From soaring on the magic carpet to can-can dancing, Grammy-nominated Broadway star Courtney Reed’s stage presence has proven time and time again to be spectacular.
Currently, Reed stars as the lead role of Satine in the U.S. touring “Moulin Rouge!: The Musical,” which will make its way to Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa on Nov. 9-27.
Best known for originating the role of Princess Jasmine in Disney’s “Aladdin,” for which she received a Grammy nomination, Reed made her Broadway debut in “Mamma Mia!” and was a part of the closing company of “In the Heights” in the role of Carla.
Starring beside her will be Conor Ryan as Christian, Austin Durant as Harold Zidler, André Ward as Toulouse-Lautrec, David Harris as The Duke of Monroth, Gabe Martínez as Santiago and Libby Lloyd as Nini.
Reed talks with Backstage SoCal about performing in her dream role in “Moulin Rouge!,” her favorite musical numbers, and what makes this production unique from anything she has performed before.
What drew you to the role of Satine?
I have been obsessed with the movie since it came out! Satine is an actress’s dream!
What do you personally bring to this character?
In every character I play there’s always a little bit of me. What I love about Satine is that I get to flex my dramatic muscles but what I enjoy most is showing my comedic side!
What is your favorite number to perform in Moulin Rouge!, and why?
This changes from time to time! I would say right now my favorite number to perform is “Elephant Love Medley.” I love that scene because I have the best time with my co-star (Conor Ryan) running around the stage singing everyone’s favorite love songs!
Can you describe what the audience is going to experience with this production, in regards to the stage set design and costumes?
This show is truly a spectacle in every sense of the word. If you’re a Broadway lover or never seen a show in your life, you will LOVE this show for how visually stunning it is. On top of the visuals the performances are top notch, and we have a cast of powerhouses that bring their “A” game to every performance!
How does the story of Moulin Rouge resonate with you?
For me it has so much to do with the love story. I have been a hopeless romantic my entire life and this story is a classic love story that we can all relate to.
What do you hope your audience will take from this production of Moulin Rouge?
We have all been cooped up for too long! I hope audiences are revived by the return of live theater and we can give them a reason to physically and mentally escape!
If you could perform in any role on Broadway, what would it be and why?
Oh jeez! For so long Satine has been my dream role so It’s hard to think of another show right now that I would rather do! So, can my answer be Satine? LOL
Do you have any pre-stage routines?
I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be able to study voice with Liz Caplan. I have lessons every week and my pre-show routine is to do a “Liz Caplan,” vocal warmup. That always guarantees that I will be vocally warm for the show!
What has been your most memorable or treasured moment in your Broadway career?
Oh jeez! There are too many to pick my number one. One that really stands out for me was opening night of Aladdin. We got a standing ovation after “A Whole New World.” I couldn’t see the audience, but I could feel them. It was an unforgettable feeling.
MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL
When: November 9-27, 2022
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Evenings at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Segerstrom Hall – 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
More info: SCFTA.org ; (714) 556-2787
