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Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Melbourne)
Presented by: Back Row Productions,
Specific Films, Chugg Entertainment and MGM on Stage
Venue:
The Regent Theatre
Reviewer: Simon Parris
Date Reviewed: 6th October, 2007
Priscilla, that glorious technicolor chariot of the divas, has burst
on stage in Melbourne in a magnificent multi-million dollar
production that is bound to thrill at least as many Melbourne
audiences as it did in Sydney.
Fans of the classic Australian film will not be disappointed as the
colourful characters, groovy disco tunes, spectacular costumes and
bitchy put downs of the movie are all featured and in fact greatly
enhanced. Priscilla the musical is created in the style of that
other classic juke box musical Mamma Mia in that it has a simple
story, larger than life characters and a feel good beat that leaves
audiences on an absolute high.
Of course Mamma Mia is the reason the Abba songs from the movie do
not make it to this score, but the treasure trove of disco classics
has been mined to include even more favourites, such as Macarthur
Park, Colour my World, Venus and an amazing version of Kylie’s
Confide in Me. The conceit of the show in terms of the drag
performances is that the ‘girls’ mime to music which is being sung
live by the ‘Divas’, often floating magically overhead.
 As
with the score of the stage show of Saturday Night Fever, some of
these songs sound a bit odd when sung clearly as the lyrics where
not originally intended to be heard clearly. On the other hand,
classic diva favourites tend to have an emotional drive to their
lyrics, making them quite suitable for characters in a musical to
express themselves. As with the hugely successful current Broadway
juke box musical Jersey Boys, a clever aspect of the score is that
sometimes only snippets of a song are used when that is all that is
required. This helps to keep the action moving without getting
slowed down in number after number.
And that action certainly does move along at a cracking pace thanks
to the superb direction of Simon Phillips. Designer Brian Thomson
has scenes flow seamlessly on a revolve with plenty of theatrical
magic to divert the eye while clever transformations are achieved.
This is a show that certainly fits the vast Regent Theatre with the
large stage helping to create the outback setting. The full height
and depth of the stage are filled with colour and action that be
clearly seen throughout the cavernous auditorium.
Adding to the eye-popping colour, and almost walking away with the
show in their own right, are the stunning, not to mention witty,
costume creations of Oscar winners Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner.
Finally armed with a big budget, they have recreated some classic
outfits from the movie (such as the dress of thongs) but have also
added so much more. The ensemble sashay across the stage as dancing
paint brushes, giant cup cakes, silver cowboys and psychedelic
representations of the outback.
To complement all this spectacle, focus is drawn in on the emotional
scenes. Each lead character’s humanity is clearly drawn and each
reaches a satisfying conclusion to their emotional journey. These
scenes are presented sincerely without a trace of mawkishness and
add considerable depth and heart to the story.
The cast from Sydney is largely intact. Tony Sheldon continues at
the top of his form as Bernadette, hitting all the right emotional
beats and gaining the audience’s affection and compassion. Jeremy
Stanford also gives a strong, heartfelt performance as Tick (Mitzi).
Adam Scott plays the bitchy, spoilt Adam (Felicia) with plenty of
energy and flair. Each is strong in their own right, but as a team
these three have fantastic chemistry and are able to bounce gags off
each other, perform fun routines and share tender moments with
polished ease.
Collette Mann has replaced Genevieve Lemon, who is set to play Mrs
Wilkinson in Billy Elliot. Mann was a treat as mulletted,
big-breasted bogan Shirley. Michael Caton was extremely well
received as outback saviour and gentleman Bob. Caton plays it
straight and has many fine moments in the show including a brief
chance to sing. Lena Cruz was in fine comic form as Bob’s hideous
mail-order bride Cynthia.
Priscilla the musical is great night out. Audiences will certainly
see their entertainment dollar hard at work on stage. Only the most
cynical or jaded theatregoer could come away from the show without
having enjoyed a fantastic night’s entertainment. Attendance is
highly recommended.
PS:
it was very exciting to see a full page advertisement in the program
for next year’s Regent Theatre spectacular. The Melbourne arrival of
those
certain young Witches is getting closer…
Simon has appeared in more than 30 productions over the past twenty
years. Recent roles include Eugene Fodor in Crazy for You (Whitehorse)
and Mr Fox in Mack and Mabel (CLOC). Other favourite roles include
Max in The Sound of Music, Freddy in My Fair Lady, Julio in Paint
Your Wagon, Marcellus in The Music Man and Grantaire in Les
Miserables. In 2005, Simon was nominated for a Guild Award in the
category Best Cameo Performance for his role as the Judge in Hello,
Dolly! (Whitehorse).
He is also a keen audience member, having seen over 50 shows in five
weeks on a recent trip to
New York
and
London.
Simon is currently in rehearsals for Catchment’s The Wizard of Oz,
in which he is playing Uncle Henry/Guard of the Gate. Simon has
served on the Music Theatre Guild of
Victoria
Committee for three years, and is currently Treasurer.
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