"PRISCILLA:
Queen of the Desert"
at the Palace Theater
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Go see the giddy, glitzy, glamorous new production of "Priscilla: Queen of the Desert," directed by Simon Phillips, now playing at the Palace Theater. You'll have a fun time--even if you probably won't remember much of it the next morning.
Adapted from Stephan Elliott and Alan Scott's 1994 film, "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert," this frothy new musical, filled with dance tunes made famous by Donna Summer, Cindi Lauper, Madonna, and other disco favorites, features lots of feathers, sequins, platform shoes, flashing lights, good-looking guys, colorful cupcakes, and even--alas!--one cake that someone left out in the rain.
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There is a plot of sorts, revolving around one drag entertainer named Tick (played by Will Swenson), who is working in Sydney, Australia. He hears from his ex-wife, Marian (played by Jessica Phillips) that their young son, Benji, wants to meet him.
With two flamboyant fellow entertainers, played by Nick Adams and Tony Sheldon, he sets out in a bus named "Priscilla" to visit his ex-wife and son. And various adventures ensue.
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| From left to right: Will Swenson, Tony Sheldon, Nick Adams. (Photo by Joan Marcus) |
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Of course the father is nervous, wondering if his son will accept him. And of course the son does. They sing a duet of "Always on My Mind" and "I Say a Little Prayer" that was my own personal favorite part of the show: a rare moment of quiet, gentle, honesty in an often raucus, over-the top show. It's a moving little scene--even if it is almost lost amidst all of the razzle-dazzle of the night. The show's set designer (Brian Thomson) and costume designers (Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner) have created a gaudy, brightly colored spectacle that is unique among the current offerings on Broadway.
Of all the actors, Tony Sheldon gives the most nuanced, convincing, and affecting performance. I hope he gets some kind of recognition when awards for best performances of the season are given out.
--Rob Adams
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