PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL stepped onto Broadway in high style when performances began on Monday night.
Luxury shoe designer Manolo Blahnik has unveiled his exclusive silver patent leather Mary Jane high heel adorned with a Swarovski crystal button as the official stiletto of the production - marking the first time in history Manolo's iconic shoe has been inspired by a Broadway musical. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the event and brings you photo coverage below.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the shoes and a specially designed companion Manolo silver necklace with a high heel charm will benefit Priscilla producer
Bette Midler's charity the New York Restoration Project.
The Priscilla stiletto will be available at the Manolo Blahnik flagship store at 31 West 54th Street in New York City. The Manolo necklace will be sold at the Palace Theatre on Broadway.
At preview performances beginning Thursday, March 3 through Saturday, March 12, Manolo Blahnik will give away a $700 gift certificate to the Manolo Blahnik flagship store to celebrate the first two weeks of Priscilla's Broadway previews. A total of twelve gift certificates will be given away to a randomly selected audience member during each performance at the Palace Theatre.
Bette Midler said: "If there are three things I love it is shoes, drag queens and live theatre! I am so thrilled that Manolo Blahnik and Priscilla have come together to benefit a cause near and dear to my heart, the New York Restoration Project. Go out and buy these shoes! You will look fabulous and help green and clean New York City one block at a time!"
In both the Academy Award® winning film and stage musical PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT, three drag queens travel across the Australian outback with a giant fifteen foot high stiletto on the top of their bus named ‘Priscilla." An iconic moment features a character in full drag performing an aria perched atop the high heel while the bus speeds through the desert.
Following smash hit productions in Australia, London and Toronto, PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL arrives on Broadway at The Palace Theatre (1564 Broadway) when previews begin Monday, February 28 and opens Sunday, March 20, 2011.
PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL stars Tony Award® nominee
Will Swenson, Olivier Award nominee
Tony Sheldon and
Nick Adams as the trio of friends on a heart-warming, uplifting road trip of a lifetime who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship in the middle of the Australian outback and end up finding more than they could ever have dreamed.
Featuring a cast of 27, a score of over 20 dance-floor classics and with a dazzling array of more than 500 outrageous costumes, the spectacular new stage musical is a sensational journey to the heart of fabulous.
Adapted from the Academy Award® winning film "The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert," PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL is written by
Stephan Elliott and
Allan Scott. Direction is by
Simon Phillips, choreography by
Ross Coleman, musical supervision and arrangements by Stephen ‘Spud' Murphy and set design by
Brian Thomson. Production supervised by
Jerry Mitchell.
Tim Chappel and
Lizzy Gardiner have re-created their Academy Award® winning costume designs originally designed for the film. Lighting is designed by
Nick Schlieper, sound design is by
Jonathan Deans and
Peter Fitzgerald and make up design is by
Cassie Hanlon.
For almost 40 years, Manolo Blahnik's shoe designs have been worn by women all over the world. Blahnik began his career in 1972 on the advice of a US Vogue Editor Diana Vreeland. The brand is known for elaborate and classic designs and prides itself on the highest level of quality and comfort. It is currently present in over 16 countries in the world.
Founded by
Bette Midler, New York Restoration Project (NYRP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to reclaiming and restoring New York City parks, community gardens and open space. In partnership with the City of New York, NYRP is also leading MillionTreesNYC - an initiative to plant and care for one million new trees throughout New York City's five boroughs by 2017.
For Priscilla ticket and schedule information, visit:
www.priscillaonbroadway.com
Manolo Blahnik CEO George D. Malkemus
George D. Malkemus
George D. Malkemus and Anastacia McCleskey
Anastacia McCleskey and Ashley Spencer
Anastacia McCleskey George D. Malkemus, Ashley Spencer and Jacqueline B. Arnold
Anastacia McCleskey, Ashley Spencer, Jacqueline B. Arnold and George D. Malkemus
Anastacia McCleskey, Ashley Spencer and Jacqueline B. Arnold
Anastacia McCleskey, Ashley Spencer and Jacqueline B. Arnold
Anastacia McCleskey, Ashley Spencer and Jacqueline B. Arnold
The Shoe that Inspired it All (c. Tristram Kenton)
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