Tony Award-winning actor Danny Burstein has expressed his immense support for Megan Thee Stallion, who recently took over his role as Harold Zidler in the Broadway production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Burstein, who originated the character when the show debuted on Broadway in 2019, shared his enthusiasm with PEOPLE, highlighting the positive reception Megan has received from both her fellow cast members and audiences alike.
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Burstein, who has been a celebrated figure in theatre for years, recorded his excitement at witnessing Megan’s performance. “I cannot wait to see her on stage,” he said during the opening night of another production, Becky Shaw, at the Hayes Theater. He reflected on the significance of Moulin Rouge! in his career, stating it has “a very dear place in my heart,” and expressed his eagerness to see the show continue to thrive.
As part of her role as Zidler, Megan Thee Stallion has already garnered praise from her peers in the production. Burstein noted, “All my friends who are still in the show, and the people backstage, are crazy about her. They love her so much. The producers are telling me that the audiences are going wild.” He extended his heartfelt wishes for her success, stating, “I just want her to succeed and shine. And I want the show to succeed and shine,” demonstrating his supportive nature towards other performers.
Megan made her Broadway debut on March 24 at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre and will continue her run until May 17. Her casting is noteworthy not only because of her prominence in the music industry but also as she is the first female-identifying artist to take on the Zidler role in any version of the musical across the globe. Various esteemed actors, including Tituss Burgess, Wayne Brady, and Boy George, have previously portrayed the character. Jim Broadbent also famously played Zidler in the 2001 film adaptation directed by Baz Luhrmann.
In a statement outlining her excitement, Megan expressed her gratitude for joining the production, stating, “Stepping onto the Broadway stage and joining the Moulin Rouge! The Musical team is an absolute honour.” She conveyed her belief in embracing new creative opportunities, mentioning, “Broadway demands a different level of discipline, preparation and storytelling, but I’m up for the challenge.” This reflects her commitment to the craft and her anticipation for her fans to experience her in this new light.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical tells the story of Christian, an American writer who navigates love within the vibrant world of the cabaret in Paris during the early 20th century. The production is directed by Tony winner Alex Timbers and features an eclectic score comprising famous songs from the original film alongside contemporary chart-toppers that have emerged since the show’s launch.
As part of her involvement in the musical, Megan performs a special curtain call that showcases her musical prowess, rapping a medley of her hits, including “WAP,” “Savage,” and “Body.” The inclusion of her music adds a distinctive flavour to the traditional Broadway experience, attracting a diverse audience of both theatre-goers and hip-hop fans.
Recently, Megan Thee Stallion encountered health issues that led her to pull out of two performances due to hospitalisation. She publicly addressed the situation on social media, describing it as “a real wake-up call” that made her realise the importance of self-care. “I’ve been pushing myself past my limits lately, and my body finally said enough,” she shared on Instagram. After taking time to rest and recuperate, she returned to the stage on April 2, expressing her gratitude for the support of her fans and reaffirming her commitment to delivering her best.
As she continues her groundbreaking journey in theatre, Megan Thee Stallion is set to leave a lasting impact on Broadway. Her role in Moulin Rouge! not only highlights her versatility as an artist but also paves the way for more diverse representations in the performing arts. Burstein’s backing of her journey underscores the collaborative spirit prevalent within the theatre community, fostering an environment where new talents can flourish.