REVIEW: Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

The National Tour of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert opened Tuesday in Minneapolis and it is a BLAST!  I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, so it didn’t take me long to accept an invitation from the Hennepin Theatre Trust to attend and review this musical.  Priscilla tells the uplifting story of a trio of friends on the road trip of a lifetime.   These friends just happen to be drag queens so, as you can imagine, drama ensues.  In the middle of the Australian outback, searching for love, friendship and acceptance aboard a battered old bus, they end up finding more than they could ever have dreamed.  The story is strong and stays true to the movie.  Therefore, this is not one for the kids as there is some adult language and nearly naked gentlemen dancing provocatively at times.

As can be understood from the score, composed primarily of drag anthem covers, this musical is very upbeat and frequently takes on a party atmosphere.  With tracks including “It’s Raining Men”, ” Material Girl”, “I Say A Little Prayer”, “Shake Your Groove Thing” and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”, you just know it’s going to be entertaining.  The choreography seemed a little hesitant–if that’s even possible for a drag show–but as this is the opening of the national tour, it’s probable that cast members were still finding their groove and will be strutting ever more boldly in no time.

While the plot and musical score were strong, the 500 or so costumes really stole the show.  In fact, in 2011, Priscilla took home the Tony for best costumes.  I really feel as if the costumes could stand by themselves an art exhibit (some can even stand by themselves, period!).  They are truly spectacular and there’s really no way I can adequately do them justice in words.  You just have to see it for yourself.  I sat close to the stage and was able to really see all the detail and it was – FABULOUS!  The amount of creativity and pizzazz packed into the show’s costumes really added to the experience.

Tickets start at $39 but student/educator rush are available for all performances (1 ticket per valid ID; $25 per ticket; cash only; available only at the Orpheum Theatre Box Office beginning 2 hours prior to showtime; rush line forms outside of theater; resale of rush tickets is strictly prohibited and all tickets are subject to availability.)