Reviewed by Paula Citron
Mirvish Productions
Written by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott
Directed by Simon Phillips
Oct. 12,2010 to Jan. 2, 2011
Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical is an absolute feast for the eyes. The original 1994 movie makes a perfect transition to the stage.
I thought the movie was a wonderful idea that fell a bit flat, but the stage version compensates by throwing in production numbers to fill the gaps. Priscilla Queen of the Desert works much better as a musical.
It also helps that the same Australian team is aboard, including writer Stephan Elliott, and Oscar-winning costume designers Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner who have run absolutely wild.
As the three drag queens who go into the Australian outback to put on a show, Will Swenson, Tony Sheldon and Nick Adams have great chemistry, although Swenson’s performance is a little too low key. Sheldon is superb.
The choice of found disco music for the score is inspired.
Priscilla Queen of the Desert continues at the Princess of Wales Theatre until Jan. 2 before heading to Broadway.