Megan Thee Stallion Breaks Broadway Norms with Gender-Swapped ‘Moulin Rouge’ Debut
Megan Thee Stallion is bringing her talent to Broadway for the first time this spring. The rapper and actress will play Zidler, the nightclub impresario in Moulin Rouge!, for an eight-week run from March 24 to May 17. The role was previously known as Harold Zidler, and Megan will be the first female-identifying performer to step into the part.
The musical’s score features pop hits and will also include “a hint of music” from Megan Thee Stallion’s own catalogue, including songs like Savage and HISS. She takes over the role from Bob the Drag Queen.
Although this is her Broadway debut, Megan has experience in acting, having appeared in the A24 film Dicks: The Musical, STARZ’s P-Valley, and Disney’s She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.
“Stepping onto the Broadway stage and joining the Moulin Rouge! The Musical team is an absolute honor,” Megan said. “I’ve always believed in pushing myself creatively and theater is definitely a new opportunity that I’m excited to embrace. Broadway demands a different level of discipline, preparation and storytelling, but I’m up for the challenge and can’t wait for the Hotties to see a new side of me.”
Her casting comes as Moulin Rouge! nears the end of its Broadway run, with the final performance scheduled for July 26, 2026. Danny Burstein originally played Zidler and won a Tony Award for the role.
Producer Carmen Pavlovic shared her excitement, saying, “Welcoming Megan Thee Stallion into the Moulin Rouge! The Musical community is a thrilling moment for us. Megan is a true global superstar. She is one of the most influential artists of her generation and her impact on music and culture is undeniable.”
“This historic casting is a major part of our closing celebrations: our farewell gift to Broadway audiences and one of our biggest announcements in the history of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. We want our show to go out with a spectacular bang, and Megan is the force of nature to lead us there. And yes, there will be a hint of music from her own iconic catalogue. It’s an unmissable moment for both Megan’s fans and ours.”
Megan Thee Stallion’s Broadway debut is already generating buzz, and fans are eager to see how she brings her signature energy to the stage. Her involvement promises a unique twist on the iconic role and a memorable finale for Moulin Rouge! on Broadway.
Megan taking on Zidler is a bold and exciting move that shows her versatility as an entertainer. It’s thrilling to see a global music star embrace Broadway in such a high-profile way. What do you think about Megan Thee Stallion stepping into this iconic role? Share your thoughts in the comments.
