOMEN
SLAM SLAM, OH HOT DAMN
WHAT PART OF PARTY DON'T YOU
UNDERSTAND?
WISH YOU'D JUST FREAK OUT
CAN'T STOP, COMIN' IN HOT,
I SHOULD BE LOCKED UP RIGHT ON
THE SPOT
IT'S SO ON RIGHT NOW
ALL
OOH OOH
SHUT UP AND DANCE WITH ME
SATINE
I’ll see you shortly then…
CHRISTIAN
Yes…
SATINE
I’m living for it.
CHRISTIAN
Me too.
SATINE
By the way, would you like me to call you “your grace”?
CHRISTIAN
Um … if you want.
She blows him a kiss and exits. He’s a bit
mystified.
The music continues as Lautrec and Santiago
join Christian:
LAUTREC
Well done, Christian. We are mere moments from victory! Now,
have you a song in mind to audition for her?
CHRISTIAN
I think so. An old one of mine. Sort of a love song.
LAUTREC
Make her fall in love with your music and our show is within
reach!
SANTIAGO
This is our night, Christian! We are young!
2019-07-19 4PM 28.LAUTREC
We are brave!
CHRISTIAN,
LAUTREC,
SANTIAGO
WE ARE BOHEMIANS!
ALL
BOHEMIANS!
SOME ENSEMBLE
OH I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY
I WANNA FEEL THE HEAT WITH
SOMEBODY
YEAH I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY
OOH SHUT UP AND DANCE WITH ME
SOME ENSEMBLE
OH DON’T YOU DARE LOOK BACK
JUST KEEP YOUR EYES ON ME
I SAID YOU’RE HOLDING BACK
SHE SAID SHUT UP AND DANCE WITH
ME
THIS WOMAN IS MY DESTINY
SHE SAID
OOH SHUT UP AND DANCE WITH ME
ALL
SOMEBODY WHO
SOMEBODY WHO
SOMEBODY WHO LOVES ME
SOMEBODY WHO
SOMEBODY WHO
Santiago confronts Nini, with amorous intent:
SANTIAGO
TO HOLD ME IN YOUR ARMS!
NINI
Keep walking.
ENSEMBLE
SOMEBODY WHO
SOMEBODY WHO
The song and dance end as we go to...
2019-07-19 4PM 29.ACT ONE, SCENE 4: BACKSTAGE
Satine, Nini, Baby Doll, Arabia and La
Chocolat are changing after the show. There’s
a standing mirror and costume racks.
BABY DOLL
(to Satine)
Momma, you killed it tonight.
SATINE
You ladies make me look good, that’s all.
NINI
And your Duke certainly is dashing, isn’t he?
ARABIA
Nini’s right. He’ll probably shower you with diamonds.
NINI
He had better. Otherwise this place shuts down and we’re all
out on the street.
BABY DOLL
(anxious)
Satine, is it true the Moulin Rouge might close? What would
we do then?
SATINE
Don’t worry, I won’t let that happen.
BABY DOLL
I can’t -- I can’t go back to the underground clubs. Or the
streets...
She’s upset. Satine comforts her.
SATINE
Listen to me, you gorgeous creature. This is our home and no
one’s going to take it away. We’re safe here, I promise you.
NINI
(snaps)
Open your eyes, Satine. Zidler’s already cut the wait staff
in half. And he fired the last sommelier today. He’s broke,
“chickens” ... Enjoy the job while you have it, because you
know what this building will be in a year? A post office, or
a train station, or a whorehouse.
LA CHOCOLAT
Good, then you won’t have to leave.
She strides out. Arabia and Baby Doll,
laughing, follow her out. Nini as well.
2019-07-19 4PM 30.Just as Zidler enters, to Satine:
ZIDLER
My angel, I’ve the Duke deliciously primed for you. So--
SATINE
How bad is it?
ZIDLER
What?
SATINE
The club. We’re broke.
ZIDLER
Nothing for you to fret about tonight, my dear, just--
SATINE
Tell me the truth, Harold.
He stops. They’ve known each other so long.
Came up together. Comrades in many battles ...
He’s honest.
ZIDLER
... Well, let’s just say that my financial legerdemain has
come to naught. And all the greasepaint in the world won’t
help.
SATINE
So we need the Duke.
ZIDLER
Oh yes.
She turns to the mirror, looking at herself.
SATINE
Then we’ll get him.
He joins her, looking into the mirror also.
ZIDLER
That’s my girl ... And in truth, it wouldn’t be the worst
thing for you to find a rich man to keep you. After all,
neither of us is as young as we used to be.
SATINE
Time happens.
ZIDLER
To us all ... God, when did we get so old?
He kisses her and starts to go. Stops.
2019-07-19 4PM 31.ZIDLER (CONT’D)
(gently)
Satine ... He’s expecting the Sparkling Diamond. Make sure
she’s there.
He goes.
Satine stands for a moment. His words are
true. And they hurt. She doesn’t feel much
like the Sparkling Diamond. Instead, she feels
her years. The pressure of her job. Her
responsibility to her family at the Club.
She glances in the mirror. Sees her life
reflected in her face. A hard life full of
challenge.
A quiet moment.
Then sings:
#5 “FIREWORK”
SATINE
DO YOU EVER FEEL
FEEL SO PAPER-THIN
LIKE A HOUSE OF CARDS
ONE BLOW FROM CAVING IN
2019-07-19 4PM 31A.SATINE (CONT’D)
DO YOU EVER FEEL
ALREADY BURIED DEEP
SIX FEET UNDER
SCREAMS BUT NO ONE SEEMS TO HEAR A THING
DO YOU KNOW THAT THERE'S
STILL A CHANCE FOR YOU
‘CAUSE THERE’S A SPARK IN YOU
YOU JUST GOTTA
IGNITE THE LIGHT
AND LET IT SHINE
JUST OWN THE NIGHT
LIKE THE FOURTH OF JULY
YOU DON'T HAVE TO FEEL
LIKE A WASTE OF SPACE
YOU'RE AN ORIGINAL
CANNOT BE REPLACED
IF YOU ONLY KNEW
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS
AFTER A HURRICANE
COMES A RAINBOW
MAYBE THE REASON WHY
ALL THE DOORS ARE CLOSED
SO YOU COULD OPEN ONE
THAT LEADS YOU TO THAT PERFECT ROAD
LIKE A LIGHTNING BOLT
YOUR HEART WILL GLOW
AND WHEN IT'S TIME YOU’LL KNOW
YOU JUST GOTTA
IGNITE THE LIGHT
AND LET IT SHINE
JUST OWN THE NIGHT
LIKE THE FOURTH OF JULY
'CAUSE BABY, YOU'RE A FIREWORK
COME ON SHOW THEM WHAT YOU'RE WORTH
MAKE THEM GO, "OH, OH, OH"
AS YOU SHOOT ACROSS THE SKY -Y -Y
BABY, YOU'RE A FIREWORK
COME ON LET YOUR COLORS BURST
MAKE THEM GO, "OH, OH, OH"
YOU'RE GONNA LEAVE THEM ALL IN AWE, AWE,
AWE
DO YOU EVER FEEL
FEEL SO PAPER THIN
LIKE A HOUSE OF CARDS
ONE BLOW FROM CAVING IN
2019-07-19 4PM 32.ACT ONE, SCENE 5: INSIDE THE ELEPHANT
An enormous Elephant-shaped room appears,
revealing Satine’s sumptuous and ornate
dressing room. Beyond over-the-top. Expansive
balcony ... And beyond that, Paris.
Satine has changed into something slinky for
her rendezvous with, she thinks, The Duke.
A knock at the door.
She quickly strikes an alluring pose. She
plays the grand Parisian courtesan well:
SATINE
Enter!
Christian enters. Stops abruptly when he sees
her new outfit and pose. He’s instantly out of
his depth.
SATINE (CONT’D)
Do come in. The room is subtle, I know, but it bemuses me.
CHRISTIAN
Wow. Okay. I’ve never been inside an Elephant...
SATINE
First time for everything. Champagne, your grace? Sit, sit.
CHRISTIAN
Well -- if you don’t mind -- I’d prefer to do it standing.
SATINE
Mmm, of course.
CHRISTIAN
You don’t have to, stand I mean. I want you to be
comfortable, sometimes it’s quite long.
SATINE
Ah.
A bit of farce through the follow as they move
around the room at contrary purposes: she is
readying the room and herself for romance, as
he is nervously trying to find the right way
to begin the audition.
CHRISTIAN
I must admit this is quite a new experience for me. I mean --
you know -- we don’t really do things like this in Ohio.
2019-07-19 4PM 33.SATINE
That’s a shame.
CHRISTIAN
Now, just to warn you. It’s very modern, what I do. It might
feel a bit strange at first, but if you’re really open I
think you’ll enjoy it. Although I am a bit nervous.
SATINE
Of course.
CHRISTIAN
I’ve never done this before.
SATINE
What?
CHRISTIAN
But my whole future might depend on it, right?
SATINE
Oh I hope not.
CHRISTIAN
And my friends are counting on me…
SATINE
Friends?
CHRISTIAN
And I did study it in school…
SATINE
School?
CHRISTIAN
And practiced a lot today…
SATINE
Practiced?!
CHRISTIAN
Honestly, it’s a little bit funny, this feeling inside...
SATINE
Isn’t it, though?
CHRISTIAN
I’m not one of those who can easily hide...
SATINE
No reason to hide.
Now he sings...
2019-07-19 4PM 34.#6 “YOUR SONG”
CHRISTIAN
I DON’T HAVE MUCH MONEY
BUT BOY IF I DID
I’D BUY A BIG HOUSE WHERE WE BOTH COULD LIVE
IF I WAS A SCULPTOR BUT THEN AGAIN, NO
OR A MAN WHO MAKES POTIONS IN A TRAVELING SHOW
OH, I KNOW IT'S NOT MUCH BUT IT'S THE BEST I
CAN DO
MY GIFT IS MY SONG
AND THIS ONE'S FOR YOU
AND YOU CAN TELL EVERYBODY THIS IS YOUR
SONG
IT MAY BE QUITE SIMPLE BUT NOW THAT IT'S
DONE
I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND
I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND
THAT I PUT DOWN IN WORDS
HOW WONDERFUL LIFE IS WHILE YOU'RE IN THE
WORLD.
She moves away, conflicted...
He feels he has failed, he turns to go,
defeated...
But…
Her singing stops him.
And, remarkably, the song becomes a genuine
profession of love. A spark between them.
Tender and true.
SATINE
HOW WONDERFUL LIFE IS WHILE YOU’RE IN THE
WORLD...
CHRISTIAN
SO EXCUSE ME FORGETTING
BUT THESE THINGS, I DO
YOU SEE, I'VE FORGOTTEN
IF THEY'RE GREEN OR THEY'RE BLUE
ANYWAY, THE THING IS, WHAT I REALLY MEAN
YOURS ARE THE SWEETEST EYES I'VE EVER SEEN…
CHRISTIAN AND
SATINE
AND YOU CAN TELL EVERYBODY THIS IS YOUR
SONG
IT MAY BE QUITE SIMPLE BUT
NOW THAT IT'S DONE
2019-07-19 4PM 35.CHRISTIAN AND
SATINE (CONT’D)
I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND
I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND
THAT I PUT DOWN IN WORDS
HOW WONDERFUL LIFE IS WHILE YOU'RE IN THE
WORLD
I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND
I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND
THAT I PUT DOWN IN WORDS
HOW WONDERFUL LIFE IS
HOW WONDERFUL LIFE IS
HOW WONDERFUL LIFE IS
WHILE YOU'RE IN THE--
They kiss—
There’s a knock on the door--
ZIDLER
(trills from outside)
Satine, my dove, I have the Duke here…
SATINE
Duke? …
(urgently to Christian)
… Who are you?!
CHRISTIAN
I’m Christian.
SATINE
Please tell me you’re Christian the Duke.
CHRISTIAN
No, I’m Christian the Composer. I’m a friend of Toulouse, he
said I—
SATINE
(angry)
Toulouse! I might have known! When I get my hands on him--
ZIDLER
(trills from outside)
Satine, cupcake darling honeypot, we’re waiting…
SATINE
(to Christian)
I have to get you out of here! Quick -- the balcony!
She shoves him toward the balcony--
CHRISTIAN
(panic)
Oh! No, the balcony’s not a good idea!
2019-07-19 4PM 36.Then, just as Satine and Christian reach the
balcony--
Lautrec and Santiago pop up from where they
have been hiding on the balcony--!
Satine screams--!
Lautrec and Santiago force their way into the
room, pushing Christian back as--!
Zidler sweep in with the Duke!
Everyone freezes.
Pause.
SATINE
(smoothly, to the Duke)
There’s a very simple explanation for all this.
Satine is at her most calm and magnificent
now:
SATINE (CONT’D)
You see, my friend here is a…
CHRISTIAN
Songwriter. Well, singer/songwriter really. You know, sort of
a folk sound mixed with a moreSATINE
A songwriter! And he was here to… to…
LAUTREC
Audition.
SATINE
Audition one of his songs for me!
LAUTREC
For our new show.
SATINE
For our new show -- What?!
SANTIAGO
Which we will premiere here at the Moulin Rouge!
ZIDLER
Say again.
2019-07-19 4PM 37.SATINE
Yes, our new show. Which we are intending to premiere here in
the humble confines of the Moulin Rouge, isn’t that right,
Harold?
ZIDLER
As you say, my precious little cobra.
DUKE
But what has any of this to do with me, pray?
SATINE
You… yes … Well…
ZIDLER
Patron!
SATINE
Yes! We are hoping, in our coy little way, to entice you into
being our patron! Every proper theatrical presentation needs
investors!
ZIDLER
Angels!
CHRISTIAN
Backers!
SANTIAGO
Shareholders!
SATINE
Producers!
LAUTREC
Bloodsucking corporate vampires!
A beat as the Duke gazes evenly at them.
DUKE
So you arranged this rendezvous in order to audition your new
show for me, hoping I would invest?
SATINE
Nailed it in one.
DUKE
So, what’s the story of your show?
LAUTREC
Story! Ah, yes, yes, um, the story…
2019-07-19 4PM 38.And now they hustle, improvising wildly. All
of them help build the story on the spot ...
They sing
#7 “THE PITCH SONG”
CHRISTIAN
THERE’LL BE
LOVERS
SATINE
AND SINGERS
ZIDLER
AND ENTREPRENEURS
SANTIAGO
DEPRAVITY
LAUTREC
ECSTASY
CHRISTIAN
LOVE THAT ENDURES
LAUTREC
WORTHY OF EVEN THE BEST RACONTEUR
A TALE IN THE SHADOWS OF DEAR SACRE-COEUR
WE SEE ALONG THE SEINE
UPON ITS FILTHY SHORE
THE BLOATED CORPSES OF THOSE KILLED THE
NIGHT BEFORE
ZIDLER
BUT IT’S A FAMILY SHOW
WITH ART BOTH HIGH AND LOW
CHRISTIAN
A TALE OF LOVE!
SANTIAGO
AND DEATH!
SATINE
AND SEX!
LAUTREC
AND MONEY!
ZIDLER
DANCING AND AWAY WE GO TO
2019-07-19 4PM 39.LAUTREC
SWEET SATINE, WHO PLAYS OUR INGÉNUE
A SPARROW SINGING UP AND DOWN EACH AVENUE…
Satine assumes the role:
SATINE
SHE WEARS A THIN BLACK DRESS
AND TELLS HER TALE OF WOE
OF PAIN AND LONELINESS
LAUTREC
BUT THAT’S NOT ALL AS THESE THINGS GO
SHE’S RATHER SICK
WITH SOME OBSCURE MALAISE
NO DOUBT A CRUEL TRICK
FROM WILDER, DESPERATE DAYS
SATINE
THEN ONE DAY SINGING THROUGH HER PAIN
THE SUN KICKS OUT THE RAIN
AND THERE HE STANDS, A LOVER...
LAUTREC
Yes, one day everything changes when she meets a man.
Christian is shoved forward to play the role
of the lover.
CHRISTIAN
A man unlike any she has known! He’s a … a…
LAUTREC
Ventriloquist!
CHRISTIAN
A what?!
SANTIAGO
No. He’s a matador! Striding across the sands of destiny!
LAUTREC
A VENTRILOQUIST!
ZIDLER
No -- he’s a sailor! A matelot! In those ridiculously tight
pants! …
(to Christian)
… Let me see your ass.
LAUTREC
Yes, a sailor! That’s it. A man who has spent his life
voyaging across the turbulent seas…
2019-07-19 4PM 40.CHRISTIAN
HE’S BEEN SEARCHING FOR A MATE
AND NOW IT SEEMS LIKE FATE
A GIFT FROM GOD ABOVE
CHRISTIAN AND
SATINE
A LOVE DIVINE FOREVER MORE
THEIR BODIES INTERTWINE
LAUTREC
BUT FATE HAS MANY OTHER THINGS IN STORE
Zidler steps forward….
ZIDLER
THERE’S A MAN WHO ALREADY CLAIMS HER
AN EVIL GANGSTER WHO RUNS THIS TOWN
LAUTREC
SHE’S UNHAPPY AND NO ONE BLAMES HER
LAUTREC AND
SANTIAGO
THE MOST LASCIVIOUS RACKETEER AROUND
ALL
HE BUYS HER LOVE!
SATINE
HE BUYS HER CLOTHES!
ZIDLER
HE’S ROUGH BUT THIS IS ALL THE POOR GIRL
KNOWS
ALL
HE BUYS HER LOVE!
CHRISTIAN
THERE’S NO ESCAPE!
BUT NOW A TRIANGLE HAS TAKEN SHAPE
LAUTREC
AND SO THE SAILOR DRIVEN MAD
DETERMINED TO UNSEAT THIS CAD
SWEARS TO RISK HIS LIFE FOR LOVE
AND THERE’S OUR SHOW, ALL OF THE ABOVE
SATINE
A SPECTACLE OF SAVAGERY
SANTIAGO
A TESTAMENT TO LUNACY
2019-07-19 4PM 41.ZIDLER
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
LAUTREC
AND ALL OF IT DESIGNED BY ME!
ALL
SO EXCITING!
ZIDLER
THE AUDIENCE WILL STOMP AND CHEER
ALL
SO DELIGHTING
ZIDLER
IT WILL RUN FOR FIFTY YEARS!
ALL
SO EXCITING!
LAUTREC,
SANTIAGO,
ZIDLER
MAKE ‘EM LAUGH AND MAKE ‘EM CRY
ALL
SO DELIGHTING
CHRISTIAN
AND IN THE END SHOULD SOMEONE DIE?
A beat.
ALL
SO EXCITING
MAKE OUR DREAM REALITY
SO DELIGHTING
SATINE
MAKE IT HAPPEN, JUST FOR ME…
SANTIAGO
ME!
LAUTREC
ME!
CHRISTIAN
ME!
ZIDLER
ME!
ALL
MAKE IT HAPPEN JUST FOR ME!
2019-07-19 4PM 42.The number ends with a big finish. Bam!
Beat.
They wait breathlessly for the Duke’s verdict.
He rises without a word. Walks to the door.
Turns.
DUKE
I’ll do it. Zidler, come, a word.
He is about to go, but then turns back to
Satine:
DUKE (CONT’D)
I’ll be back shortly, my dear. You have quite conquered me.
He goes.
The others celebrate. Somehow they have pulled
it off! ... Christian remains apart, he moves
to a quiet corner alone ... Satine watches
him, conflicted.
ZIDLER
Well done, all! Now chop-chop we’ve much to do …
(to Lautrec, Santiago)
… You two, come to the office tomorrow and we’ll sort out the
details. We have, I believe, a new show into which we must
breathe unrivalled histrionic life!
LAUTREC
Christian, come along! The night is young and made for
celebration!
CHRISTIAN
I’ll join you later.
Lautrec and Santiago sweep out, singing with
gusto:
LAUTREC AND
SANTIAGO
THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF
MUSIC!
Zidler notes Christian hasn’t left.
ZIDLER
Now get moving, lad, Satine’s got work to do.
Zidler continues to Satine:
2019-07-19 4PM 43.ZIDLER (CONT’D)
And you, my dear, must make yourself ravishing. I need hardly
tell you what a wonderful “mentor” the Duke could be. Play
your cards artfully, kitten, and you’ll land in the cream.
SATINE
I know what’s expected of me.
2019-07-19 4PM 43A.Zidler looks at her, surprised by the cold
reaction.
He shoots a suspicious glance to Christian ...
Then continues to Satine:
ZIDLER
Satine, you need a cool head now … Without the Duke, we’re
back on the street, the both of us, singing for tourists
throwing coins at our feet... This is your chance to rise.
Maybe the last one you’ll ever get … Now show me the
Sparkling Diamond.
Her spine stiffens, her eyes and face go cold,
beautiful, and untouchable.
ZIDLER (CONT’D)
I’ll send him to you shortly ... (to Christian) ... You. Go.
He exits.
Satine turns to face Christian:
SATINE
Don’t make this any more difficult than it needs to be.
CHRISTIAN
Did that mean nothing before?
SATINE
Christian--
CHRISTIAN
Is it because he’s rich? If that’s what you--
She interrupts him. She’s quiet and firm:
SATINE
Stop right there. You don’t know me. You know nothing about
me. I’m nothing but a fantasy to you. So it’s time to wake up
and go home. Forget the whore in Paris. She’ll only break
your heart ... That’s what she does.
She stands looking at him, her eyes firm and
unrelenting.
CHRISTIAN
I understand... Thank you for the dance.
He goes.
But when he’s gone, we see how difficult it
was for her to reject Christian.
As a line from YOUR SONG comes back to her,
low key and poignant now…
2019-07-19 4PM 44.#7A “YOUR SONG TAG”
SATINE
HOW WONDERFUL LIFE IS WHILE YOU'RE IN THE
WORLD...
Beat.
She waits for the Duke, her heart locked away,
protecting herself, aloof and cold.
MUSIC is heard… building … almost threatening.
A knock at the door.
SATINE (CONT’D)
Come in.
The Duke enters.
Looks at her evenly.
The music builds, powerful, sexy…
#8 “THE DUKE’S SONG”
DUKE
PLEASE ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE MYSELF
I'M A MAN OF WEALTH AND TASTE
I'VE BEEN AROUND FOR A LONG, LONG YEAR
STOLE MANY A GIRL’S SOUL TO WASTE
PLEASED TO MEET YOU
HOPE YOU GUESS MY NAME
BUT WHAT'S PUZZLING YOU
IS THE NATURE OF MY GAME
DUKE (CONT’D)
Understand me, Satine, I’m not like the men you’ve known
before. I won’t just toss a few coins on the floor and walk
away. I want all of you.
SATINE
You’re asking for a lot.
DUKE
I’m asking for everything.
DUKE (CONT’D)
WELL I SAW YOU TODAY AT THE RECEPTION
A GLASS OF WINE IN YOUR HAND
SATINE
I KNEW I WOULD MEET MY CONNECTION
2019-07-19 4PM 45.DUKE
WELL AT YOUR FEET IS THIS FOOTLOOSE MAN
BUT YOU CAN’T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT
SATINE
NO YOU CAN’T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT
SATINE AND
THE DUKE
YOU CAN’T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT
BUT IF YOU TRY SOMETIMES,
YOU JUST MIGHT FIND
YOU GET WHAT YOU NEED.
DUKE
LET ME PLEASE INTRODUCE MYSELF
I'M A MAN OF WEALTH AND TASTE
AND I’LL LAY TRAPS FOR TROUBADOURS
WHO GET KILLED IF THEY
COME YOUR WAY
The Duke’s POSSE of sexy gentlemen join the
song, eventually entering the room in a bit of
fanciful legerdemain.
DUKE
SO IF YOU MEET ME
HAVE SOME COURTESY
HAVE SOME SYMPATHY,
AND SOME TASTE
USE ALL YOUR WELL-LEARNED
POLITESSE
OR I'LL LAY YOUR SOUL TO WASTE
MEN
WOO WOO
WOO WOO
WOO WOO
WOO WOO
WOO WOO
WOO WOO
DUKE AND MEN
LOVE SISTER
IT’S JUST A KISS AWAY
IT’S JUST A KISS AWAY
LOVE SISTER
IT’S JUST A KISS AWAY
IT’S JUST A KISS AWAY
LOVE
SISTER
IT’S JUST A KISS AWAY
IT’S JUST A KISS AWAY
IT’S JUST A KISS AWAY
SATINE
LOVE
IT’S JUST A KISS AWAY
IT’S JUST A KISS AWAY
PLEASED TO MEET YOU
PLEASED TO MEET YOU
IT’S JUST A KISS AWAY
IT’S JUST A KISS AWAY
IT’S JUST A KISS AWAY
DUKE
HEY
2019-07-19 4PM 46.DUKE (CONT’D)
(Spoken)
Baby, what's my name?
The Elephant disappears as Satine and the Duke
consummate their affair.
As MUSIC and the Duke’s Posse take us to…
2019-07-19 4PM 47.ACT ONE, SCENE 5A: MONTMARTRE STREET-SIDEWALK CAFE
#8A “BEFORE NATURE BOY” (THE DUKE’S TAG)
MEN
LOVE SISTER
IT’S JUST A KISS AWAY
IT’S JUST A KISS AWAY
LOVE SISTER
IT’S JUST A KISS AWAY
IT’S JUST A KISS AWAY
IT’S JUST A KISS AWAY
LOVE!
2019-07-19 4PM 48.ACT ONE, SCENE 6: MONTMARTRE STREET-SIDEWALK CAFE
A quiet night in Montmartre. Christian sits at
a sidewalk cafe, lost in thought.
Lautrec enters. He watches Christian for a
moment and then decides to approach.
LAUTREC
So you have met Satine.
CHRISTIAN
And the greatest night of my life suddenly turns into the
worst ... I thought you were going to celebrate.
LAUTREC
(shrugs)
Eh. Tomorrow for celebration. Tonight for a friend.
Lautrec sits with Christian.
CHRISTIAN
Tell me about her.
LAUTREC
It’s a sad tale... My lost youth.
CHRISTIAN
Tell me.
Lautrec considers for a moment, decides.
LAUTREC
I met Satine when I was a boy. Practically on the first day I
was in Paris. I saw this wretched little alley cat begging
for scraps, her arms were ulcerous and she was painfully
thin. But she had a spirit. I fell in love with her
instantly, of course. But how could I – this misshapen thing--
ever confess my love?
(beat)
Her father had her turning tricks at 13.
(beat)
But she was smart. And ambitious. She pulled her way up and
out. And now -- et voila -- she is “The Sparkling
Diamond.”... But every now and then I still see my old playfriend peeking through. I did tonight, when she looked at
you.
CHRISTIAN
I’ll fight for her.
LAUTREC
Christian. She has chosen her life. Let her live it.
2019-07-19 4PM 49.#9 “NATURE BOY”
LAUTREC
THERE WAS A BOY
A VERY STRANGE ENCHANTED BOY
THEY SAY HE WANDERED VERY FAR, VERY FAR
OVER LAND AND SEA
A LITTLE SHY AND SAD OF EYE
BUT VERY WISE WAS HE…
AND THEN ONE DAY
ONE MAGIC DAY HE PASSED MY WAY
AND WHILE WE SPOKE OF MANY THINGS
FOOLS AND KINGS
THIS HE SAID TO ME…
Lautrec is introspective by now, singing to
himself, about his own pain…
THE GREATEST THING YOU’LL EVER LEARN
IS JUST TO LOVE AND BE LOVED IN RETURN.
LAUTREC (CONT’D)
(urgently)
You’re right, Christian, I loved Satine from the moment I
laid eyes on her. But I never told her. Don’t make my
mistake. Go now. Fight for her.
LAUTREC
THE GREATEST THING
YOU’LL EVER LEARN
IS JUST TO LOVE
AND BE LOVED IN RETURN
CHRISTIAN
THE GREATEST THING
YOU’LL EVER LEARN
IS JUST TO LOVE
AND BE LOVED IN RETURN
CHRISTIAN
Thank you, my brave friend.
He hugs Lautrec and runs out.
A beat as Lautrec gazes off, thinking of
Satine, his muse, his impossible love.
And we go to…
2019-07-19 4PM 50.ACT ONE, SCENE 7: THE CLUB AND INSIDE THE ELEPHANT
Later that night.
IN THE CLUB:
The Club is empty but for Zidler and his
lover, PIERRE, a handsome chorus boy.
The Duke enters.
DUKE
You are certainly no liar, Harold Zidler. She’s something
quite rare.
ZIDLER
Well, your grace, I’m simply delighted you found your
rendezvous with Satine to be commensurate with your
expectations.
DUKE
Oh, far exceeded them.
ZIDLER
Then perhaps this might be an opportune moment to discuss
your financial investment in our little theatrical endeavor?
DUKE
Investment is it?
ZIDLER
We might begin to negotiate terms, yes?
DUKE
(to Pierre)
Leave us, boy.
ZIDLER
Go on, Pierre. Upstairs with you.
Pierre kisses Zidler and goes.
DUKE
Very well. Here are my terms: I’m not investing in your show,
I’m buying controlling interest in the club itself. I’ll
finance the new show, because it amuses me to do so. But make
no mistake. I’ll own everything and you’ll all work for me.
... How’s that for a negotiation?
Zidler stares at him, stunned.
Meanwhile, IN THE ELEPHANT:
Satine sits at her dressing table, deep in
thought.
2019-07-19 4PM 51.SATINE
I CAN SEE EV’RY PART
NOTHING HIDES IN THEIR HEART TO HURT ME
I DON’T NEED LOVE
Then she’s surprised when…
Christian enters from the balcony.
CHRISTIAN
Satine...
SATINE
What in God’s name are you doing here?!
CHRISTIAN
I know you care for me, Satine. I can see it in your eyes ...
And I know I’m not rich. But one day, I’ll be a successful
composer, I know it ... I’ll write every love song the world
has ever known. And all for you.
SATINE
And I wish I could sing them with you ... But I am who I am.
Please leave.
CHRISTIAN
Is it because of losing the club? Because of Zidler and the
others?
SATINE
They’re the only family I have.
CHRISTIAN
And they would want you to be happy. Do you think you’ll be
happy with the Duke?
She looks at him deeply, with emotion:
SATINE
Look at me, Christian. Really look at me … I can’t keep
singing and dancing forever. I can’t live forever on my charm
and my looks -- and my body. The Duke might just be my last
way out... Judge me for that if you will -- but you haven’t
lived my life.
CHRISTIAN
Then let me be your lover. Live your life, be with the Duke --
only let me love you.
SATINE
A hidden affair, is that what you want?
CHRISTIAN
I want every moment I can have with you – stolen or not.
2019-07-19 4PM 52.SATINE
I want that too but...
CHRISTIAN
Listen to your heart, Satine. Let me write a thousand love
songs for you. Let me sing about you through the ages...
SATINE
Christian, I can’t go back to the streets...
CHRISTIAN
Then come with me to the stars.
SATINE
(smiles)
You’re utterly hopeless.
CHRISTIAN
I am! But love is like oxygen to me, love is a manysplendored thing, love lifts us up where we belong…
SATINE
Don’t start again, please…
CHRISTIAN
(spoken)
All you need is love...
SATINE
You’re being ridiculous…
CHRISTIAN
(spoken)
All you need is love...
SATINE
I heard you the first time...
#10 “ELEPHANT LOVE MEDLEY”
CHRISTIAN
JUST ONE NIGHT
GIVE ME JUST ONE NIGHT
SATINE
THERE’S NO WAY
CAUSE YOU CAN’T PAY
CHRISTIAN
IN THE NAME OF LOVE
ONE NIGHT IN THE NAME OF LOVE
2019-07-19 4PM 53.SATINE
YOU CRAZY FOOL
I WON’T GIVE IN TO YOU
CHRISTIAN
IT’S SO EASY
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS FALL IN
LOVE
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS PLAY THE
GAME
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS
TAKE ON ME
TAKE ME ON
I LOVE YOU ALWAYS FOREVER
NEAR AND FAR CLOSER TOGETHER
EVERYWHERE I WILL BE WITH YOU
EVERYTHING I WILL DO FOR YOU
OPEN UP YOUR EYES,
THEN YOU’LL REALIZE
HERE I STAND WITH MY
EVERLASTING LOVE
NEED YOU BY MY SIDE,
GIRL YOU’LL BE MY BRIDE
YOU’LL NEVER BE DENIED
EVERLASTING LOVE
YOU’RE BREAKING MY HEART
SUPPOSE I NEVER EVER MET YOU
SUPPOSE WE NEVER FELL IN LOVE
SUPPOSE I KEPT ON SINGING LOVE
SONGS?
SATINE
LOVE HURTS
LOVE SCARS
NO, NO, NO IT AIN’T ME, BABE
NO, NO, NO, BECAUSE YOU’LL BE
GONE IN A DAY OR TWO
LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD
DON’T SPEAK I KNOW JUST WHAT
YOU’RE THINKING
SO PLEASE STOP EXPLAINING
DON’T TELL ME ‘CAUSE IT HURTS
WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO
GOT TO DO WITH IT?
WHAT’S LOVE BUT A SECONDHAND
EMOTION?
WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO
GOT TO DO WITH IT?
WHO NEEDS A HEART WHEN A HEART
CAN BE BROKEN?
WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT
WHO NEEDS A HEART
ALL OF THIS MUSIC BREAKS MY
HEART
2019-07-19 4PM 54.CHRISTIAN
YES IT BREAKS MY
HA-HA-HA-HA HA-HA-HA HA-HA-HEART
YES IT BREAKS MY
HA-HA-HA-HA HA-HA-HA HA-HA-HEART
BUT I CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE
WITH YOU
TAKE ME ON…
THEY WILL SEE US WAVING FROM
SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS
COME DOWN NOW, THEY’LL SAY
EVERYTHING LOOKS PERFECT FROM
FAR AWAY COME DOWN NOW
BUT WE’LL STAY…
BECAUSE
LOVE LIFTS US UP WHERE WE BELONG
WHERE THE EAGLES FLY ON A
MOUNTAIN HIGH
LOVE MAKES US ACT LIKE WE ARE
FOOLS
THROW OUR LIVES AWAY FOR ONE
HAPPY DAY
WE CAN BE HEROES, JUST FOR ONE
DAY…
SATINE
HA-HA-HA-HA HA-HA-HA HA-HA-HEART
YES IT BREAKS MY
HA-HA-HA-HA HA-HA-HA HA-HA-HEART
I’M ALL OUT OF FAITH
THIS IS HOW I FEEL
I’M COLD AND I AM SHAMED
LYING NAKED ON THE FLOOR…
ILLUSION NEVER CHANGED
INTO SOMETHING REAL
I’M WIDE AWAKE AND I CAN SEE
THE PERFECT SKY IS TORN
EVERYTHING LOOKS PERFECT FROM
FAR AWAY COME DOWN NOW
BUT WE’LL STAY
LOVE MAKES US ACT LIKE WE ARE
FOOLS
THROW OUR LIVES AWAY FOR ONE
HAPPY DAY
IN THE CLUB:
DUKE
So what’s it to be Harold? Right now.
CHRISTIAN
WE COULD BE LOVERS...
DUKE
Yes or no.
SATINE
WE CAN’T DO THAT...
ZIDLER
...Yes.
DUKE
But never forget, I own you now. And more to the point, I own
Satine.
2019-07-19 4PM 55.He starts to go.
CHRISTIAN
WE COULD BE LOVERS AND THAT’S A FACT.
The Duke stops, turns back.
DUKE
But if she should ever disappoint me, well, you’ll all be on
the streets like the whores you are.
He goes.
Zidler is chilled. What has he gotten himself
– all of them -- into?
Zidler exits and we return to the Elephant for
the remainder of the Act.
IN THE ELEPHANT:
SATINE
FOR NOTHING CAN KEEP US TOGETHER
CHRISTIAN
WE CAN STEAL TIME, JUST FOR ONE DAY
CHRISTIAN AND
SATINE
WE CAN BE HEROES FOREVER AND EVER
WE CAN BE LOVERS JUST FOR ONE DAY
WE CAN BE HEROES FOREVER AND EVER
WE CAN BE LOVERS JUST FOR ONE
CHRISTIAN
AND YOU CAN TELL EVERYBODY
THIS IS
YOUR SONG
IT MAY BE
QUITE SIMPLE
BUT NOW THAT
IT’S DONE
I HOPE YOU
DON’T MIND
I HOPE YOU
DON’T MIND
THAT I PUT
DOWN IN WORDS
SATINE ENSEMBLE
DAY
THIS IS
YOUR SONG
IT MAY BE
QUITE SIMPLE
BUT NOW THAT
IT’S DONE
I HOPE YOU OOO
DON’T MIND OOO OOO
I HOPE YOU OOO
DON’T MIND OOO OOO
THAT I PUT OOO OOO
DOWN IN WORDS AHH
2019-07-19 4PM 56.CHRISTIAN
WE CAN BE
HEROES
WE CAN BE
HEROES
WE CAN BE
HEROES
WHILE YOU’RE
IN THE WORLD
SATINE ENSEMBLE
HOW
WONDERFUL OOO
LIFE IS OOO
HOW
WONDERFUL OOO
LIFE IS OOO
HOW
WONDERFUL AHH
LIFE IS AHH
WHILE YOU’RE AHH
IN THE WORLD AHH
2019-07-19 4PM 56A.CHRISTIAN AND SATINE
I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU
AND I ... WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU
AND I WILL ALWAYS… LOVE YOU!
ENSEMBLE
AH OOO OOO OOO AH AH
OOO OOO OOO AH AH
AH AH
AH
Satine and Christian reach the crescendo of
their medley and magically dance through the
sky, the stars around them, all of Paris at
their feet.
At the end of the song, he bends her into a
deep romantic dip and they kiss.
END OF ACT ONE
2019-07-19 4PM 57.ACT TWO
ACT TWO, SCENE 1: THE CLUB
Christian is alone on stage:
CHRISTIAN
Think back ... Try to remember your first real love affair.
Remember what that was like? Everything from here on will
make more sense if you remember that madness ... So after
that first night, Satine and I would steal away whenever we
could, hiding our affair from the Duke. Somehow it was even
more romantic for being secret. Meanwhile we were rehearsing
our new show. Lautrec was furiously revising his script and
new songs were pouring out of me, all inspired by Satine ...
Two months had passed, and it turns out ours wasn’t the only
backstage romance...
He gestures to... Santiago.
Christian exits.
The company is arriving for rehearsal.
Santiago is the show-within-a-show’s
choreographer.
Nini enters. A bit of a stand-off between
them. They have an incendiary relationship.
He growls his way into:
#12 “BAD ROMANCE”
They share the song – combatants and lovers.
The duet expands as the Moulin Rouge Girls and
Company begin arriving for rehearsal,
chatting, putting on rehearsal clothes,
stretching, and gradually taking up the song.
The song evolves into a sensational dance
number as Santiago rehearses the Company.
SANTIAGO
OH-OH-OH OH-OH-OH-OH-OH-OH-OH!
OH OH-OH-OH-OH-OH-OH!
OH-OH-OH-OH OH OH OH-OH-OH-OH!
RAH RAH AH-AH-AH!
RO MAH RO-MAH-MAH
GAGA OH-LA-LA!
WANT YOUR BAD ROMANCE
RAH RAH AH-AH-AH!
RO MAH RO-MAH-MAH
GAGA OOH-LA-LA!
2019-07-19 4PM 58.WANT YOUR BAD ROMANCE
I WANT YOUR UGLY
I WANT YOUR DISEASE
I WANT YOUR EVERYTHING
AS LONG AS IT'S FREE
I WANT YOUR LOVE
LOVE-LOVE-LOVE
I WANT YOUR LOVE
LOVE-LOVE-LOVE
I WANT YOUR DRAMA
THE TOUCH OF YOUR HAND
I WANT YOUR LEATHER STUDDED KISS IN THE
SAND
QUIERO TU AMOR
OH AMOR-MOR-MOR, MALDITO AMOR
OH LOVE-LOVE-LOVE
NINI
YOU KNOW THAT I WANT YOU
AND YOU KNOW THAT I NEED YOU
I WANT IT BAD
YOUR BAD ROMANCE
SANTIAGO
OH OH OH OH
SANTIAGO AND
NINI
I WANT YOUR LOVIN’ AND
I WANT YOUR REVENGE
YOU AND ME COULD WRITE A BAD ROMANCE
OH-OH-OH-OH
I WANT YOUR LOVE AND
ALL YOUR LOVER’S REVENGE
YOU AND ME COULD WRITE A BAD ROMANCE
OH-OH-OH-OH
OH-OH-OH-OH-OH! OH-OH-OH!
CAUGHT IN A BAD ROMANCE
COMPANY
OH-OH-OH-OH
OOH! OH-OH-OH-OOH-OH-OH-OH!
CAUGHT IN A BAD ROMANCE…
Santiago rehearses the Company:
SANTIAGO
5! 6! 7! 8!
2019-07-19 4PM 59.COMPANY
RAH RAH AH-AH-AH!
RO MAH RO-MAH-MAH
GAGA OOH-LA-LA!
WANT YOUR BAD ROMANCE.
COMPANY
RAH RAH AH-AH-AH!
RO MAH RO-MAH-MAH
GAGA OOH-LA-LA!
WANT YOUR BAD ROMANCE!
SANTIAGO
AH
AH
COMPANY
RAH RAH AH-AH-AH!
GAGA OOH-LA-LA!
RAH RAH AH-AH-AH!
GAGA OOH-LA-LA!
WANT YOUR BAD ROMANCE!
SANTIAGO
(ad libs)
Conmigo
Uno y dos
Ojos conmigo
Uno y dos
Y otra vez
Uno, dos
Y Cinco.
Muy bien.
The MUSIC continues as the other Bad Romances
gradually enter…
Satine on the arm of the Duke, talking with
Zidler.
Christian and Lautrec stride on, flipping
through new sheet music.
Christian circulates, handing out the new
sheet music as Zidler speaks with the Duke...
This gives Christian the chance to talk to
Satine privately in a secluded spot. He’s
happily eager, a young man in love:
CHRISTIAN
Can you come over tonight?!
SATINE
I don’t know. I think he has plans for us.
CHRISTIAN
Please, come if you can! I’m dying without you!
SATINE
(smiles)
You’re hardly dying, Christian.
2019-07-19 4PM 60.CHRISTIAN
You look so beautiful today. You know what? I’m going to kiss
you right now!
They kiss.
SATINE
(laughs)
Behave yourself!
She sweeps back to the Duke as the dance
rehearsal continues:
SANTIAGO
Everyone! With me from the second group con sentimiento. Uno,
dos, tres, quatro!
COMPANY
I WANT YOUR HORROR
I WANT YOUR DESIGN
'CAUSE YOU'RE A CRIMINAL
AS LONG AS YOU’RE MINE
I WANT YOUR LOVE
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
I WANT YOUR LOVE
SANTIAGO
(ad libs)
Muy Bien!
Santiago claps
WOMEN
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
I WANT YOUR LOVE
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
I WANT YOUR LOVE
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
MEN
TAINTED LOVE
WOAH OH OH
TAINTED LOVE
WOAH OH OH
SANTIAGO
Vamos muchachos!
COMPANY
YEAH
YEAH
YEAH
COMPANY
TOO HIGH CAN’T COME DOWN
LOSIN’ MY HEAD SPINNIN’ ROUND AND ROUND
DO YOU FEEL ME NOW?
WITH THE TASTE OF YOUR LIPS I’M ON A RIDE
2019-07-19 4PM 61.HALF THE COMPANY
YOU’RE TOXIC I’M SLIPPIN’ UNDER
I’M ADDICTED TO YOU DON’T YOU
KNOW THAT YOU’RE TOXIC
HALF THE COMPANY
WITH THE TASTE OF A POISON
PARADISE
I’M ADDICTED TO YOU DON’T YOU
KNOW THAT YOU’RE TOXIC
COMPANY
SOME OF THEM WANT TO USE YOU
SOME OF THEM WANT TO BE USED BY YOU
SOME OF THEM WANT TO ABUSE YOU
SOME OF THEM WANT TO BE ABUSED
COMPANY
I WANT YOUR LOVIN’ AND
I WANT YOUR REVENGE
YOU AND ME COULD WRITE A BAD
ROMANCE
I WANT YOUR LOVE AND
ALL YOUR LOVERS REVENGE
YOU AND ME COULD WRITE A BAD
ROMANCE…
SANTIAGO, BABY DOLL, JOE
I WANT YOUR LOVE
AND I WANT YOUR REVENGE
I WANT YOUR LOVE
I DON’T WANT TO BE FRIENDS
JE VEUX TON AMOUR
ET JE VEUX TA REVANCHE
JE VEUX TON AMOUR
WANT YOUR BAD ROMANCE
COMPANY
OH-OH-OH-OH
OOH! OH-OH-OH-OOH-OH-OH-OH!
CAUGHT IN A BAD ROMANCE
OH-OH-OH-OH
OOH! OH-OH-OH-OOH-OH-OH-OH!
CAUGHT IN A BAD ROSANTIAGO, BABY DOLL, JOE
CAUGHT IN A BAD ROMANCE
COMPANY
RAH RAH AH-AH-AH!
RO MAH RO-MAH-MAH
GAGA OOH-LA-LA!
WANT YOUR BAD ROMANCE.
RAH RAH AH-AH-AH!
RO MAH RO-MAH-MAH
GAGA OOH-LA-LA!
WANT YOUR BAD ROMANCE!
The song and dance end dramatically!
They all freeze, sweating, panting.
Looking to Lautrec, their director, waiting
for his verdict on the sensational new dance
number.
2019-07-19 4PM 62.LAUTREC
I have a few notes …
(the company deflates, he
continues to Christian)
… And I want to talk about some of the lyrics. “Gaga ooh-lala” for example. We might re-examine that, eh? ... Now, I’d
like to move on to the gun scene. Harold and Satine, if you
please.
Satine and Zidler move to the “stage” area.
She is playing the hard-bitten
Whore/Chanteuse. He is playing her patron, a
rich and dangerous Gangster.
ZIDLER
(much prefers “after” his
entrance)
Do you want me to say the line ON my entrance? Or slightly
AFTER my entrance?
LAUTREC
What have we been doing for the past two months, Harold?
ZIDLER
On.
LAUTREC
Then let’s stick to that.
Gestures to the stage area.
LAUTREC (CONT’D)
If you please.
Zidler “enters” dramatically. Satine plays
the scene straight, no histrionics.
ZIDLER
“You turn from me as if you loathe me!”
SATINE
“I turn from myself. From my own shame.”
ZIDLER
“I own your shame – along with every other part of you. You
are my possession, Marie, bought and paid for. You will obey
me -- or your pretty face will taste my razor!” …
(breaks character)
… I say, will I have a prop razor here?
LAUTREC
Yes, yes, yes, keep going!
2019-07-19 4PM 63.ZIDLER
“Or your pretty face will taste … MY RAZOR!” …
(breaks character)
… You know, I don’t really FEEL it without the prop.
2019-07-19 4PM 63A.LAUTREC
Keep going!
ZIDLER
“Prepare your bed for me, Marie. I shall return … forthwith!”
He weakly brandishes his nonexistent razor and
“exits” dramatically.
Satine stands alone.
Christian goes to the stage. He’s playing an
ardent young sailor. He plays it well and with
truth.
CHRISTIAN
“Marie...”
SATINE
“Francois. You mustn’t be here. Henri just left. If he sees
you it’ll go badly for us both. You know what a monster he
is.”
CHRISTIAN
“I’ve been walking the streets, going mad with every step.
All I can see is you – and him. In his arms, in his bed. My
heart can’t take it….”
SATINE
“I don’t love you, Francois.”
CHRISTIAN
“Lie to yourself, but not to me.”
SATINE
“The truth then. I have made my choice. Let me be damned for
it.”
Christian pulls a prop revolver. Points it at
her heart.
CHRISTIAN
“Let us both be damned and go to hell together.”
SATINE
“Then do it and let me die for love.”
A dramatic beat.
ZIDLER
Well, you see, he gets a prop!
LAUTREC
Oh for God sake!
2019-07-19 4PM 64.DUKE
You know, I wonder… Ought Satine to have another costume?
LAUTREC
Excuse me?
DUKE
Well, I mean, she seems to wear the same dingy black dress
for the whole show.
LAUTREC
Satine is playing a dying whore who has to sell her body to a
villainous gangster in order to survive -- what would you
have her wear? A raspberry beret?!
Lautrec and the Company laugh. But the Duke
isn’t deterred:
DUKE
It wouldn’t hurt to have a little sparkle. The whole show’s a
bit depressing, don’t you think?
LAUTREC
It’s tragedy, of course it’s depressing.
DUKE
I like the dancing. We should have more of that.
ZIDLER
(trying to defuse)
If I may…
DUKE
Yes, the dancing’s very jolly. Better than all this talk.
LAUTREC
“ALL THIS TALK”?!
DUKE
Maybe another big dance number with lots of jumping and
kicking.
LAUTREC
Sir, I am trying – we are trying – to create something with
the appearance of life. Let us show the mirror to Paris, so
that it may see itself. We’re not just putting on a show.
We’re creating a revolution.
SANTIAGO
¡Viva la revolución!
LAUTREC
Is this not a worthy goal, Monsieur Le Duke?
DUKE
(icily)
My correct title, little man, is “Your Grace.”
A tense pause.
2019-07-19 4PM 65.The diminutive Lautrec walks … slowly,
magnificently … to the imposing Duke.
Looks up at him.
LAUTREC
We live in a Republic, sir. We are equals under the law and
under God. I bow before no man’s title. You, sir, should bow
before mine: I am an artist. You should quake at that.
A tense beat.
The Duke smiles indulgently.
DUKE
Nonetheless ... I think another costume for Satine.
The Duke kisses Satine’s hand and holds her
possessively.
DUKE (CONT’D)
My little girl likes to sparkle, doesn’t she? All my things
sparkle.
That does it! Christian can’t stand it--
Seething, he quickly leaves the stage--
Satine, concerned, instinctively makes a move
to follow him--
Stops herself abruptly.
Of course the Duke has noticed.
ZIDLER
(brightly)
I think we might call it a day!
The rehearsal breaks up.
LAUTREC
Zidler! A word!
He strides off in fury.
Santiago goes to Nini, a lightning fast
exchange:
SANTIAGO
Come out for coffee?
2019-07-19 4PM 66.NINI
You pay?
SANTIAGO
Always.
NINI
Wait for me outside.
SANTIAGO
I love you.
NINI
Who doesn’t, pig?
They kiss passionately. Then he exits as she
packs up her things. She is unobtrusively
waiting to talk to Satine.
DUKE
(to Satine)
I need to speak to Harold, my darling. I’ll be back in a
moment.
The Duke and Zidler go.
By now everyone has left aside from Satine and
Nini.
NINI
You need to be careful.
SATINE
What?
NINI
He’s not an idiot. Be careful.
SATINE
I can handle my affairs.
NINI
He’s dangerous, Satine.
This stops Satine. She looks at Nini.
NINI (CONT’D)
I knew a girl who once caught his eye. She was a beautiful
model for the artists. But she betrayed him. The man was
found floating in the Seine with his throat slit. And the
woman? One night someone threw a vial of acid in her face. So
she’s not beautiful anymore, and the artists don’t paint her
... That’s the man you’re toying with.
2019-07-19 4PM 67.SATINE
Why are you telling me this?
NINI
I would do anything to be the headliner here. I’ve been
jealous of you from the day we met ... But we’re sisters.
SATINE
Thank you, Nini ... God, it’s all so much. And I haven’t been
feeling well--
She coughs, can't get her breath.
Nini is concerned.
NINI
You should see a doctor... We need our star at her best.
Satine smiles.
NINI (CONT’D)
Take care of yourself. You have a hard road ahead I think.
Nini goes.
Satine stands alone, deep in thought.
As music takes us to…
2019-07-19 4PM 68.ACT TWO, SCENE 2: LAUTREC’S GARRET
Lautrec’s Montmartre garret is a cramped chaos
of skylights and windows and gables and
dormers and strange angles; hanging laundry,
empty bottles, full ashtrays, canvases and
painting supplies.
The flat seems to be at the very top of the
building, at the very top of Montmartre.
Satine slips into the darkened flat.
SATINE
(whispers)
Christian…? Christian…?
A voice from behind a canvas:
LAUTREC
I knew you would come tonight.
He looks out from behind his canvas. He has
been working.
SATINE
I need to see him.
LAUTREC
Stop it. You have no intention of leaving the Duke, so you’re
being nothing but selfish and cruel. Leave us in peace.
She’s hurt.
SATINE
You think so little of me?
He goes to her, gentle:
LAUTREC
I know you as well as I know myself. We’re the same, you see.
But he’s not like us. He still has a chance in this life. Let
him go and be happy.
SATINE
And you and me, old friend?
LAUTREC
Tragedians.
She looks at him. Knows it’s true.
SATINE
My dear Toulouse.
2019-07-19 4PM 69.She gently kisses him and then turns to go.
But…
Christian enters from his bedroom, where he
has been working late. He has music
composition paper.
CHRISTIAN
Toulouse, I wrote the new verse for the... Satine.
She goes to him as Lautrec exits, giving them
their privacy.
SATINE
Christian, listen to me, please. We have to be more careful
at rehearsal. I mean it, he’s dangerous.
CHRISTIAN
But, god, the way he treats you! Like a possession. As if you
were one of his horses.
SATINE
Yes. But like it or not, Christian, the club needs him. And I
need him. You must accept all this for what it is.
CHRISTIAN
I do. I really do.
She looks at him sadly.
SATINE
I wish I believed you.
CHRISTIAN
Why don’t you?
SATINE
Because you still believe in happy endings. I know better.
CHRISTIAN
But why else suffer through this life? If not for love.
SATINE
If not for love…
CHRISTIAN
Just for a moment. Believe in happy endings. You and me,
somewhere quiet...
SATINE
Somewhere safe...
2019-07-19 4PM 70.CHRISTIAN
Uncle Toulouse coming over to play with the kids ... This is
what I’m going to do. I'm going to add a new song to the
show. A special song, just for us. And whenever one of us
sings it, we’ll know it’s meant only for the other…
SATINE
Yes...
CHRISTIAN
Our song...
SATINE
Our vow to each other...
CHRISTIAN
Our happy ending.
Then he sings …
#13 “COME WHAT MAY”
CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)
NEVER KNEW I COULD FEEL LIKE THIS
LIKE I’VE NEVER SEEN THE SKY BEFORE
I WANT TO VANISH INSIDE YOUR KISS
EVERY DAY I LOVE YOU MORE AND MORE
LISTEN TO MY HEART, CAN YOU HEAR IT SING?
TELLING ME TO GIVE YOU EVERYTHING
SEASONS MAY CHANGE, WINTER TO SPRING
BUT I LOVE YOU UNTIL THE END OF TIME
COME WHAT MAY
COME WHAT MAY
I WILL LOVE YOU UNTIL MY DYING DAY.
She joins him and the song becomes a ravishing
duet and soars triumphantly.
SATINE
SUDDENLY THE WORLD SEEMS SUCH A PERFECT PLACE
SUDDENLY IT MOVES WITH SUCH A PERFECT GRACE
CHRISTIAN
SUDDENLY MY LIFE DOESN'T SEEM SUCH A WASTE
CHRISTIAN AND
SATINE
IT ALL REVOLVES AROUND YOU
AND THERE'S NO MOUNTAIN TOO HIGH
NO RIVER TOO WIDE
SING OUT THIS SONG AND I'LL BE THERE BY YOUR SIDE
2019-07-19 4PM 71.CHRISTIAN AND
SATINE (CONT’D)
STORM CLOUDS MAY GATHER
AND STARS MAY COLLIDE
CHRISTIAN
BUT I LOVE YOU
UNTIL THE
END OF
TIME
SATINE
I LOVE YOU
UNTIL THE END OF
TIME
CHRISTIAN AND
SATINE
COME WHAT MAY, COME WHAT MAY
I WILL LOVE YOU
CHRISTIAN
COME WHAT MAY
COME WHAT MAY
COME WHAT MAY
SATINE
SUDDENLY THE WORLD SEEMS SUCH A
PERFECT PLACE
COME WHAT MAY
COME WHAT MAY
COME WHAT MAY
They embrace.
And then we see Lautrec, on the roof of the garret.
He sings a quiet echo of the song.
LAUTREC
I WILL LOVE YOU, UNTIL MY DYING DAY…
And music takes us to…
2019-07-19 4PM 72.ACT TWO, SCENE 3: THE BOULEVARD AND DRESS SHOP
Paris. In style.
The other Paris. The rich Paris.
A wide, sunny avenue. BOULEVARDIERS and their
exquisitely-dressed LADIES promenade. Parasols
and high hats ... A lovely choreographic
moment of wealth and ease. Bows and curtseys
are exchanged with languid, formal grace.
The Duke, gorgeously dressed as well, waits.
He’s part of the choreographic promenade,
comfortable with all the rituals.
SOME BOULEVARDIERS
AIN'T NOBODY DOPE AS ME,
I'M DRESSED SO FRESH, SO CLEAN
I LOVE WHEN YOU STARE AT ME,
I'M DRESSED SO FRESH, SO CLEAN
POURQUOI J’VIS COMME ÇA
OUI, MUST BE THE MONEY!
SOME BOULEVARDIERS
AIN'T NOBODY DOPE AS ME,
I'M DRESSED SO FRESH, SO
SO FRESH AND SO CLEAN, CLEAN
I LOVE WHEN YOU STARE AT ME,
I'M DRESSED SO FRESH, SO
SO FRESH AND SO CLEAN, CLEAN
POURQUOI J’VIS COMME ÇA
OUI, MUST BE THE MONEY!
Satine enters. She’s nicely dressed, but not
with the savagely constricting style of the
rich women around her.
SATINE
I’m sorry I’m late.
DUKE
(lightly)
We’ll have to pop by Cartier’s shop and get you a watch ...
(he offers his arm)
... Shall we?
They stroll. She is preoccupied, thinking
about Christian. He sees she’s distracted.
DUKE (CONT’D)
Where are you, Satine?
SATINE
I’m sorry. I was thinking about the show.
DUKE
These days you always seem halfway somewhere else ... It’s
like I can have every part of you except what I really want…
SATINE
Which is?
2019-07-19 4PM 73.DUKE
Your heart.
They stop.
SATINE
… I give you what I can, Andre.
DUKE
Then let me earn it all ...
(he points)
… Do you see that chateau? The yellow sandstone with the
pillars? … It’s yours.
She stares at him.
DUKE (CONT’D)
You can take possession in a month. You’ll have a maid and
servants, and your own carriage. … I want you to live as
befits a lady at my side.
Satine is surprised ... Her emotions are
strong and complicated: this is exactly what
she dreamed about. And yet…
DUKE (CONT’D)
It’ll be a new life for you. And all I ask is the occasional
pleasure of your company … And your heart…
He sings:
#14 “ONLY GIRL”
DUKE (CONT’D)
I WANT YOU TO LOVE ME,
LIKE I'M A HOT RIDE
KEEP THINKIN' OF ME
DOIN' WHAT YOU LIKE
SO GIRL FORGET ABOUT THE WORLD
'CAUSE IT'S GON' BE ME AND YOU TONIGHT
I WANNA MAKE YOU BEG FOR IT,
THEN IMMA MAKE YOU SWALLOW YOUR PRIDE OH
I WANT TO MAKE YOU FEEL
LIKE YOU’RE THE ONLY GIRL IN THE WORLD
LIKE I'M THE ONLY ONE THAT YOU'LL EVER LOVE
LIKE I'M THE ONLY ONE WHO KNOWS YOUR HEART
ONLY GIRL IN THE WORLD
LIKE I'M THE ONLY ONE THAT'S IN COMMAND
'CAUSE YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE WHO UNDERSTANDS
HOW TO MAKE ME FEEL LIKE A MAN. OH
They continue strolling.
2019-07-19 4PM 74.DUKE (CONT’D)
Of course you’ll have to give up performing.
SATINE
What?
DUKE
Well, it’s unseemly for my mistress to be seen displaying
herself in public. Naturally you can open the new show, but
then Zidler can find some child to replace you.
The threat sinks in.
DUKE (CONT’D)
You’ll have to leave all that behind. And those tawdry people
of course. Doesn’t go in society, all that.
SATINE
And do I? Go in society.
He looks Satine up and down, thinking.
DUKE
You make a point. Do you trust me?
SATINE
Yes...
DUKE
Then come with me. It’s time, my dear, to dress the part.
The Duke sweeps Satine into a luxurious
Parisian dress shop...
A team of male COUTURIERS swirl around Satine.
Stripping her. Measuring her. Poking and
prodding her. Judging her.
They gradually dress her in a new outfit:
constricting corset, high neck, tight sleeves,
and long gloves. She can barely move.
A touch of Hitchcock’s VERTIGO as Satine is
transformed into the Duke’s vision of a proper
Victorian lady.
DUKE
LET ME MAKE YOU RISE
TAKE YOU FOR A RIDE
DUKE AND SOME MEN
LET ME MAKE YOU RISE
TAKE YOU FOR A RIDE
LET ME MAKE YOU
SOME MEN
ONLY GIRL IN THE WORLD
ONLY GIRL IN THE WORLD
2019-07-19 4PM 75.DUKE AND
COUTURIERS
I WANT TO MAKE YOU FEEL
LIKE YOU’RE THE ONLY GIRL IN THE WORLD
LIKE I'M THE ONLY ONE THAT YOU'LL EVER LOVE
LIKE I'M THE ONLY ONE WHO KNOWS YOUR HEART
ONLY GIRL IN THE WORLD
LIKE I’M THE ONLY ONE THAT’S IN COMMAND
‘CAUSE YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE WHO UNDERSTANDS
HOW TO MAKE ME FEEL LIKE A MAN, OHHH
There’s something cruel about all of this.
This terrible pack of men is depersonalizing
Satine. Making her into something she is not.
And Satine is allowing them to do it.
She is aware of the moral compromise, of the
freedom and spirit she is giving up to be with
the Duke.
She ironically and sadly reprises a song from
earlier, but with a darker meaning now, as the
Duke and the Couturiers continue ONLY GIRL and
MATERIAL GIRL.
SATINE
A KISS ON THE HAND MAY BE
QUITE CONTINENTAL…
A KISS MAY BE GRAND BUT IT
WON’T PAY THE RENTAL…
THERE MAY COME A TIME WHEN
THEY’RE
NO LONGER CALLING…
AND SO I MUST CLIMB JUST TO
KEEP ME FROM FALLING.
ALL
MATERIAL GIRL…
MATERIAL WORLD…
MATERIAL GIRL…
Finally Satine’s transformation is complete.
She is trussed up like a typical Victorian
lady.
The Duke is delighted.
COMPANY
ONLY GIRL IN THE WORLD
ONLY GIRL IN THE WORLD!
The music continues as the Duke takes her arm
and leads her directly to…
2019-07-19 4PM 76.ACT TWO, SCENE 4: THE CLUB
The Duke and Satine sweep into rehearsal.
Everyone immediately reacts to Satine’s new look.
Christian most immediately, and badly:
CHRISTIAN
(snaps)
What on earth are you wearing?!
LAUTREC
Now that the Lord and Lady of the Manor have deigned to honor
us with their presence – let’s rehearse. Satine, we’re at the
top of the gun scene.
Baby Doll helps Satine rid herself of some of
her constricting new clothes/accessories:
BABY DOLL
(to Satine, in awe)
You’re killing me, queen. You look ravishing…
SATINE
Corset hurts like hell, I’m all tied down.
BABY DOLL
Tell me about it.
Satine takes her place “on stage.” Zidler and
Christian both wear versions of their final
“show-within-a-show” costumes (Gangster and
Matelot.) Everything we see is further along,
closer to opening.
Zidler “enters.”
ZIDLER
“You turn from me as if you loathe me!”
SATINE
“I turn from myself. From my own shame.”
DUKE
That’s a bit thick.
LAUTREC
What?
DUKE
That line. A bit over-the-top, don’t you think?
2019-07-19 4PM 77.LAUTREC
I do not! Keep going.
ZIDLER
“I own your shame – along with every other part of you. You
are my possession, Marie, bought and paid for.”
DUKE
That line’s a bit much too.
ZIDLER
“You will obey me -- or your pretty face will taste... my
razor!”
He brandishes his new prop razor with a great
flourish. Very pleased with himself.
ZIDLER (CONT’D)
“Prepare your bed for me, Marie. I shall return … forthwith!”
... Razor!
He exits dramatically, razor high. Christian
enters the scene:
CHRISTIAN
“Marie...”
SATINE
“Francois. You mustn’t be here. Henri just left. If he sees
you it’ll go badly for us both. You know what a monster he
is.”
DUKE
I don’t know, Lautrec, is Henri really such a monster? He
just wants to better her condition, doesn’t he?
CHRISTIAN
(aside)
You look ridiculous.
SATINE
(aside)
Don’t.
LAUTREC
He wants to own her like chattel -- that makes him a monster.
ZIDLER
(peacekeeping)
I think what he means, your grace, is—
LAUTREC
(snaps)
I can say what I mean!
2019-07-19 4PM 78.CHRISTIAN
(snaps, aside)
How can you let him do this to you?
SATINE
(snaps, aside)
What? Make me happy?!
DUKE
(icy)
I understand Monsieur Lautrec perfectly. I hope he
understands me, and my position in this show, equally well.
LAUTREC
(angry)
Believe me I do. Go on, Christian.
CHRISTIAN
“I’ve been walking the streets, going mad with every step.
All I can see is you – and him. In his arms, in his bed –
(he starts improvising angrily)
-- Wearing his ridiculous clothes, dressed up like his
goddamn pet…!”
LAUTREC
(angry)
Stick to the script!
CHRISTIAN
(totally improvising now,
angry)
“Every beautiful thing in you compromised by his lust and
money!”
DUKE
Hold on, what was that…?
LAUTREC
No improvising!
CHRISTIAN
“My heart can’t take it.”
SATINE
“Stay out of it!”
LAUTREC
NO IMPROVISING!
Christian and Satine are both emotional and
angry now.
SATINE
“I don’t love you, Francois.”
2019-07-19 4PM 79.CHRISTIAN
“Lie to yourself, but not to me.”
SATINE
“I have made my choice. Let me be damned for it.”
Christian pulls a prop revolver. Points it at
her heart.
CHRISTIAN
“Let us both be damned and go to hell together.”
SATINE
“Then do it and let me die for love.”
DUKE
That’s preposterous. She wants to die for love?
LAUTREC
Yes!
CHRISTIAN
(aside)
We need to talk.
SATINE
(still angry, aside)
Leave it, Christian!
DUKE
But that’s so melodramatic.
LAUTREC
Melodramatic?!
DUKE
Well I mean after the sailor has satisfied his lust he’ll
just leave her with nothing. If she were smart she would
choose the gangster.
LAUTREC
But then our ending would betray the Bohemian ideals of
truth, beauty, freedom, and--
DUKE
No one cares about your ridiculous dogma! Why shouldn’t she
choose the gangster?!
CHRISTIAN
BECAUSE SHE DOESN’T LOVE YOU!
A breathtaking beat. Gasps.
2019-07-19 4PM 80.CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)
Him. Him. She doesn’t love him.
DUKE
(evenly)
I think it’s a bit more complicated than that, lad ... And
all of you had best begin to recognize my position with this
show. As the aristocrat who’s paying for your proletariat
extravaganza -- an irony I hope you appreciate by the way --
I think some changes are in order. Never forget, I own your
little show --
(pointing to Satine)
-- and I own her -- and every one of you!
LAUTREC
No one owns me!
ZIDLER
Gentlemen, please...
DUKE
Zidler! Tell him the facts of life! And I need to reconsider
my financial involvement in this show!
He storms off.
LAUTREC
I CAN’T WORK UNDER THESE CONDITIONS!
He storms off in the opposite direction.
NINI
Go with him, Santiago!
SANTIAGO
(following Lautrec off)
Toulouse, wait! This is madness!
The rest of the company gradually exits as
well, as Christian goes to Satine:
CHRISTIAN
Satine, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to--
SATINE
(spins on him, furious)
Just stop it! You’ve ruined everything!
Christian is stunned -- and angry. He exits.
Satine, Zidler, Nini, Arabia, Baby Doll and La
Chocolat remain in a sort of stupefied daze.
2019-07-19 4PM 81.ZIDLER
I couldn’t be completely sure of course, but since the days
of the great Thespis himself … this might be the worst
rehearsal in theatrical history.
ARABIA
God, what now…?
LA CHOCOLAT
The show’s finished.
ZIDLER
Not at all.
NINI
Harold, face reality for once in your life.
LA CHOCOLAT
Not just the show, the club’s finished. If the Duke pulls
out...
ZIDLER
Satine won’t let that happen ... (to Satine) ... Do whatever
you have to -- but get him back on board! And from now on,
stay away from Christian.
SATINE
I can’t do that, I love him.
ZIDLER
We’re creatures of the underworld, Satine. We can’t afford to
love.
NINI
Leave her alone.
ZIDLER
(continuing to Satine)
Look around. All of this. Everyone in the club, all your
friends. If you can’t get the Duke back all this goes away.
So put on your best dress -- find him -- and give the
performance of your life!
NINI
For God sake, Harold, don’t ask her to--!
Suddenly--
Satine is wracked with coughs. Terrible and
violent. She covers her mouth with her
handkerchief. And when the coughing stops she
pulls her handkerchief from her lips. It is
covered in blood.
2019-07-19 4PM 82.They all see it.
SATINE
You all know I haven’t been well. Can’t seem to get my breath
and ... I went to the doctor.
ZIDLER
...Consumption.
SATINE
Yes.
This is shocking -- and heartbreaking -- for
them. They all know exactly what a diagnosis
of consumption means.
ZIDLER (CONT’D)
...How... how long?
SATINE
Weeks... or days.
ZIDLER
You need to be in hospital.
SATINE
No, listen to me. You mustn’t feel sorry for me. I don’t need
your sympathy, I need your strength. Help me through. Hold me
up if you have to ... But we will be together on that stage,
one more time. That’s what I need from you.
The emotion has drained Satine. She is weaker.
SATINE (CONT’D)
Now I’ll get myself ready to see the Duke ... (to Nini) ... I
could use a friend.
Nini goes to her.
2019-07-19 4PM 83.NINI
Harold’s right. You should be in hospital.
SATINE
Not until we’ve opened the show. The world needs to hear
Christian’s music.
ZIDLER
And it shall. We’ll find the rest of the company and rally
the troops ... And leave Christian to me, I know what to
do...
They exit as the garret appears and we go
to...
2019-07-19 4PM 84.ACT TWO, SCENE 5 -- THE GARRET
The Company has gathered for a drink at
Lautrec’s garret. They are spread all over the
place, anxious about the disastrous rehearsal
and the fate of the show.
Christian is especially distraught, with
Lautrec and Santiago.
CHRISTIAN
I can’t stand it another minute! The way he treats her -- and
she lets him!
LAUTREC
Satine made her choice! You’ve got to accept that. If not for
yourself then for her.
CHRISTIAN
But she doesn’t love him -- doesn’t that matter at all?!
SANTIAGO
Don’t put her through this anymore -- let her go!
Suddenly, Zidler, La Chocolat, Arabia and Baby
Doll burst in, with many bottles of champagne.
ZIDLER
Darlings! We’ve brought gallons of the worst champagne we
could find!
They are warmly cheered and greeted by the
Company. The Girls hand around champagne,
lightening the mood.
Zidler goes to Christian, Lautrec and
Santiago and they talk privately:
ZIDLER (CONT’D)
No long faces, gentlemen. Tonight we drink, tomorrow we work.
LAUTREC
On what? We have no show.
ZIDLER
When you’ve been in this business as long as I have you learn
that the show always, always, always goes on. Almost always.
CHRISTIAN
I can’t think about the show. I can’t think about anything
but Satine! I close my eyes at night and I see her. I wake up
and she’s still there. It’s like she’s haunting me - across
the room, in my mind, all the time.
2019-07-19 4PM 85.ZIDLER
The best thing you can do for Satine is to leave her alone.
CHRISTIAN
You don’t think I’ve tried?!
Christian stalks away.
Zidler considers him, an idea forming, a look
to Lautrec and Santiago, they quickly catch
on...
ZIDLER
You want to know how you can forget Satine? ... You must burn
her out of your system. You must blind yourself to her. And
we have something that can help, if you’re willing to risk
it.
CHRISTIAN
Anything.
Then Santiago produces, like a sacred relic
glowing with light…
A bottle of deep green liquid.
Absinthe.
As the music to CHANDELIER begins…
ZIDLER
Have you known the dreadful power of absinthe?
2019-07-19 4PM 86.CHRISTIAN
No. I’ve never tried it. But I’ve heard…
SANTIAGO
It is the Green Fairy.
LAUTREC
The Green Fairy who bedevils even as she bewitches.
ZIDLER
It makes every man a visionary…
LAUTREC
A poet...
SANTIAGO
A demon.
Zidler pours a series of shots of the lethally
narcotic drink.
A beat as they settle. The mood is serious,
even ominous.
They are ready to drink.
ZIDLER
So drink. And rage. And forget…
Zidler begins to sing:
#15 “CHANDELIER”
ZIDLER (CONT’D)
(to Christian)
PARTY GIRLS, THEY DON'T GET HURT
CAN'T FEEL ANYTHING, WHEN WILL YOU LEARN
YOU MUST PUSH IT DOWN, YOU MUST PUSH IT DOWN
(to Lautrec)
I’M THE ONE FOR A “GOOD TIME CALL"
PHONE'S BLOWIN' UP, RINGIN' YOUR DOORBELL
FEEL THE LOVE, FEEL THE LOVE
The Girls begin to hand out drinks to their
comrades-in-arms, the Bohemians
2019-07-19 4PM 87.LAUTREC, SANTIAGO, ZIDLER
1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 DRINK!
LAUTREC, SANTIAGO, ZIDLER,
THE GIRLS
1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 DRINK!
1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 DRINK!
THROW 'EM BACK, TILL I LOSE COUNT
When they get to “1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 drink” –
they do.
The drink knocks Christian sideways. BAM!
ZIDLER
I'M GONNA SWING FROM THE CHANDELIER,
FROM THE CHANDELIER
I'M GONNA LIVE LIKE TOMORROW DOESN'T EXIST
LIKE IT DOESN'T EXIST
ZIDLER, BABY DOLL
I'M GONNA FLY LIKE A BIRD THROUGH THE NIGHT
ZIDLER, BABY DOLL, ARABIA
FEEL MY TEARS AS THEY DRY
ZIDLER,
THE GIRLS
I'M GONNA SWING FROM THE CHANDELIER,
FROM THE CHANDELIER
CHRISTIAN
BUT I’M HOLDING ON FOR DEAR LIFE
WON’T LOOK DOWN, WON’T OPEN MY EYES
ZIDLER
(to the Girls)
KEEP HIS GLASS FULL UNTIL MORNING LIGHT
‘CAUSE WE’RE JUST HOLDING ON FOR TONIGHT
CHRISTIAN, LAUTREC, AND SANTIAGO
HELP ME I’M HOLDING
ON FOR DEAR LIFE
WON’T LOOK DOWN,
WON’T OPEN MY EYES
KEEP MY GLASS FULL
UNTIL MORNING LIGHT
‘CAUSE I’M JUST HOLDING
ON FOR TONIGHT
ON FOR TONIGHT
ZIDLER, THE GIRLS
I’M
GONNA SWING
FROM THE CHANDELIER
FROM THE CHANDELIER
2019-07-19 4PM 88.ALL
ON FOR TONIGHT
ON ON FOR TONIGHT
ON FOR TONIGHT
ON ON FOR TONIGHT
As Christian imagines he sees Satine
descending on a swing, the Green Fairy of his
imagination.
ALL (CONT’D)
ON FOR TO- ON FOR TOON FOR TONIGHT
ON FOR TO- ON FOR TOON ON ON ON
AAAAH! AAAAAH!
AAAAH! AAAAAH!
The company explodes into boisterous dance.
Blowing off steam from the horrible day. It’s
drunken abandon, the thrill of living on the
edge.
Christian fruitlessly tries to capture Satine.
ALL (CONT’D)
I'M GONNA SWING FROM THE CHANDELIER,
FROM THE CHANDELIER
I'M GONNA LIVE LIKE TOMORROW DOESN'T EXIST
LIKE IT DOESN'T EXIST
I'M GONNA FLY LIKE A BIRD THROUGH THE NIGHT,
FEEL MY TEARS AS THEY DRY
I'M GONNA SWING FROM THE CHANDELIER,
FROM THE CHANDELIER!
The garret disappears as Christian moves
forward...
And we are at...
2019-07-19 4PM 89.ACT TWO, SCENE 6: THE STREET/THE DUKE’S APARTMENT
#16 “ROXANNE”
Zidler is in Christian’s imagination, wise and
insinuating, so well-practiced in all the
deviltry of love:
ZIDLER
Word to the wise, my dear, never fall in love with a woman
who sells herself, it always ends badly ... There is a dance
from the brothels of Buenos Aires that tells the story of a
prostitute...
Nini boldly strides forward, poses.
ZIDLER (CONT’D)
And the man who falls in love with her...
Santiago strides forward and takes Nini in his
arms, ferocious and passionate.
ZIDLER (CONT’D)
First there is desire...
Santiago and Nini begin to move. Taut,
dangerous and sensual. A tango.
ZIDLER (CONT’D)
Then passion ... Then suspicion ... Then betrayal ... When
love is sold to the highest bidder there is no trust ... You
have been warned.
He leaves the stage as Santiago and Nini
continue their thrilling tango.
CHRISTIAN
ROXANNE!
Christian -- vision cloudy and emotions
extreme from the absinthe -– makes his way
toward the Duke’s apartment, to win back
Satine.
CHRISTIAN
(CONT’D)
HIS EYES UPON YOUR FACE
HIS HAND UPON YOUR HAND
HIS LIPS CARESS YOUR SKIN
IT’S MORE THAN I CAN STAND!
2019-07-19 4PM 90.CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)
ROXANNE
YOU DON’T HAVE TO WEAR THAT DRESS TONIGHT
WALK THE STREETS FOR MONEY
YOU DON’T CARE IF IT’S WRONG OR IF IT’S RIGHT
ROXANNE YOU DON'T HAVE TO PUT ON THE RED LIGHT
ROXANNE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PUT ON THE RED LIGHT
Gradually the song builds and it seems all of
Paris is engulfed in the erotic excess. It is
savage and carnal.
There are highly-charged tangos. Ferocious
choreographic confrontations and couplings.
ENSEMBLE
ROXANNE!
ROXANNE!
ROXANNE!
ROXANNE!
ROXANNE!
ROXANNE!
CHRISTIAN
PUT ON THE RED LIGHT
PUT ON THE RED LIGHT
PUT ON THE RED LIGHT
PUT ON THE RED LIGHT
PUT ON THE RED LIGHT
PUT ON THE RED LIGHT
Dance Break
ENSEMBLE (CONT’D)
ROXANNE!
ROXANNE!
ROXANNE!
ROXANNE!
ROXANNE!
ROXANNE!
CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)
PUT ON THE RED LIGHT
PUT ON THE RED LIGHT
PUT ON THE RED LIGHT
PUT ON THE RED LIGHT
HELP ME I’M HOLDING
ON FOR DEAR LIFE
HELP ME I’M HOLDING
ON FOR DEAR LIFE
CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)
WHY DOES MY HEART CRY?
FEELINGS I CAN’T FIGHT
YOU’RE FREE TO LEAVE ME, BUT JUST DON’T DECEIVE ME
AND PLEASE BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY I LOVE YOU
Christian continues on.
AT THE DUKE’S PALATIAL APARTMENT
We see the Duke conferring privately Pierre,
Zidler’s lover. The Duke gives him money.
Pierre goes as Satine enters ... Satine looks
somewhat pale and weak.
SATINE
What was Pierre doing here?
DUKE
Filling my ear with the most interesting tidbits. You show
people do love your gossip.
2019-07-19 4PM 91.SATINE
Please, Andre, I’m not feeling well.
DUKE
Pierre is my creature, you see. My eyes and ears on our
little theatrical family. Protecting my investment, you might
say.
SATINE
I don’t need to hear this, it’s despicable.
Satine starts to go. He stops her cold with:
DUKE (CONT’D)
Do you know the address 37 Rue Orphee? Oh, I can see that you
do. Our dear Pierre’s followed you there. Might I ask what
you find so diverting at that address?
She is silent and tense. Cornered.
He slowly approaches her. Dangerous.
DUKE (CONT’D)
Listen to me, my darling. I will not be made a fool. I am no
man’s jester and no woman’s cuckold. I AM ANDRE D’HARCOURT
BENICHOU LE DUKE DE MONROTH!
She recoils at his violent outburst. He moves
in on her lethally.
DUKE (CONT’D)
You will reject the boy. You will shatter him. You will break
his heart. Or believe me, my girl, I’ll have him snatched off
the street, that handsome face beaten to a bloody pulp, his
throat slit ear to ear, and then you can weep your pathetic
love songs over his COLD DEAD CORPSE!
He is terrifying. But just then--
Christian bursts in!
The Duke releases Satine. She quickly turns
away from Christian as he lurches in.
Christian is feverish and unsteady – the
absinthe affecting him badly ... Meanwhile,
the Duke is especially silky. Enjoys every
second of this.
DUKE (CONT’D)
Christian, what an unexpected pleasure. May I get you
something – or perhaps you’ve had enough tonight? A boy needs
to learn how to handle his liquor. And his love affairs.
Christian takes a sudden wild swing at him--
2019-07-19 4PM 92.The Duke easily sidesteps it--
Christian falls. Awkward and embarrassing.
CHRISTIAN
Satine ... I’m here for Satine.
DUKE
I beg your pardon?
CHRISTIAN
I’m here for Satine! I’m taking her away.
DUKE
Be my guest.
He steps aside.
Christian pulls himself up.
DUKE (CONT’D)
But … you might want to ask her first?
CHRISTIAN
Satine ... I love you. Fly away with me...
She doesn’t turn to him or respond. So...
CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)
COME WHAT MAY, COME WHAT MAY
I WILL LOVE YOU UNTIL--
All music ends as she interrupts, turning and
cutting him dead. Like ice.
SATINE
You embarrass yourself. What makes you think I would leave
all this -- and this beautiful man -- to run off with you?
Your delusion is pathetic. Hear me now once and for all: you
mean nothing to me. I feel nothing for you ... You are
nothing.
She slowly snaps her fingers right in his
face. SNAP.
SATINE (CONT’D)
Nothing.
Christian stares at her, shattered.
DUKE
I think you know the way out, lad.
Christian leaves the room. Devastated.
2019-07-19 4PM 93.He begins to cross the stage and then stops.
Standing alone.
As the Duke goes to Satine.
Puts his hand around her throat again. Kisses
her deeply.
DUKE (CONT’D)
You are mine.
He goes.
She stands.
Too traumatized for tears.
Elsewhere on the stage, Christian sinks to his
knees, devastated.
The stage is bare but for Christian kneeling
and Satine standing alone.
#16A “ROXANNE TAG”
COMPANY
ROXANNE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PUT ON THE RED LIGHT
ROXANNE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PUT ON THE RED LIGHT…
As ROXANNE ends…
Suddenly, Satine coughs – wretches – and
begins hemorrhaging from the mouth!
Blood pours from her. Her consumption
escalating dangerously.
She exits as...
Christian remains kneeling in another part of
the stage ... Shattered.
Quietly, he begins to sing:
#17 “CRAZY/ROLLING”
CHRISTIAN
I REMEMBER WHEN
I REMEMBER, I REMEMBER WHEN I LOST MY MIND
THERE WAS SOMETHING SO PLEASANT ABOUT THAT PLACE
EVEN YOUR EMOTIONS HAVE AN ECHO IN SO MUCH SPACE.
MMM
2019-07-19 4PM 94.CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)
AND WHEN YOU’RE OUT THERE, WITHOUT CARE
YEAH I WAS OUT OF TOUCH
BUT IT WASN’T BECAUSE I DIDN’T KNOW ENOUGH
I JUST KNEW TOO MUCH.
DOES THAT MAKE ME CRAZY
DOES THAT MAKE ME CRAZY
DOES THAT MAKE ME CRAZY
POSSIBLY…
He segues into ROLLING IN THE DEEP:
CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)
THERE'S A FIRE STARTING IN MY HEART
REACHING A FEVER PITCH, IT'S BRINGING ME OUT THE DARK
FINALLY I CAN SEE YOU CRYSTAL CLEAR
GO AHEAD AND SELL ME OUT AND I'LL LAY YOUR SHIT BARE
SEE HOW I’LL LEAVE WITH EVERY PIECE OF YOU
DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE THINGS THAT I WILL DO
THERE'S A FIRE STARTING IN MY HEART
REACHING A FEVER PITCH
AND IT'S BRINGING ME OUT THE DARK
THE SCARS OF YOUR LOVE REMIND ME OF US
THEY KEEP ME THINKING THAT WE ALMOST HAD IT ALL…
THE SCARS OF YOUR LOVE, THEY LEAVE ME BREATHLESS
I CAN'T HELP FEELING
WE COULD HAVE HAD IT ALL
ROLLING IN THE DEEP
YOU HAD MY HEART INSIDE OF YOUR HAND
AND YOU PLAYED IT, TO THE BEAT…
The song – and Christian’s emotions – are
unresolved...
The music continues as we go to...
2019-07-19 4PM 95.ACT TWO, SCENE 7: PRIVATE BACKSTAGE AREA, BACKSTAGE, AND STREET
A PRIVATE DRESSING AREA BACKSTAGE:
That Satine is very ill there can be little
doubt. She is dangerously pale. Hunched,
coughing.
Zidler is with her, concerned. He wears his
Gangster costume for the show.
She stops coughing, wipes a bit of blood from
her lips.
ZIDLER
It’s getting worse. I’ll make an announcement.
SATINE
No, please. We’ve all worked too hard for tonight. And this
is the chance for Christian’s music to be heard by the world.
I can’t let him down--
ZIDLER
Satine... You’re too ill. I’ll have Nini go on for you, she
knows the part.
SATINE
Please. Let me have one last performance.
Beat.
ZIDLER
And you’ll let me take you to hospital in the morning?
She nods.
This is heartbreaking for them. A goodbye.
SATINE
Harold ... Sing a dirty song at my funeral.
ZIDLER
Filthy ... And, if I may…
A moment between them. So much he wants to say
to her…
ZIDLER (CONT’D)
… A bit more rouge, yes?
SATINE
Always.
2019-07-19 4PM 96.He goes before his tears come.
Satine looks at herself in the mirror.
She knows she’s dying.
SATINE (CONT’D)
BABY, I HAVE NO STORY TO BE TOLD
BUT I'VE HEARD ONE FOR YOU
AND I'M GONNA MAKE YOUR HEAD BURN
THINK OF ME IN THE DEPTHS OF YOUR DESPAIR
MAKE A HOME DOWN THERE
AS MINE SURE WON'T BE SHARED…
STREET:
Meanwhile, on the street, Christian stands
outside a GUN AND AMMUNITION SHOP.
He turns a box of bullets in his hands, as
Satine continues to prepare for the
performance:
CHRISTIAN
YOU’RE GONNA WISH YOU
NEVER HAD MET ME
TEARS ARE GONNA FALL,
ROLLING IN THE DEEP
YOU'RE GONNA WISH YOU
NEVER HAD MET ME
TEARS ARE GONNA FALL
SATINE
THE SCARS OF YOUR LOVE
REMIND ME OF US
THEY KEEP ME THINKING THAT WE
ALMOST HAD IT ALL
THE SCARS OF YOUR LOVE,
THEY LEAVE ME BREATHLESS
I CAN'T HELP FEELING
CHRISTIAN AND SATINE
WE COULD HAVE HAD IT ALL
ROLLING IN THE DEEP
YOU HAD MY HEART INSIDE
OF YOUR HAND
AND YOU PLAYED IT,
TO THE BEAT
COMPANY
YOU'RE GONNA WISH YOU
NEVER HAD MET ME
TEARS ARE GONNA FALL,
ROLLING IN THE DEEP
YOU'RE GONNA WISH YOU
NEVER HAD MET ME
TEARS ARE GONNA FALL,
ROLLING IN THE DEEP…
At last Satine is ready – costumed in her
thread-bare black dress. Looking every inch
the doomed chanteuse.
Christian pockets the box of bullets and makes
his way to the theatre.
Meanwhile…
BACKSTAGE:
2019-07-19 4PM 97.Last minute bustle, everyone getting ready to
take their places for the show.
Zidler is with The Moulin Rouge Girls and
Santiago.
ZIDLER
Where the devil’s Christian?!
SANTIAGO
I don’t know. He hasn’t been home all night--
ZIDLER
You’ll have to go on for him. Hurry, go change ... (Santiago
goes) ... God, what a night! ... Break a leg, chickens! Make
Momma proud!
The Girls exit with him in a flurry as--
Satine enters, deep in her own thoughts ...
Lautrec is waiting. His expression is serious,
to match hers.
SATINE
You know I’m ill…
LAUTREC
I know … Consumption.
SATINE
Yes.
LAUTREC
Christian doesn’t know.
SATINE
Nor should he. Let him escape. He doesn’t need any more pain,
I’ve hurt him enough.
Beat.
There is such love and respect between them.
LAUTREC
Satine…
He bows to her.
LAUTREC (CONT’D)
My muse.
She bows to him.
2019-07-19 4PM 98.SATINE
My genius.
Before he can respond -- The Duke enters.
Lautrec remains standing with Satine.
DUKE
Good luck tonight, Monsieur Lautrec.
(to Satine)
And I know you won’t disappoint me, Satine. Shine like the
diamond you are.
He bends to kiss her hand -- but she withdraws
it.
SATINE
That yellow chateau. You can keep it ... As long as I live --
I belong here.
DUKE
You don’t know what you’re saying, girl.
SATINE
Oh, this “girl” knows exactly what she’s saying.
Her defiance and strength surprises him.
DUKE
Satine--
SATINE
No one owns me.
He considers her. Then, coldly:
DUKE
You’ll be back. You are the creature you are.
He goes.
Lautrec is impressed with Satine. A look
between them. He continues with emotion:
LAUTREC
I will make you immortal.
Before he breaks down completely, Lautrec
exits.
Satine begins to head to the stage area...
As Christian enters backstage..
He goes to a prop table. Picks up the prop
revolver we have seen him using in rehearsals.
Carefully opens the chamber…
2019-07-19 4PM 99.Then he reaches into his coat pocket and
removes the box of real bullets, hold one
up...
As Satine suddenly leans against something for
support, weak, braces herself for her
entrance…
He carefully loads the real bullets into the
gun one by one as he sings. One, two, three,
four, five, six as…
CHRISTIAN
MY HEROES HAD THE HEART
TO LOSE THEIR LIVES OUT ON THE LIMB
AND ALL I REMEMBER, IS THINKING
I WANNA BE LIKE THEM
EVER SINCE I WAS LITTLE
EVER SINCE I WAS LITTLE IT LOOKED LIKE FUN
AND IT'S NO COINCIDENCE I'VE COME
AND I CAN DIE WHEN I'M DONE…
He snaps the chamber closed...
Satine stands, marshalling her strength…
As the song is reaching its climax, matching
the extreme emotion:
CHRISTIAN AND SATINE
THROW YOUR SOUL THROUGH
EVERY OPEN DOOR
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
TO FIND WHAT YOU LOOK FOR
TURN MY SORROW
INTO TREASURED GOLD.
YOU’LL PAY ME BACK IN TIME
AND REAP JUST WHAT YOU SOW.
WE COULD HAVE HAD IT ALL
WE COULD HAVE HAD IT ALL
IT ALL
IT ALL
IT ALL
COMPANY
WOAH
WOAH
WOAH
WOAH
WOAH
YOU’RE GONNA WISH YOU
NEVER HAD MET ME
TEARS ARE GONNA FALL
ROLLING IN THE DEEP
YOU’RE GONNA WISH YOU
NEVER HAD MET ME
TEARS ARE GONNA FALL
2019-07-19 4PM 100.CHRISTIAN AND SATINE
MAYBE I'M CRAZY
MAYBE I’M CRAZY
YOU HAD MY HEART INSIDE
OF YOUR HAND
AND YOU PLAYED IT
YOU PLAYED IT…
YOU PLAYED IT…
YOU PLAYED IT…
TO THE BEAT!
COMPANY
YOU’RE GONNA WISH YOU
NEVER HAD MET ME
TEARS ARE GONNA FALL
ROLLING IN THE DEEP
YOU’RE GONNA WISH YOU
NEVER HAD MET ME
YOU PLAYED IT…
YOU PLAYED IT…
YOU PLAYED IT…
YOU PLAYED IT…
TO THE BEAT!
And at the thrilling climax of the song he
brandishes the gun above his head as—
Satine squares her shoulders and prepares for
her entrance--
Black out!
2019-07-19 4PM 101.ACT TWO, SCENE 8: THE CLUB AND BACKSTAGE
MUSIC…
The club – the world of the Moulin Rouge – has
been utterly transformed. It is a
phantasmagoria of Toulouse Lautrec’s singular
vision: his paintings; his women; his dancers
and whores; his demons and devils; his
absinthe-green bold colors; his world view:
his beloved Demimonde.
Satine is “on stage” doing a speech in the
show:
SATINE
“Who are you, Marie? In the mirror I see only my sins
reflected. A lifetime of degradation. And then that one
chance for love – I threw away. I broke his heart. And for
what? For what...?”
Zidler enters for his scene.
They both play it straight, no histrionics; no
melodrama. The painful parallels to reality
(Satine and the Duke, Satine and Christian)
are too raw now ... Lautrec has also trimmed
the script a bit since the last rehearsal we
saw.
In the scene, Satine turns away from him:
ZIDLER
“Marie, you turn from me as if you loathe me.”
SATINE
“I turn from myself. From my own shame.”
ZIDLER
“I own your shame – along with every other part of you. You
are my possession, Marie, bought and paid for. Prepare your
bed for me.”
He exits.
Satine stands alone.
Drained. Ill.
She coughs. Covers her mouth.
No blood this time.
2019-07-19 4PM 102.Christian slowly enters. Still wearing his
long coat, no stage costume. He is a
magnificent wreck.
She turns to him. It’s difficult for her to
even look at him ... She doesn’t. She looks
down, hoping she won’t pass out.
CHRISTIAN
“Marie...”
SATINE
“You mustn’t be here. If he sees you it’ll go badly for us
both. You know what a monster he is.”
CHRISTIAN
“I’ve been walking the streets, going mad with every step.
All I can see is you – and him. My heart can’t take it….”
SATINE
“I don’t love you.”
CHRISTIAN
“Lie to yourself, but not to me.”
SATINE
“I have made my choice. Let me be damned for it.”
Christian pulls the revolver. Points it at her
heart.
She’s still not looking at him.
CHRISTIAN
“Let us both be damned.”
SATINE
“Then do it and let me die for love.”
CHRISTIAN
Look at me ... Look at me, Satine.
Finally, she does.
Their eyes meet.
He points the gun at his heart.
CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)
Why else live, if not for love?
Her heart breaks, seeing him brought so low.
She begins…
2019-07-19 4PM 103.#18 “COME WHAT MAY/YOUR SONG (REPRISE)”
SATINE
COME WHAT MAY
COME WHAT MAY
I WILL LOVE YOU UNTIL MY DYING DAY
Christian just can’t do it, he loves her too
much. He eventually pockets the gun during...
SATINE (CONT’D)
AND YOU CAN TELL EVERYBODY THIS IS YOUR SONG…
IT MAY BE QUITE SIMPLE BUT NOW THAT IT'S DONE
I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND
I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND
THAT I PUT DOWN IN WORDS
HOW WONDERFUL LIFE IS WHILE YOU'RE IN THE
WORLD…
SOME COMPANY
AND YOU CAN TELL EVERYBODY
THIS IS YOUR SONG
IT MAY BE QUITE SIMPLE BUT
NOW THAT IT'S DONE...
SOME COMPANY
YOU CAN TELL EVERYBODY
THIS IS YOUR SONG
IT MAY BE QUITE SIMPLE
NOW THAT IT’S DONE...
As they sing we reveal members of the Company
around the stage and theater. A heavenly
choir, the family of the Moulin Rouge,
celebrating this eternal love story.
At the climax of the music, Satine and
Christian finally rush together and embrace.
Love has triumphed!
COMPANY
I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND
I HOPE YOU DON'T MIND...
THAT I PUT DOWN IN WORDS...
CHRISTIAN AND SATINE
WE CAN BE HEROES
WE CAN BE HEROES
WE CAN BE HEROES
COMPANY
HOW WONDERFUL LIFE IS
HOW WONDERFUL LIFE IS
HOW WONDERFUL LIFE IS
WHILE YOU’RE IN THE
2019-07-19 4PM 104.CHRISTIAN SATINE
WHILE YOU’RE IN
THE WORLD HOW
WONDERFUL
LIFE IS
WHILE YOU’RE WHILE YOU’RE
IN THE IN THE
COMPANY
WORLD
-ORLD
-ORLD
WHILE YOU’RE
IN THE
WORLD
Suddenly the world suspends, slows...
The lights narrowing to a tight focus on
Christian and Satine...
As Satine slowly swoons and falls into
Christian’s arms, dying. Her consumption
overwhelming her.
Christian kneels with Satine. Her struggle is
over. Her death is quiet and graceful.
CHRISTIAN
Satine! What is it?!
SATINE
Oh, Christian ... I think this is goodbye...
CHRISTIAN
Goodbye?
He sees her bloody handkerchief. Realizes...
CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)
No...
SATINE
I should have told you. But I couldn’t bear to break your
heart again. I’m sorry. I’ve hurt you so much.
CHRISTIAN
No, Satine.
SATINE
(smiles)
But your beautiful show. You did it, Christian.
2019-07-19 4PM 105.CHRISTIAN
We did it.
She is weaker, fading...
CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)
I can’t lose you.
SATINE
Tell our story... Tell our story, that way we’ll always be
together.
CHRISTIAN
Always.
She dies. At peace.
He holds her.
CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)
HOW WONDERFUL LIFE IS WHILE YOU'RE IN THE WORLD.
A silent beat.
A bell strikes midnight.
Zidler and the rest of the company enter and
look on with great emotion.
The scenery of the club slowly flies out as
Satine is carried out with great reverence and
Christian speaks to the audience again.
CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)
Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months, and then
one day I started writing again. A love song. Our love song.
Christian steps forward, taking in the club
and his friends one last time, concluding his
memories:
CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)
So that’s how a young man came to Paris to find himself.
Instead he found all of this. A place to belong. People to
love. And a woman... a woman who showed him all that truly
matters in life...
2019-07-19 4PM 106.ZIDLER
Truth.
SANTIAGO
Beauty.
LAUTREC
Freedom.
CHRISTIAN
… Love.
#19 “FINALE (COME WHAT MAY)” (COME WHAT MAY)
CHRISTIAN (CONT’D)
NEVER KNEW I COULD FEEL LIKE THIS
LIKE I’VE NEVER SEEN THE SKY BEFORE
I WANT TO VANISH INSIDE YOUR KISS
EVERY DAY I’LL LOVE YOU MORE AND MORE
LISTEN TO MY HEART, CAN YOU HEAR IT SING
TELLING ME TO GIVE YOU EVERYTHING
SEASONS MAY CHANGE, WINTER TO SPRING
BUT I’LL LOVE YOU UNTIL THE END OF TIME
The company joins Christian in soaring
harmonies.
CHRISTIAN
AND THERE’S NO MOUNTAIN TOO HIGH
NO RIVER TOO WIDE
SING OUT THIS SONG AND I’LL BE
THERE BY YOUR SIDE
STORM CLOUDS MAY GATHER
AND STARS MAY COLLIDE
BUT I’LL LOVE YOU
UNTIL THE END OF TIME
COME WHAT MAY
COME WHAT MAY
I WILL LOVE YOU
UNTIL MY DYING DAY
COME WHAT MAY
COMPANY
AND THERE’S NO MOUNTAIN TOO HIGH
NO RIVER TOO WIDE
SING OUT THIS SONG AND I’LL BE
THERE
STORM CLOUDS MAY GATHER
AND STARS MAY COLLIDE
COME WHAT MAY
COME WHAT MAY
I WILL LOVE YOU
UNTIL MY DYING DAY
COME WHAT MAY
2019-07-19 4PM 107.But just as the company is exiting, the music
dying, and the story over…
We hear the familiar opening notes of LADY
MARMALADE…
And The Moulin Rouge Girls slyly greet us,
like ghosts…
THE GIRLS
HEY SISTER, GO SISTER,
SOUL SISTER, FLOW SISTER…
They echo, poised, ready for the show.
THE END.
2019-07-19 4PM 108.#20 “ENCORE/BOWS”
THE GIRLS
VOULEZ VOUS COUCHER AVEC MOI CE SOIR
VOULEZ VOUS COUCHER AVEC MOI
VOULEZ VOUS COUCHER AVEC MOI CE SOIR
HEY, HEY, HEY!
TOUCH OF HER SKIN FEELIN’ SILKY SMOOTH
COLOR OF CAFE AU LAIT
MADE THE SAVAGE BEAST INSIDE
ROAR UNTIL HE CRIED
GIUCHIE, GIUCHIE, YA YA DADA
GIUCHIE, GIUCHIE, YA YA HERE
MOCHA CHOCALATA YA YA
MORE MORE MORE
VOULEZ VOUS COUCHER AVEC MOI CE SOIR
VOULEZ VOUS COUCHER AVEC MOI
VOULEZ VOUS COUCHER AVEC MOI CE SOIR
CREOLE LADY MARMLADE
LAUTREC, SANTIAGO,
AND THE DUKE
1! 2! 3!
UH
MY BABY DON’T MESS AROUND
BECAUSE SHE LOVES ME SO
AND THIS I KNOW FO SHO
UH
BUT SHE DOES SHE REALLY WANNA
BUT CAN’T STAND TO SEE HER WALK
OUT THA DOOR
ALL
HEY YA
HEY YA
HEY YA
HEY YA
LAUTREC, SANTIAGO,
AND THE DUKE
YOU THINK YOU GOT IT
OH YOU THINK YOU’VE GOT IT
BUT GOT IT JUST DON’T GET IT
WHEN THERE’S NOTHIN’ AT ALL
2019-07-19 4PM 109.LAUTREC, SANTIAGO,
AND THE DUKE (CONT’D)
WE GET TOGETHER
OH WE GET TOGETHER
BUT SEPARATE’S ALWAYS BETTER
WHEN THERE’S FEELING INVOLVED
KNOW WHAT THEY SAY IT’S
ENSEMBLE
NOTHING LASTS FOREVER
LAUTREC, SANTIAGO,
AND THE DUKE
THEN WHAT MAKES THEN WHAT MAKES
THEN WHAT MAKES THEN WHAT MAKES
THEN WHAT MAKES UH
ENSEMBLE
LOVE THE EXCEPTION?
LAUTREC, SANTIAGO,
AND THE DUKE
SO WHY, OH, WHY, OH
WHY OH WHY OH WHY OH
ARE WE STILL IN DENIAL WHEN WE
KNOW WE’RE NOT HAPPY HERE
ZIDLER
BECAUSE YOU CAN CAN CAN!
BECAUSE YOU CAN CAN CAN!
HIDEE HIDEE HIDEE HI!
HODEE HODEE HODEE HO!
RAH RAH AH AH AH
GA GA OOH LA LA
WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO
GOT TO DO WITH IT
WHO NEEDS A HEART
WHEN A HEART CAN BE BROKEN
COMPANY
BECAUSE YOU CAN CAN CAN!
BECAUSE YOU CAN CAN CAN!
HIDEE HIDEE HIDEE HI!
HODEE HODEE HODEE HO!
RAH RAH AH AH AH
GA GA OOH LA LA
WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO
GOT TO DO WITH IT
WHO NEEDS A HEART
WHEN A HEART CAN BE BROKEN
2019-07-19 4PM 110.ZIDLER
DON’T YOU WANT ME BABY?
BAH BAH BAH
DON’T YOU WANT ME OHH
YOU DRIVE ME CRAZY
YOU DRIVE ME CRAZY
YOU DRIVE ME CRAZY
I REMEMBER WHEN,
WHEN I LOST MY MIND
EVERYBODY CANCAN!
COMPANY
BAH BAH BAH
DON’T YOU WANT ME BABY?
DON’T YOU WANT ME OHH
YOU DRIVE ME CRAZY
YOU DRIVE ME CRAZY
YOU DRIVE ME CRAZY
ALL
OOOOOH...
EVERYBODY CANCAN!

Last Update:June, 02nd 2025