by MK Scott
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert the Musical was in Seattle this week. I however did not see the tour, but I can re-post the review of the Broadway show in August 2011.
During this NY trip I was mostly anticipating seeing the Priscilla Queen of the Desert musical, not because I am a big fan of the movie but to see a glimpse of the gorgeous, Nick Adams (See Interview), Tony nominee, Tony Sheldon, and the Handsome, Will Swenson. The story is so campy and the music was familiar, and is by far the Gayest show to ever hit Broadway!
From Monday, August 22, 2011:
From Queens on wires to the men in g-strings for 'It's Raining Men', you know you can expect 'Gay, Gay, Gay'.
From Queens on wires to the men in g-strings for 'It's Raining Men', you know you can expect 'Gay, Gay, Gay'.
First opened in Australia, then London, a few more changes have been made for the North American audiences as Priscilla is brought to the stage, and while a road-trip movie doesn't easily lend itself to an easy transfer to the stage, Elliot and Scott load the show with so much camp, heart, and crass-drag-queen humour (as it can only be!), and Tom Chappel and Lizzy Garndiner (Oscar winners for the film's costumes) fit the actors into a fashion pageant of over-the-top frills that delight the eye, that you barely notice the thin storyline of 3 Sydney drag queens making their way to the middle of the desert to Alice Springs on a bus they've christened "Priscilla".
Will Swenson (Hair, 110 in the Shade) plays Tick/Mitzi, a drag queen who finally decides to go to Alice Springs to meet his son, from a wife of a life far left behind. Swenson, whose sexual swagger ignited his Berger in Hair, brings a nice masculine opposition within his Tick/Mitzi. Swenson's duality between the feminine Mitzi, and his attempt at being straight-acting butch Tick as he crosses the macho Australian desert, is wonderfully played out that manages to avoid caricature with a sweet tender self-inducing confliction. Swenson's voice sometimes wavers, as his deeper voice (or his attempt at an Australian accent while singing) doesn't seem to get him to some of the high notes required, but Swenson and his attempt to reunite with his son is genuinely heartwarming in the midst of the high-camp show.
Tony Sheldon, who reprises his role as Bernadette from the Sydney and London production, is the oldest of the traveling trio, and comes with the quick quips and sharp tongue of a seasoned "showbiz" veteran, but with an addition lashing from enduing being a transgendered woman on top of it all. Sheldon nicely softens Bernadette from the more embittered version from the movie. Swenson's Tick/Mitzi may be our guide through this journey but Sheldon's Bernadette is definitely driving the bus here, and while his Bernadette is recovering from the death of her beloved "Trumpet", a young fling-of-a-husband, she finds new life and love in the most unlikeliest of places.
Meanwhile, Nick Adams plays Adam/Felicia with such zest and energy and literally seems to bound through the entire show on his muscular physique. His whole performance, from his dancing and physicality, to his gestures and facial reactions, to his beautiful singing voice and his hilarious comebacks, just fully engulfs who Adam/Felicia really is. And with all the gay bravado, Nick Adams' manages to show the cracks beneath all the makeup. With all of Adam/Felicia's antics, it's to Adams' credit that she still comes off as lovable and likable as he does, and you can believe the trio's eventual bonding despite some of the nastier insults they throw at each other.
The Bus changes colors and turns around for a complete internal view. (I've read the London and Australian versions had more elaborate sets).
Tony Sheldon, who reprises his role as Bernadette from the Sydney and London production, is the oldest of the traveling trio, and comes with the quick quips and sharp tongue of a seasoned "showbiz" veteran, but with an addition lashing from enduing being a transgendered woman on top of it all. Sheldon nicely softens Bernadette from the more embittered version from the movie. Swenson's Tick/Mitzi may be our guide through this journey but Sheldon's Bernadette is definitely driving the bus here, and while his Bernadette is recovering from the death of her beloved "Trumpet", a young fling-of-a-husband, she finds new life and love in the most unlikeliest of places.
Meanwhile, Nick Adams plays Adam/Felicia with such zest and energy and literally seems to bound through the entire show on his muscular physique. His whole performance, from his dancing and physicality, to his gestures and facial reactions, to his beautiful singing voice and his hilarious comebacks, just fully engulfs who Adam/Felicia really is. And with all the gay bravado, Nick Adams' manages to show the cracks beneath all the makeup. With all of Adam/Felicia's antics, it's to Adams' credit that she still comes off as lovable and likable as he does, and you can believe the trio's eventual bonding despite some of the nastier insults they throw at each other.
The Bus changes colors and turns around for a complete internal view. (I've read the London and Australian versions had more elaborate sets).
Adams (as Felicia) is in the giant shoe as it moves down stage to go over up to the 3rd Row.
As in the movie it isn't about just Glitter and Glam it is about the bond of friendship and second chances and it is still apparent in the story.
They added several song from the '80's like 'True Colors', 'Girls just want to have Fun', etc and the focus isn't on ABBA, but on Madonna (Huh?)! The iconic song in the film (besides 'I will survive' which is intact) was 'Mamma Mia' (But that song is already being performed down the street) was missing as was Vanessa Williams' Ballad, 'Save the best for Last'. Those would have made it just as good as the Movie.
The Tour stars Wade McCollum (as Tick/Mitzi), Bryan West (as Adam/Felicia) and Scott Willis (as Bernadette). Check out the official site for details of where this show is headed next.
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