Hit Musical PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT Makes its South African Debut with Local Cast

Showtime Management in association with Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and Nullarbor Productions, invite local audiences to join them for what they hope will be the musical journey of a lifetime when the critically-acclaimed hit musical PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT, based on the Oscar-winning film, makes its South African debut next year. Featuring an all South African cast, PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT will be on stage at Artscape in Cape Town, following which it will transfer to Montecasino's Teatro. The production is being brought to South Africa in association with BBC First.

The stage musical adaptation of PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT originally opened in Australia in 2006. After a two-year sell-out run, the show opened on London's West End and then on Broadway in New York. The show continues to wow audiences across the globe with recent return tours to the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. It has won awards all over the world, including prestigious Olivier and Tony awards for its costume design.

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT is a heart-warming and uplifting tale of three drag artist friends who hop aboard a battered old bus, also known as "Priscilla", and go on the adventure of a life-time through the Australian Outback to perform in Alice Springs. On the way, they find friendship, love and far more than they ever dreamed.

With a dazzling array of over 500 award-winning costumes, 200 extraordinary head-dresses and a hit parade of dancefloor favourites including "I Will Survive", "Hot Stuff", "Finally", "Boogie Wonderland", "Go West", "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" and "I Love The Nightlife", this wildly fresh and funny musical is a journey. Showtime Management's Hazel Feldman says:

PRISCILLA is the ultimate 'feel-good' show. This dazzling musical has all the ingredients for a superb night out: the most wonderful costumes, outrageous glamour, music that will have you dancing in your seat and a funny yet touching storyline. No wonder this show has been such a massive hit from the West End to Broadway and beyond.

The exceptionally talented and proudly South African 28-member cast, live band, crew and creative team will give audiences a night of unforgettable performances, nostalgic music and an entertainment experience that sparkles with PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT's "fabulousness".

The principal roles will be played by stellar stage, screen and television performers, including David Dennis, who has achieved prominence in leading roles in classical and contemporary theatre, in musicals and on film and television over the past three decades (THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, ASSASSINS, BROTHERS IN BLOOD), Daniel Buys (JERSEY BOYS, WEST SIDE STORY, SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER), Phillip Schnetler (SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ, ONS VIR JOU) and veteran actor, James Borthwick (SUNSET BOULEVARD, EVITA, THE SOUND OF MUSIC).

Additional roles are played by Taryn-Lee Hudson (I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE, SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, JERSEY BOYS), Chantal Herman (LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, EVITA, NOAH OF CAPE TOWN) and Candice van Litsenborgh (ANNIE, SWEENEY TODD, SUNSET BOULEVARD) with Candida Mosoma (THE LION KING, SISTER ACT, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT), Thembeka Mnguni (HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, GREASE, THE VOICE SA) and Londiwe Dhlomo (CABARET, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, PUSS IN BOOTS) as the three dazzling Diva's.

The ensemble features a host of multi-talented local performers including Tshepo Ncokoane (SHREK, SLEEPING BEAUTY), Zane Gillion (SISTER ACT, DIRTY DANCING), Michael Fullard (THE HOT MIKADO, SNEEUWITJIE) Michael Wallace (THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, CABARET), Craig Hawks (BLACK SAILS, MY FAIR LADY), Ryan Flynn (THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, THE SOUND OF MUSIC), Samuel Hyde (DROOMKIND, SINGIN' IN THE RAIN), Henk Opperman (QUEEN AT THE BALLET, DIRTY DANCING). Fresh new talent includes Dirk Joubert, Jonathan Raath, Nadine Grobbelaar, Donae Brazer, Lourens Obermeyer and Darius Engelbrecht.

Simon Phillips, the original director of the international production of PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT, together with choreographer Andrew Hallsworth, come to South Africa to mount the show together with Anton Luitingh (resident director ), Bryan Schimmel (musical director) and Duane Alexander (resident choreographer).

The Cape Town season at Artscape runs from 28 March - 23 April on Tuesdays through Saturdays at 20:00 and on Sundays at 18:00. There will be matinees on Saturdays at 15:00 and Sundays at 14:00. There will be no performances on 14 and 17 April. The Johannesburg season at the Teatro at Montecasino runs from 28 April - 18 June on the same schedule, with an extra performance on 1 May at 18:00. PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT contains some strong language and adult themes, therefore parental guidance is recommended for children under the age of 12.

To board the bus, book your tickets (which range in price from R150 - R500) online at Computicket, by phone on 0861 915 8000, or in person at your nearest Computicket outlet. Block bookings, which include a 20% discount for groups of 20 or more for midweek and Sunday evening performances, can be made with Jill Somers on 079 218 1658..

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