Review: PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT at Noel S. Ruiz Theatre

Just in time for the month of Pride, a technicolor bright production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert is bringing down the house at the Noel S. Ruiz Theatre in Oakdale through July 8.

Based 1994's cult classic The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, the 70's and 80's inspired jukebox musical tells the story of three drag queens who travel across the Australian desert on a journey to reach Alice Springs, where one man's young son Benji, who he has never met, resides. And to get there, they arrange a ride on the titular bus - Priscilla.

Timothy Conway - a longtime Creative Ministries veteran who returns after a five-year main-stage acting hiatus - plays that man, Tick, with a balance of gentle earnestness and comic charm. When he finally meets the boy who he fathered six years prior, the effect - aided by young Alexander Yagud-Wolek's wide eyed innocence - is tear inducing.

While it does have its fleeting softer moments, most of the show is a rousing, nostalgic paradise of fabulous scenery, larger than life costumes and out of this world vocals to match as the cast sings favorites like "It's Raining Men," "True Colors," "Color My World," "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" and more - often led by "The Divas," a trio of skilled vocalists played by Debbie Hecht, Samantha Rosario and Krisbel Brenes Sandi.

Rounding out the trio of leads are James Murano as the classy, transgender former member of an elite drag show Bernadette and PatRick Grossman as the vivacious diva Adam/Felicia who constantly stirs things up for the group.

For all their camptastic scenes, the two are also able to show their dramatic acting chops. In a particularly heart wrenching scene, Grossman is attacked by a group of homophobic outback residents. His emotions are palpable and the picture of hostility is all too timely. It proves to be an important scene that shines a light on the prejudice the LGBT community still faces in today's society.

Meanwhile, Murano shows vulnerability as he falls in love with the endearing bushman mechanic, Bob - played brilliantly by John DiGiorgio with an unfaltering Aussie accent.

However, this show proves again that a production is nothing without a strong ensemble - and this ensemble is dynamite. Standouts include Alfonso Lora in his Tina Turner inspired scene featuring her signature wild locks and tassled dress and Janelle Primm, who proves to be a theatrical chameleon of sorts as she goes from a rural Aussie donning a mullet to a fabulous backup dancer.

Priscilla even establishes herself as a strong character - yes, the bus. Decked out in neon lights and serving as the trio's steed, she earns her title as Queen of the Desert.

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"Priscilla Queen of the Desert" is presented by The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre of Oakdale, Long Island through July 8. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call 631-218-2810 or visit www.cmpac.com

Book by Stephan Elliot and Allan Scott. Based on the Latent Image/Specific Films motion picture distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer Inc. Directed by Kristen Digilio, Musical Direction by Matthew W. Surrico, Choreography by M.E. Junge, Scenic Design by PatRick Grossman, Costume Design by Ronald Green III, Lighting Design by Alison Weinberger, Sound Design by Nicolette Carosi, Stage Management by Amanda Wenchel.

Starring: Timothy J Conway as Tick (Mitzi), James Murano as Bernadette, PatRick Grossman as Adam (Felicia), John DiGiorgio as Bob, Denise Antonelle as Marion, Alexander Yagud-Wolek as Benji, Debbie Hect, Samantha Rosario, Krisbel Sandi as the Divas, Alfonso Lora as Miss Understanding, Nana Tatebayashi as Cynthia, Janelle Primm as Shirely, David Tucciarone as Farrah/Young Bernadette, and the ensemble: Dana Abruzzo, Elias Avalo, Meaghan Lakios, Robbie McGrath, Matthew Surrico.

Photo Credit: Lisa Schindlar