Priscilla Queen of the Desert Review-TORONTO- 10/31/10

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 11/1/10 at 2:37pm

WHAT A WAY TO SPEND HALLOWEEN AFTERNOON!!!!

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is a joy from start to finish! Curmudgeons stay away! I'd actually call it "Mamma Mia 2". It's a campy, bawdy, no holds barred jukebox musical that is a load of fun but has tons of heart and a great message.

I know for sure that this show will have plenty of detractors, but the whole package is just such a thrill. It's funny, because I tend like darker pieces of theatre, but once in a great while I am presented with something that is so joyful that lacks self-consciousness that I am completely transported. This was one of those times.

This happened with Mamma Mia and Xanadu previously, and once again with Priscilla. I completely let go of all my troubles and had a blast. It is one of the hardest working casts I have ever seen and they are all so blessedly brilliant. The ensemble is just divine on every level and busts their butts.

First off-the cast. Tony Sheldon in inspired as Bernadette. He is able to get the laughs and break your heart. It's a very touching and incandescent performance. Just stunning.

Will Swenson took some getting used to. After his iconic performance in the HAIR revival, it is hard to see him as the most introspective and emotional of all the queens. So it took a while for me to adjust to his sweet and nuanced performance, but he really won me over. He is an exceptionally gifted actor and this performance really shows his softer and more emotional side. Wonderful on all accounts.

Now, BRAVO to Nick Adams. FINALLY a role that allows Mr. Adams to use all of his gifts and get him out of the ensemble. He was born for the role of Felicia. I was really happy after all of the trash people talk about him on here and all the hating of him to see him emerge as the gloriously ego-centric Felicia. He is perfection. It's almost as if he is playing the role as he is rumored to be. It's a balls to wall (no pun intended) performance and he gives 120%. His voice sounds amazing and his numbers rock the house. He really earned this lead role and he is thrilling.

As you all know, there is a ton of $$$$ on that stage and it is glorious. The stage craft is state of the art, which is a lot of fun to see. The costumes just can't be beat. The cast nails all the hit songs and the energy is palpable.

This show is going to be huge on Broadway, even with lousy reviews, because people are going to have a blast!!!! Plus, it's a spectacle so international tourists will love it if they speak English or not. The woman next to me did not speak English and she was groovin in her seat. The Princess of Wales Theatre was packed to the rafters and people on the street were looking for tickets.

The audience lost their mind at curtain call and danced and screamed and cheered. Everyone left ebullient. In today's climate, this is what people need. Plus, it is a show with a loving message of tolerance. It was beautiful to see an audience laugh and roar and applaud a transgender protagonist. Very moving indeed. I laughed through my tears at the end.

I can't wait for everyone in NYC to see this show and HAVE A BLAST! Go enjoy a****in a frock on a rock! :)

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 11/1/10 at 3:51pm

I tend like darker pieces of theatre, but once in a great while I am presented with something that is so joyful that lacks self-consciousness that I am completely transported.

Yes! This sums up my reaction as well. And you are correct, reviews in NY won't mean a thing. It is a recognizable title (from the movie) and it's already been a big success in London, Melbourne and Sydney.

[singingbackup]

Posted: 11/1/10 at 7:04pm

I can't wait!!

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 11/1/10 at 10:54pm

I hope Toronto impresses the Priscilla folks and Toronto becomes THE place to do pre-Broadway runs. :)

[sabrelady]

Posted: 11/1/10 at 11:58pm

Once upon a time...

Sadly w the difficulty of transborder shipping and of course Equity rules don't expect it to happen.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 11/2/10 at 11:12am

Sabrelady, that is sad if true. If it is so problematic, how did it happen for Priscilla?

It seems like less people are talking about the show than when they do pre-Broadway tryouts in the US. So in some ways it seems a safer haven to work on a show.

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 11/2/10 at 10:32pm

I say, hooray for Priscilla -- I don'tknow about Tony worthyness, but this is going to be a show that carries on for years! Hip, Hip, Hooray! And Will Swenson in those glorious costumes! And Shelton will win the Tony, for sure!

[alterego]

Posted: 11/3/10 at 7:36pm

The names is Sheldon not Shelton.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 11/3/10 at 7:48pm

I do hope Tony Sheldon wins a Tony and I think there's a chance Swenson or Adams could get Tony nods, but I think Adams actually has a better shot.