BWW Interviews: C. David Johnson Talks PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT!

Priscilla Queen of the Desert began previews on October 12th in Toronto, and had it's official pink carpet opening on the 26th of October. BWW has been on hand to bring you photos, videos and interviews with the cast and crew as they prepare to launch the North American Premiere of this international smash. Today we are thrilled to bring you another interview with one of the show's stars!

Priscilla is already a world-renowned hit with successful productions in Australia and London. It is scheduled to begin performances on Broadway at the Palace Theatre February 28th with official opening night set for March 20th, 2011. Before that, it will play a 12 week run in Toronto which ends January 2nd, 2011.

As previously announced, the production stars Will Swenson (Tick/Mitzi), Tony Sheldon (Bernadette), Nick Adams (Adam/Felicia), and C. David Johnson (Bob). Completing the cast is Jacqueline B. Arnold (Diva), James Brown III (Jimmy), Trek Bucciino (Benjamin), Nathan Lee Graham (Miss Understanding), J. Elaine Marcos (Cynthia), Anastacia McCleskey (Diva), Mike McGowan (Frank), Jessica Phillips (Marion), Steve Schepis (Farrah), Keala Settle (Shirley), Ashley Spencer (Diva), Thom Allison, Kyle Brown, Gavin Lodge, Jeff Metzler, BRyan West, Tad Wilson, Joshua Buscher, Susan Dunstan, David Lopez, Ellyn Marie Marsh and Eric Sciotto.

Today we are featuring C. David Johnson, who plays Bob, and is one of the cast's Canadians.

Congratulations on your Broadway debut! As a Canadian in this Broadway cast, do you feel like a bit of an ambassador for Toronto?

Well, maybe a consul, perhaps. Most of the folks in the show have seen Toronto before while touring productions here. Mostly I keep trying to assure people the winters really aren't that bad, certainly no worse than New York's.

You are well-known in Canada for your extensive work in television. What has it been like to get involved in such a large-scale musical production? Have you noticed distinct differences between Priscilla and the productions you have done at Stratford or Soulpepper?

At times, I am a stranger in a strange land. These kids are all serious triple threats and their talent and work level is astonishing. And the sheer size of the production is awe-inspiring, but all shows become one's extended family and I have been welcomed warmly into this one.

You have a slightly different role in the show, as you are one of the only non-drag characters. What has it been like being the love interest of the amazing Tony Sheldon?

I must say it has been an honour and a pleasure getting to know Tony and getting to know Bernadette, his character in the show. She is a grande dame of the first order, and very easy to fall in love with.

C. David Johnson at the Priscilla Press Preview (photo credit: Racheal McCaig)

As one of the Canadians in the cast, have you noticed a slightly difference audience reaction than your American peers?

I think we're all spoiled already! The reaction has been tremendous, probably as close to a rock concert as I'll ever get. Toronto crowds have a rep for sitting on their hands....well, forget that. One of the Producer's said that Priscilla is a bit of "an invitation to feel naughty" and it is nice to see Toronto audiences enjoying the show so much! As Canadians we have so much in common with Oz, especially the sheer magnitude of the landscape, which is a central character in the show.

In February you will head to NYC with Priscilla. What are you most looking forward to about opening the show on Broadway?

Corny as it sounds, I want to go to Sardi's and wait for reviews, assuming one can still do that. And just the pure excitement of an Opening Night in New York.

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When and Where?
Priscilla Queen of the Desert

The Princess of Wales Theatre

Performance Schedule:

Begins Oct 12th, 2010 and runs until January 2nd, 2011

Tuesday - Saturday at 8PM
Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2PM

Tickets can be purchased online at www.mirvish.com or be phone at 416-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333

For more information visit www.priscillathemusical.com.

 

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