Natalie Mendoza.Photo: Nick Harvey/Shutterstock
Natalie Mendozais the new Satine inMoulin Rouge! The Musical.
The actress — who played China Doll in the 2001Baz Luhrmannfilm of the same name — is set to take on the female lead in the New York City-based stage production, after former starKaren Olivo announced their exitin April amidabuse allegations against film and theater producer Scott Rudin.
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“This rare jewel of an opportunity to play a character like [Satine] onBroadwayfeels like a full-circle moment,” Mendoza added. “With this stunning group of bohemian artists and this uniquely conscious creative team, I couldn’t be in better care.”
The filmmaker continued, “That young talent has now blossomed into the lead in our Broadway production. I could not be more thrilled that Natalie will be lowered in that glorious swing as Broadway’s Sparkling Diamond.”
Mendoza has appeared in several films and television projects, as well as on stage in productions likeSpider-Man: Turn Off the DarkandMiss Saigon.
Karen Olivo and Aaron Tveit inMoulin Rouge!.Matthew Murphy 2019
Olivo — who is nominated at theTony Awardsthis year for their role as Satine — announced in April via Instagram Live they will not be returning to the musical once it reopens on Broadway in protest of Rudin’srecent abuse allegations from former employees. (Rudin, 63, is not a producer ofMoulin Rouge! The Musical.)
“I’m coming on here because I want to let everyone know before it goes into the spin cycle why this is an important time and how we can actuallyuse our power in situations,” said Olivo, 44. “Social justice is more important than being the Sparkling Diamond. … Building a better industry is more important than putting money in my pockets.”
Rudin declined to comment to the media outlet, and his rep did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. No charges are known to have been filed against him at this time.
source: people.com
