As of November 6th, 2023, it was announced that British singer Boy George will join Broadway’s Moulin Rouge in 2024. He takes the role of Harold Zilder, an enthusiastic club owner who serves as a de facto emcee. This will be the first time George has returned to Broadway in two decades. His Broadway debut was in Taboo, a musical about the fashionable London nightclub Taboo of the 1980s. Produced by Rosie O’Donnell, the show featured songs George wrote himself and was nominated for four Tony Awards in 2004. George will only be returning to Broadway for a short period of time, playing the role of Zilder from February 6th to May 12th.
Boy George and Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is based on a 2001 film set in Paris at the turn of the 20th century, telling the story of a young composer who falls in love with a cabaret actress. Finally made into a stage musical back in 2018, it won 10 Tony Awards in 2021. One of those awards included the Best New Musical. Directed by Alex Timbers and book by John Logan, the show also features a wide range of pop hits such as “Lady Marmalade,” “Every Breath You Take,” “Children of the Revolution” and more.
Commenting on taking the role, George told The TODAY Show, “Just being part of an ensemble is really fun.” He said, “You can’t have an ego, because there’s too many people. It’s about fitting in, especially because everyone’s been doing this show for a while. So, hopefully, they’re going to teach me.” While waiting to join the new show, George is promoting his new autobiography, Karma. Karma is a book that recounts the drama, the music, the story of surviving prison, as well as his recovery from drug addiction. With Broadway fans waiting for his return, it will be interesting to see what is in store for George during his short run.
