Jahi Kearse (Photo Courtesy of Broadway in Chicago).
Stepping into the theater was like being transported to a lively 1889 nightclub, immersed in bright reds. The show tells the story of a nightclub, one woman, two men, and the friends who become family with its core message: “Freedom, Beauty, Truth, and Love.”
“Moulin Rouge! The Musical” is back on Broadway In Chicago and is now playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph St.) for a limited three-week engagement, running through April 20.
Jahi Kearse (Toulouse-Lautrec) is an artist, activist and Atlanta native. His journey began with being born into a world of artistry, leading him to auditions and ultimately making it to “Moulin Rouge!”
Marshelle Sanders: Thank you so much, Jahi, for allowing me to conduct this interview with you. The show was terrific, and you did a great job with your character and performance. The first question I want to ask you is, where are you initially from, and how did you get started in acting?
Jahi Kearse: I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. My parents are visual artists. They met each other in college at the Atlanta University Center campus. My mom was a cartoon illustrator, and my dad was a painter and graphic designer. When I was young, he also served as the artistic director for the Arts Exchange of Atlanta, which housed visual artist studios, theater companies and dance groups. I also sang in the children’s choir at my mother’s church. I grew up in a world that was both artistic and spiritual, and I was surrounded by art all the time.
Sanders: Nice! Okay, how did you land the role of Toulouse–Lautrec in the Broadway Show “Moulin Rouge! The Musical?”
Kearse: Interestingly enough, one of my best friends from Atlanta, with whom I grew up and performed, initially played the role of Toulouse on Broadway when the show first opened.
When I got the opportunity to audition a few years ago, it was just ironic and circular that I now perform the same role.
I was in New York, where they were holding auditions. I went in, sang for the show, got a callback and eventually made it to the final callback. It was down to another performer and me, and I didn’t get it, but I kept moving forward with my journey, taking on other projects like “Soul Train: The Musical” and “The Preacher’s Wife.” Then, a couple of years later, after we closed “Preacher’s Wife,” I got an email from the show, so now here I am.
Jahi Kearse, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Danny Burgos and the Company of the 2025 touring production of MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL (Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman).
Sanders: From my research, I learned that your character is based on a real person. I had to Google it (laughs). Now, your character, Toulouse, is an artist. Can you tell us more about him and what his mission is in the show, especially for people who haven’t seen it yet?
Kearse: Toulouse is a real person, but his version in the show is a fictionalized imagination of his life. He’s a painter, poet and revolutionary thinker. He was born into wealth in Paris, but his physical condition led to his short stature, which created many struggles in his life.
In the show, we don’t see much of that, but his character is portrayed as a bit of a troublemaker—mischievous but deeply passionate.
He’s in love with Satine (played by Arianna Rosario), one of the show’s stars, but it’s more like a brother-sister love. He knows their relationship can never go beyond that.
In the show, Toulouse is also working to get a musical he’s created produced at the Moulin Rouge. He believes that his vision of a musical—filled with dancers, artistry, Parisian nightlife and the sex lifestyle back then, to be honest—would fit perfectly at the Moulin Rouge. He hopes to introduce Christian, a songwriter from America, to Satine and help them fall in love so he can get his show produced.
Sanders: I did see that; there was a lot of fun and flirty, but rawness to everyone. There’s a lot of bonding between Toulouse, Christian and Santiago in the show; they all have different personalities. What’s your take on male bonding and friendship, especially with the differences in dispositions among the characters?
Kearse: Unfortunately, there’s a general misconception that men can’t bond deeply with each other or that our friendships are somehow less meaningful than women’s. However, this show demonstrates that different male personalities can still form beautiful, genuine friendships despite their differences.
Some of my best friends are completely different from me, but I can’t imagine my life without their support, encouragement and humor. Male bonding is crucial for personal growth and emotional health. Historically, men have been taught to be “tough” and not show vulnerability, which can lead to unhealthy situations. If we have other men to confide in, we can realize that it’s okay to be open and aware of our emotions.
Sanders: That sounds like a thoughtful approach to the character. The show also features some contemporary music. What’s your favorite song to perform, and why?
Kearse: One of my favorite moments is performing Sia’s “Chandelier.” It’s an ensemble piece, and I get to perform it with Christian, Santiago and the rest of the cast. There’s something magical about the energy in that number. It’s as if we’re all letting loose, and it’s a delightful, high-energy moment.
Another favorite is “Nature Boy,” which I perform with Christian. It’s a beautiful and emotional moment that showcases the depth of the characters and their relationships.
Sanders: What would you be doing there if Jahi could travel back to 1889 and visit the Moulin Rouge? Because you were all bumping, grinding and getting close to each other last night (Laughs), I was like,’ Oh, wow. ‘
Kearse: It’s some good-looking people on that stage (laughs). It would be a good night; I’m a Scorpio and would spend the evening well catered to; if I could go back, I’d be living it up at the Moulin Rouge! It was all about the music, dancing and vibrant nightlife. I’d be in the mix, enjoying the energy and celebrating the art, just like Toulouse does in the show.
Sanders: As an African-American actor, what advice would you give aspiring Broadway performers or youth actors starting out?
Kearse: I’d tell them that the world of performing arts would not be what it is without the contributions and creativity of people of color. Don’t shy away from your creativity—express yourself and never stop.
Our history matters, and we have to learn it. However, we must also understand that the journey won’t always be easy. There will be struggles, but if you keep working on your craft and building relationships, it’ll pay off. The journey is long, but stay focused and always try to grow.
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For More Information
Individual tickets for MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL are on sale now with a select number of premium tickets available.
Group tickets (10 or more) are available by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com.Visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com for more information.
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