By: Emily Safron
New York, New York (The Hollywood Times) 7/27/24 – The Museum of Broadway was co-founded by Julie Boardman and Diane Nicoletti in November 2022. Since then, it has welcomed dazzling exhibits showcasing the rich history of Broadway and over 500 productions. Most recently, the exhibit, Moulin Rouge! The Musical: Spectacular, Spectacular, presented in partnership with Chase Freedom was added in May. The exhibit brings to life the glamorous world of the Tony Award®-winning best musical to life.
Co-Founder, Julie Boardman has loved musical theater since she was a young girl growing up in Irvine, CA. “Being on-stage only deepened my appreciation for the work, and my approach to the business of Broadway, as I began producing. As a Broadway producer, I am drawn to stories that resonate with me.” she shared. “Broadway lives within the beating heart of New York City, and we wanted to create a place to bring its magic to life for fans of all ages, from all places – little did we know, we’d soon be creating the only place in the world dedicated to the storied history and legendary artistry of Broadway plays, musicals and the people who make them. We worked to build what The Museum of Broadway is today to honor all the work that goes into a production, both on and off the stage, while cementing Broadway’s place in American and world history.”
Moulin Rouge! is celebrating its five-year anniversary this summer, making this exhibit even more timely. Most recently Courtney Reed, played the role of Satine, with her final performance on Sunday, July 21. “Playing Satine has impacted me immensely! This is by far the most demanding role I have ever played. I have learned so much about myself through playing this role not only on but also off stage. I owe so much of what I have learned to Satine, including stamina, heart and lots of grace for myself and others!” she shared. Reed’s favorite part of the new exhibit is getting to see Catherine Zuber’s costumes up close. The exhibit helps bring her work to life showing how it was developed from sketches and swatches to the eye-catching gowns and bodices featured in the musical. “The detail that she puts into her work is remarkable! I’m so happy people can see them up close and personal in all of their glory!” Reed added. Overall, she hopes the exhibit gives them a little piece of Montmartre and inspires them to come and see the show!
“We created The Museum of Broadway to honor those who paved the way for us, learning from the past to build a brighter collective future. It has been curated through the idea that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. As you’re going through the Timeline of Broadway, the history comes to life around you. We hope it educates and inspires as much as it entertains,” shared Julie Boardman.
The Museum of Broadway is open every day at 9:30 a.m. in the heart of Times Square. This summer, the museum is offering special “Curtain Call” pricing for $32 starting at 4 p.m.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is currently playing at Broadway’s Al Hirschfeld Theatre, with original Broadway cast member and Tony Award®-winner Aaron Tveit as Christian, and Joanna “Jojo” Levesque as Satine, through Sunday, October 13. Tickets can be purchased here.
