Priscilla Queen of the Desert

This was a stunning production which had the ‘wow’ factor from start to finish. With big pop and rock iconic hit numbers from the era following one after the other, the show moved along at a fast pace with an exuberant cast who displayed high energy and strong, lusty singing.

Big production numbers such as ‘Go West’, ‘Colour My World’, ‘I Will Survive’ and the rousing Finale Medley were dynamic both vocally and also in delivering first class, varied choreography which was executed with precision and verve. The entire ensemble moved and sang with utter conviction with never a hand or foot out of place and harmonies coming across loud and clear.

The story follows Tick, a drag queen who persuades his transgender friend Bernadette and fellow drag queen Adam (Felicia) to travel with him from Sydney to Alice Springs to perform at a cabaret run by his estranged wife Marion. Tick is also summoned to meet his now 8 year old son but his travelling companions are unaware of this. Their journey is not without difficulties. The trio face not only a big problem when their bus Priscilla breaks down in the middle of nowhere, but also prejudice, homophobia and violence from some of the Australian outback residents they meet along the way. Greg McCafferty-Thomson (Tick), Dean McAvoy (Adam/Felicia), and Graeme Melvin (Bernadette) were an awesome trio of Queens. Each displayed real depth to their character and there was a genuine chemistry and understanding of each others personal struggles and vulnerability.

Greg gave an extremely  assured performance as Tick. Bold and confident with his friends, his sensitive side was superbly convincing as he thought about what might be in store when he meets his young son .’I Say A Little Prayer’ was moving and when he finally met Benji his genuine paternal bond with his son was extremely emotional. Young Finn Craig who played Benji in the performance I attended was quite adorable. The duet with father and son ‘Always On My Mind’ was a real tear jerker. Tick in many ways came across as the peace maker of the trio as he at times had to calm the water between Bernadette and Felicia.

Grame Melvin gave a flawless performance as Bernadette. He absolutely captured the detail and emotion of his character extracting all the comedy from the role with perfectly timed lines and mannerisms. Perhaps the most brash of the three, his annoyance with the somewhat reckless and naive Felicia was evident but in contrast his caring and softer side was displayed in protecting Felicia. Dean McAvoy’s Felicia was an absolute joy. Stylish, arrogant and careless of the consequences of his attitude and behaviour he exuded a real zest for life. ’Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ and ‘Hot Stuff’ with the Divas were showstoppers. I did also admire Felicia’s lip syncing and antics during ‘Sempra Libra.

These three Queens strutted their stuff with ease and confidence, looked fabulous in extravagant costumes and expertly drew out the humour and pathos from their characters. ’True Colours’ perhaps summed up their true feelings

Helping to move the story along, the three Divas were excellent musical narrators who made a real impact as they made their entrance by flying in wearing resplendent shiny,silver costumes and red wigs. Rosie Sugrue, Felicity Thomas and Emily-Jane Lister had outstanding vocals and could certainly belt out the well known musical numbers. They literally got the show off to a flying start with ‘It’s Raining Men’! The occasional use of the theatre box for these ladies worked extremely well.

Russell Coid was in great form as the tough Aussie mechanic who comes to the rescue when Priscilla breaks down. His inner conflict as he wrestles with his disinterest in his rather loud wife and realisation that he has feelings for Bernadette was most touching. ‘A Fine Romance’ as Bob and Bernadette feel true love was quite heart warming. Kirsten Simpson certainly didn’t hold back as Bob’s wife Cynthia. A complete extrovert, she brought real comedy to the part with her brilliant exotic dancing.

Other principal roles were perfectly cast. Joshua Daniel Fleming was a flamboyant Miss Understanding, Lynne Sadler a warm hearted maternal Marion and Bethany Dunion a brash, confident Shirley.

The large ensemble on stage was utterly buzzing, Costumes and wigs were quite magnificent and I have to congratulate the cast, wardrobe team and team back stage who must have been exhausted changing their numerous stunning costumes ensuring that everyone looked splendid. Wonderful lighting effects and a great set all enhanced this most imaginative production. The orchestra was resounding but never competed with the singers who had obviously been extremely well rehearsed and made an amazing sound.

This was a visually spectacular production full of glitz, glamour, fabulous singing and acting, spirited choreography, humour and frivolity and also very emotional moments. The entire cast smiled from start to finish as did the audience who must have left the theatre singing and whose appreciation was shown by the well deserved standing ovation. Congratulations to the production team and all involved in this most professional production.

 

 

© NODA CIO.  All rights reserved.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.