Megan Thee Stallion is set to make her Broadway debut next month, taking on the role of Zidler, the emcee of the Moulin Rouge, in the final weeks of the indicate’s run. The announcement, made Thursday, positions the Grammy-winning rapper to become the first female-identifying performer to portray Zidler in any production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, according to NBC New York.
The role, originated by Danny Burstein and previously held by Tituss Burgess, Boy George, and Wayne Brady, is a pivotal one in the musical, adapted from Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film. Unlike the film’s portrayal of Zidler as a man, the Broadway production has reimagined the character as gay. Megan Thee Stallion will begin performances on March 24 and continue through May 17 at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, with a single performance blackout scheduled for May 2.
The casting comes as Moulin Rouge! The Musical prepares to close its seven-year Broadway run on July 26. Producer Carmen Pavlovic stated that bringing in Megan Thee Stallion is intended to provide “a spectacular bang” as a farewell to audiences, as reported by NBC New York. The production’s decision to cast a music superstar in its final months signals a strategic effort to boost ticket sales and generate renewed interest.
“Stepping onto the Broadway stage and joining the Moulin Rouge! The Musical team is an absolute honor,” Megan Thee Stallion said in a statement. “I’ve always believed in pushing myself creatively and theater is definitely a new opportunity that I’m excited to embrace.” The rapper, who has also appeared in film musicals like Dicks: The Musical and Mean Girls, acknowledged the discipline and storytelling demands of the stage.
The production is expected to incorporate elements of Megan Thee Stallion’s own music catalog, potentially including hits like “Savage” and “Hot Girl Summer,” though specific song choices have not been confirmed. The integration of her music would align with the show’s established practice of weaving contemporary pop songs into its score.
The announcement arrives as Megan Thee Stallion prepares for what she has dubbed a “Hot Girl Summer,” suggesting the Broadway run will serve as a springboard for further creative endeavors. The limited eight-week engagement follows Megan Thee Stallion’s takeover of the role from Bob the Drag Queen, whose final performance is scheduled for March 22, according to The New York Times.