Everyone involved with Moulin Rouge! The Musical is paying homage to its Australian roots by dedicating its performance profits on Australia Day (Jan. 26) to the wildfire relief efforts and putting on a special "Make it Rain Rally" benefit the following day. Ben Folds, Postmodern Jukebox, and more are set to perform at the benefit.
The cast and crew have vouched to donate their profits made Sunday, Jan. 26 to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund and WIRES Australian Wildlife Rescue.
On Monday, Jan. 27, Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Friends will present the "Make it Rain Rally," an initiative by Australian cast members Karli Dinardo and Reed Luplau, the latter of which will direct the event. The evening's performers include Folds; Postmodern Jukebox with Morgan James; cast members from Moulin Rouge! The Musical as well as other Broadway musicals Frozen, Hamilton and Tootsie; drag personality Alexis Michelle; and more who will be announced shortly.
The "Make it Rain Rally" will be held at (Le) Poisson Rouge (LPR) at 158 Bleecker St. in New York City and begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase here. Just like the Australia Day show, the proceeds will go to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fun and WIRES Australian Wildlife Rescue. Those who cannot attend either the performance or benefit but would like financially support the cause can click here.
Australian-based producers Carmen Pavlovic, Gerry Ryan and their production company, Global Creatures, first brought the Broadway musical to life, which stars Australian actors in the cast. Moulin Rouge! The Musical is based off the 2001 musical romantic drama flick that was filmed in Australia and directed, co-produced and co-written by Aussie Baz Luhrmann. It also starred prominent Australian actress Nicole Kidman. Fellow Australian native Catherine Martin was the film's associate producer, costume designer and production designer.