Chapter Three: And they meet

Bette and the bohemians arrive at the windmill of the Moulin Rouge, a swirling vortex of colours and noise. Bette gapes around in amazement.

Joyce Wischnia and her infamous girls. They called them her “Diamond Dogs”.

Bette stares at the diamond dogs who appear from behind a mirrored wall. They all say in unison: “Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir?”

Wischnia and the diamond dogs begin their number, surrounded by the cheering rakes.

Hey sista, go sista, soul sista, flow sista
Hey sista, go sista…

Wischnia: If life’s an awful bore…

…soul sista, flow sista…

Wischnia:…And living’s just a chore that we do…

…Hey sista, go sista…

Wischnia: …‘Cause death’s not much fun…

…soul sista

Diamond Dogs: …Giuchie giuchie, ya ya…

Wischnia:…I have just the antidote…

Diamond Dogs: … da da…

Wischnia:…And though I mustn’t gloat, at the Moulin Rouge you’ll have fun!

Alice pulls one of the dancers onto her lap. Oh la-la!

Wischnia:…Just scratch that little niggle, have a little wiggle…

Bette watches with amazement. The rakes grab at the dancers.

Diamond Dogs:…Creole Lady Marmelade…

Wischnia… You know that you can, ‘cause we can can-can!

Diamond Dogs: Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir?

Wischnia:…Don’t say you can’t, can’t, can’t!

Diamond Dogs:…Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?

Wischnia:…You know you can can-can!

The rakes all dance in a line. Bette joins in hesitatingly with the bohemians.

Rakes: Here we are now, entertain us! We feel stupid and contagious!

The doors in the dance hall open to reveal Joyce Wischnia and the diamond dogs.

Wischnia: Got some dark desire? Love to play with fire? Why not let it rip, live a little bit! Can can-can!

The rakes and the diamonds dogs dance towards each other and finally, together.

Wischnia: Outside it may be raining, but in here it’s entertaining!

Diamond Dogs: If you love to be free…

Wischnia: …then the Moulin Rouge is the place to be! Outside things may be tragic, but in here we feel it’s magic!

“Well you can bump and grind…” the bohemians sing, dancing around Bette.
“’Cause it’s good for your mind!” Bette sings out loud. She joins the crowd dancing with the Diamond Dogs, then looks around at the debauchery surrounding her.

Alice signals to her. “Bette!” she shouts.