Not Your Conventional Bus Ride

Reviewed by Vicki Stokes

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is a sumptuous and enlivening feast for the senses, like a live popular music concert combined with a fireworks show. The colours, the movement, a gigantic bus that spins around on stage: it’s one big beautiful glitter bomb! You can imagine the amount of work that went into bringing this show to life at Huron Country Playhouse! If you enjoyed the 1994 film, you will enjoy this jukebox musical even more.

Priscilla is the name of the run-down but fabulous-looking bus that transports three drag queens from their home in Sydney, Australia to the desert town of Alice Springs, home of Tick’s wife, to perform at the casino. Unknown to the other two, Tick has a son and he reluctantly promises to meet him, afraid of rejection if his career and sexuality are revealed. Bernadette, an older trans woman, agrees to go along as a distraction from her mourning, and the daring, sometimes reckless Adam wants to dress as Felicia and climb to the top of a desert cliff. The trio meet an assortment of characters and face numerous obstacles, including homophobia and mechanical issues, on their way through the outback.

The drag queen characters are well-cast. The sensitive Mitzi Mitosis/Tick is played by Billy Lake. He played the flamboyant Adam/Felicia in 2019; this year the role goes to Trevor Covelli. And Bernadette, a refined trans character, is played with authenticity by Christina Vegas, an openly trans woman. The Australian accents are believable and their performances are exceptional.

The three Divas are incredible and powerful singers. Tiffany Deriveau, Kelly Holiff, and Stacey Kay flawlessly sing the hits. These three are so good they could have a show of their own! The ensemble could also carry a show of their own with their dancing, and there is plenty of eye candy for the ladies! The assortment of characters such as Bob the mechanic and his wild and sexy wife bring even more fun to the show and each role is thoughtfully cast.

The illustrious David Connolly is the director and choreographer of Peter Pan: The Panto and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, now both on stage at Huron Country Playhouse. The pacing is perfect for the high and low moments of the characters.

The music consists of one conventional drag queen hit after another, such as “It’s Raining Men”, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”, and “Shake your Groove Thing”  with a few surprises such as “We Belong”, “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” and “MacArthur Park” which features dancing cupcakes. Drayton does this wonderful thing in the finale where they hold up a sign that says “The Band” so they get their dues because the wide range of music is expertly played.

The audience guide that is provided online mentions that there are nearly 200 costumes! That is astonishing! Just think of the people who assist with the changes, receiving none of the accolades but without them, the incredible pace could not be achieved. The designs of these costumes by Dariusz Korbiel are brilliant, and it’s obvious that every detail was carefully thought out. With nods to such characters as the Village People and Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, there have even been some changes from the 2019 staging in St. Jacobs.

That attention to detail extends to the set and props as well, always with the Australian theme in mind. At one point I’m reminded of the movie Australia where the Nicole Kidman character admires the “beautiful kangaroos,” though the scene in the play is humorous and absurd (as opposed to oddly horrifying in the movie).

If you are a fan of glitter, over-the-top costumes, phenomenal talent, and fun music, this show is a must-see!

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert continues until September 1st at Huron Country Playhouse, Mainstage Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at 519-238-6000, Toll-Free at 1-855-372-9866, or by checking www.huroncountryplayhouse.com for availability.

Photo: The Divas: Stacey Kay, Tiffany Deriveau, and Kelly Holiff. Photo by Cheryl Oudshoorn.

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Book by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott
Directed and choreographed by David Connolly
Musical Director – Darryn de Souza
Performed by Billy Lake, Christina Vegas, Trevor Covelli, Lee Siegel, Brad Rudy, Mei Miyazawa, Tiffany Deriveau, Helly Holiff, Stacey Kay, Declan Pothier, et al.
Produced by Drayton Entertainment
Mainstage, Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend
August 15 to Sept 1. 2024
Reviewed by Vicki Stokes