newportbeachindy . com NOVEMBER 11 , 2022 5
Moulin Rouge
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The cast of the North American Tour of “ Moulin Rouge ! The Musical .” Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade
and maintaining the artistic standards of all choreography and musical staging within a production . This can include making sure all members of the ensemble are doing the choreography correctly , and being able to demonstrate areas of the choreography for the rest of the ensemble
A Swing is responsible for understudying multiple ensemble tracks in a show . The number of tracks depends on the size and diversity of the ensemble . When a swing goes on in place of the regular company member , they must execute the track exactly .
“ Being a Swing in this show is a wild time but in the best way ,” confessed Keats . “ As a swing I cover nine ensemble members . We use ‘ flats ’ and ‘ heels ’ to describe characters and artists , I cover nine flats so I know nine versions of the show , and so far I have been on for eight of them .”
And as assistant Dance Captain , Keats said “ I am in charge maintaining and upholding the integrity of the show from a dance perspective , which includes rehearsing new members , giving notes , helping put people into the show — basically making the show run from a dance perspective .”
Fortunately for Keats , he had terrific dance training . He got his BFA in Dance Performance from the University of California , Irvine in 2011 . He danced at Disneyland throughout his time in college — school by day and dancing at night .
Thanks to Disney he was able to get his Equity card , which built his confidence to try out for other shows . His credits include the musicals “ Escape to Margaritaville ” and “ Damn Yankees ,” as well as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in New York .
The process for auditioning and booking “ Moulin Rouge ! The Musical ” was challenging .
“ I auditioned in February and March 2020 for the Broadway show and the tour simultaneously ,” recalled Keats . “ I got all the way to final callbacks when the shutdowns happened . I did not hear anything until June of 2020 , when they told me once they had dates they would announce what was happening and there would potentially be a part for me on the tour .”
One year later his agent called and said he was being offered the role of Swing on the national tour , which was starting in January 2022 but due to a Covid surge got pushed back .
Keats kept busy during the Covid hiatus .
“ I did a grab bag mix of things ,” said Keats . “ I taught for a Pilates fitness class online and then in person when it was safe to do so , and I worked for my dad ’ s company doing cultural enrichment online , and then small theater opportunities as they arose including Norwegian Cruise Line . And I did a lot of yoga — it kept me sane and physically ready to do this show .”
“ Moulin Rouge ! The Musical ” is indeed physically challenging , said Keats .
“ Doing this show is like jumping on a roller coaster and taking a ride . The adrenaline rush , the fear , the excitement , the joy . It ’ s a blast .”
Keats agreed that the stage version is as stylized as the movie .
“ There are some amazing light changes , and you are pulled into the set in a fantastic way ,” explained Keats . “ We make audiences feel really warm and force you to look at us . We keep the engine running with great music and incredible dancing , and the characters are so full and warm and heartfelt , you can ’ t help but be excited by it .”
“ The way the songs are strung together is really fun ,” added Keats . Audiences are having an incredible time , we get waves of applause .”
Keats is naturally excited to be back in Orange County and having his dance teachers from UCI attend the show . And his parents , who live in Dana Point . He ’ ll get to stay with them instead of his normal hotel room .
“ I hope to spend time at lifeguard tower 15 in Laguna Beach like I did growing up ,” said Keats .
In the meantime , he ’ s spending his time dancing in “ Moulin Rouge ! The Musical .”
For tickets , visit www . SCFTA . org or call the box office at ( 714 ) 556-2787 .
For more information on “ Moulin Rouge !” visit www . MoulinRougeMusical . com .
celebrate THE SEASON
Join the Segerstrom Family at our traditional Tree Lighting
þursday
NOVEMBER 17 • 7PM TOWN CENTER PARK Adjacent to The Westin South Coast Plaza
South Coast Plaza ’ s tree lighting features a magical performance by Orange County School of the Arts . Enjoy a celebration of the holidays with snow and a special visit from Santa . Admission is complimentary .
SouthCoastPlaza . com / Holiday
Holiday Information