Episode Overview

Podcast: BroadwayRadio
Episode: Today on Broadway: Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026: ‘Moulin Rouge’ to Close in July
Host: Matt Simonetti
Date: February 5, 2026

This special breaking news episode centers on the official announcement that Moulin Rouge! The Musical will conclude its Broadway run in July after seven years. Host Matt Simonetti shares the latest details on the show's closing, examines its significance, and speculates about which upcoming productions might take over the Al Hirschfeld Theatre.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Moulin Rouge! The Musical: Closing Announcement

• Official Closure Details

  • Announced at 5:30 pm that Moulin Rouge! The Musical will close on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

    “Moulin Rouge the Musical will officially close out its 7 year…run on Broadway this summer, Sunday, July 26, 2026.” (00:12)

• Run Statistics

  • Upon closing, the musical will have played 2,265 regular performances.
  • It will rank as the 36th longest-running show in Broadway history.

    “It will have played 2,265 regular performances…36th longest running show in Broadway history.” (00:22)

• Commercial Success

  • Despite personal opinions, the host acknowledges the production’s success:

    “The show has recouped, launched national tour…and has spawned international productions around the world.” (00:30)

2. Personal Opinions on the Show

• Matt Simonetti shares his candid views:

  “It's not my favorite show. In fact, I think it's a pretty bad show. I love the movie, but this just didn't do it for me.” (00:36) “I thought it was a show by people who didn't understand the original movie and what made it special.” (00:42)

3. The Al Hirschfeld Theatre’s Next Steps

• Theatre Availability
  • With the closing of Moulin Rouge, the Al Hirschfeld Theatre will soon be open for a new production.

    “Meaning that the Al Hirschfeld Theater will be available for something in the late summer, early fall…” (00:50)

• Timing Strategies for Broadway Transfers
  • Suggests that opening around or just after Labor Day positions a new show strongly for the Tony season.

    “That way they can have a leg up on the competition and maybe even get in there and try to…become the leader in the clubhouse, so to speak. In terms of…Tony for best musical.” (01:05)

4. Speculation on Possible Incoming Productions

• Theatre Characteristics
  • Notes that the Al Hirschfeld is a larger, 1,400-seat venue and a bit off the main Times Square area, making it ideal for “musical with name recognition.”

    “It's also a little bit off the beaten track. So it's not one where you want to kind of just throw a show in there that doesn't have some sort of name recognition…” (01:25)

• Possible Shows Mentioned
  • Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
  • Griswold's Broadway Vacation
  • Purple Rain
  • Evita

    “Evita could be an interesting one because that area is a little easier probably to cordon off for the outdoor.” (01:50)

  • Damn Yankees
  • Wonder
• Creative Potential
  • The theater’s features (like a balcony/fire escape) would suit certain revivals.

    “They have a fire escape balcony right next to the front door. So they could do that.” (01:55)

• Strategic Timing for Shows
  • Example: Damn Yankees could tie into baseball season for promotional synergy.

    “Damn Yankees. It would be smart to do it in the fall because that leads right into the heyday of the baseball season and into the postseason…” (02:10)

5. Broader Impact

• The closing does not affect the current (2025–2026) Broadway season, but “will dramatically play in a role in terms of what the 2026, 2027 season looks like.” (02:23)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Length of Run:

  “Not sure that's necessarily something that you need to be all that excited about with a 37th show, but the show has recouped…” (00:27)

• On the Future of the Al Hirschfeld:

  “I would imagine that it would be something that people would, would know, but at 1400 seats, it's, it's definitely going to be a musical.” (01:31)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:12] – Official announcement of closing date and performance statistics
• [00:36] – Host’s personal critique of the show vs. the film
• [00:50] – Discussion of upcoming theater availability and strategic timing
• [01:25] – Thoughts on what sort of show could succeed in the venue
• [01:50] – Speculation on next productions, with unique theatre features referenced
• [02:10] – “Damn Yankees” and timing with baseball season
• [02:23] – Assessment of impact on current and future Broadway seasons

Conclusion

Matt Simonetti delivers an in-depth and candid update on the upcoming closure of Moulin Rouge! The Musical and its implications for the Al Hirschfeld Theatre’s future. While sharing both objective details and subjective impressions, he offers a thoughtful look ahead at what new productions could reinvigorate one of Broadway’s notable large houses.

For listeners seeking more information on theater news and speculation, Matt teases further discussion on “Last Week on Broadway” and encourages fans to check out their Patreon for extended content.