Priscilla Queen of the Desert Will Strut to Broadway in Early 2011- Page 2

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 10/2/09 at 11:20pm

alterego, this is from the Equity casting call:


"Dates

1st preview in Toronto: October 12, 2010 at Princess of Wales Theatre. Twelve-week Toronto engagement.

Broadway Opening Night: March 6, 2011 at a Broadway house TBA."

So it looks like they are casting both from the same call, and it does have the disclaimer that all principal roles are available. Perhaps they can say that because all the roles are available for Broadway, but they are including the Toronto dates because they are still casting that one role. Curious.

[alterego]

Posted: 10/2/09 at 11:24pm

Thanks for that Tag/Raithnait. Interesting to note that a couple of the Australian Producers who have been with the show from the early days are not listed as being with the show for North America.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 10/3/09 at 1:26am

This just seems like a thread for jo.

[alterego]

Posted: 10/3/09 at 2:16am

jo?

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 10/3/09 at 2:31am

I saw the show last weekend and it really is a love it or hate it kind of show. That said, I think everyone in the audience, from the hen parties to the gays to the older folks really got a kick out of it. I thought I would hate it, and now I'm kind of obsessed with it! It's high camp, with a ton of crazy one-liners, and you just cannot beat those costumes. It's just infectious fun.

That said, I've spent the last week figuring out if the show would work on Broadway. I think the key will be trying to get at (and I hate to say this) the "Mamma Mia" crowd, who would want to see a show based just on having a fun time with recognizable music - you know, the people that think Mamma Mia is a "family show", even though the book is improbably crass.

And I do agree with those that say that the show should not come to Broadway without Tony Sheldon as Bernadette. He's the heart of the show.

[ruthiefan_felix]

Posted: 10/3/09 at 6:58am

I don't think the show will be what it is without Tony Sheldon and I think the producers should bring him to Broadway! Having seen him in the show in London for the 3 times now, I personally do NOT think it was a problem that Tony was an 'unknown' in the UK... cuz... the show sells itself! The costumes, music, set (at times disappointing) are all very enjoyable!!! And the pure talent of the cast! I'm sure people will like it! I brought some of my friends who are Chinese who don't like theatre very much and they had a blast! It's by no means a Little Night Music but it's definitely something that's gonna make you smile when you leave!

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 10/3/09 at 7:52am

"Why not write an original score to Priscilla? "

I would normally be right on board with that comment but now in Priscilla case.

The show is about drag queens, disco queens etc, it makes more sense using disco and dance music than writing a whole new score. The show is there to be a big gay camp flufy musical, OTT production numbers etc, the only way i think Priscialla would have worked would to be a jukebox musical.

As for it getting toned down for US Audeinces.....yes, of course it will, for some strange reason Broadway tends to do this with anything from abroad that can be seen as a bit risky. I think its because places like Europe and Australia are more liberal when it comes to sex etc. I hope they don't but i would expect it to be toned down like Taboo was.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 10/3/09 at 9:30am

Again, by your response you have no idea how sad your support of the continuing erosion of the musical theatre is.

It's neither sad nor is it erosion. It is a celebration of evolution. There is nothing sad about my opinion simply because there is no cause for depression. Original scores are still being written for some shows while audiences are also given an opportunity to hear performers sing some of their favorite songs in other shows.

I really don't give a flip about I'm a Believer in Shrek because I don't care for the show, but I do think I'm a Believer is better than some of the original songs written for the musical.

Are you equally petulant about revues? What about musical books or plays adapted from existing material? How about revivals? Those don't feature original scores, either. Broadway is not about "either/or". Broadway should be about "and". It is the restrictions placed on Broadway shows that will cause its erosion NOT the allowances that may lead to its success. Producers have found ways to make some shows successful that audiences the world over are celebrating. I can't possibly see anything sad about that.

On my last trip to NYC, I saw two revivals, two new shows and one jukebox musical and I enjoyed them all as did the audiences for every single one of them. No evidence of erosion in sight. Don't cry for me, Holbee. Save your tears for the crappy original scores that get produced.

Updated On: 10/3/09 at 09:30 AM

[leefowler]

Posted: 10/3/09 at 9:46am

I agree with Everything Taboo, the show is basically Mamma Mia with drag queens. That said, I don't think the show would be any better with an original score. Part of the bizarre charm of Priscilla is to watch something dramatic happen, and the response is to sing something like "Both Sides Now", or "You Were Always On My Mind."

I had to laugh when someone else said they hoped they wouldn't "dumb down" the show for Broadway. Trust me, it would be really hard to dumb down this show!

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 10/3/09 at 10:11am

Shame it's going into a Nederlander House, because I actually think the best house would have been the Shubert.

[theatrepaul]

Posted: 1/29/10 at 4:33pm

Toronto and Broadway, you are in for a treat! I have seen this show in Melbourne and several times in London. It is wonderful and if the imperious Tony Sheldon travels to North America you will have a real star performance to enjoy. He has made Bernadette his own and deserves his big Broadway break in the show. As for it being another juke box musical, an original score was considered but it was felt the music in the film would work better as the score for the musical. The songs work perfectly. This is not a juke box musical, it a fabulous, life affiriming show. Enjoy it when it arrives!!

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 1/29/10 at 5:10pm

Are these the Bananas in Pajamas on the back of the chair?
https://cloudimages.broadwayworld.com/upload3/99985/tn-500_p8.jpeg

[Upland]

Posted: 1/30/10 at 9:33pm

I usually prefer original musicals, but for this show, I'd say they have to stick with the movie songs - the whole cheesiness of the songs is a large part of the whole point of the show. That said, I'm more looking forward to Catch Me If You Can.