Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (musical)

Act I

The drag queen Mitzi Mitosis – whose real name is Anthony "Tick" Belrose – is performing at a club ("Downtown" [Australia and London]/"I've Never Been to Me"; "It's Raining Men" [Broadway]) when his wife Marion, whom he has been separated from for several years because of his homosexuality, calls in for a favour. While Tick is offstage, fellow drag queen Miss Understanding performs her own number ("What's Love Got to Do With It?"). From the phone in Tick's dressing room, Marion reveals that she needs an act for a few weeks at her business in distant Alice Springs, Australia. Tick is at first reluctant, but Marion informs him that part of the reason she's asking is because their now eight-year-old son Benji wants to meet his father ("I Say A Little Prayer"). Tick confides in another fellow drag queen Farrah, before deciding he will leave for Alice Springs. After he decides to do the job, Tick calls a friend, a transsexual named Bernadette – whose birth name is Ralph – to join him but sadly, Bernadette's husband has just died. The pair meet at the funeral ("Don't Leave Me This Way") where Bernadette agrees to join him. Tick also asks a friend Felicia – whose real name is Adam Whitely – to come with them ("Venus"/"Material Girl"), with Bernadette taking an immediate dislike to his show-off performance style. Nonetheless, the newly formed trio buy a "budget Barbie campervan" they nickname "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" ("Go West"). Tick informs them that the trip is a favour to his wife, but does not tell them it is also to meet his son who wants to see him ("I Say A Little Prayer (Reprise)"). As the journey to Alice Springs begins, Adam angers Bernadette after cracking jokes about her old life before being a transsexual. Later the group goes into a bar, in full drag, and start a bar dance party ("I Love the Nightlife"), but when they return to the bus learn that the townspeople wrote hateful statements on the bus in spray paint. Tick is very upset, but Adam and Bernadette comfort him ("Both Sides, Now"/"True Colors"). While on the road, Adam practices his lip-syncing as Felicia sitting in the giant high heel on the roof of the van ("Follie! Delirio vano è questo! Sempre libera (from La traviata)"). The next morning, Priscilla breaks down and Adam buys lavender paint to erase the vandalism ("Colour My World"). They manage to get the locals of another town on their side and meet Bob, a mechanic from a small town nearby who agrees to help fix Priscilla. The group celebrates that they've found people that accept them ("I Will Survive").

Act II

The second act opens with a group of bogans singing ("Thank God I'm A Country Boy"). Bernadette talks with Bob and learns that when he was in Paris, he saw her when she was a young "Les Girl" ("A Fine Romance"). The two begin to grow feelings for each other. Later in a bar ("Thank God I'm A Country Boy Reprise"), the trio is about to perform ("Shake Your Groove Thing") when Cynthia, Bob's wife, interrupts their act by "popping" ping-pong balls ("Pop Muzik"). After this, the trio leaves, leaving Bob to wonder about his feelings for Bernadette ("A Fine Romance (Reprise)"). All of a sudden, Bernadette asks if he wants a free ride back to his real home, in which he agrees ("Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"). Later when they arrive, Adam dresses up like a woman to try to meet men ("Hot Stuff"), but ends up getting chased and nearly becomes the victim of a hate crime until Bernadette rescues him by kicking one of his attackers. Later as they arrive in Alice Springs, Tick reflects on the trip after someone literally leaves the cake out in the rain ("MacArthur Park"). As another act performs first ("Boogie Wonderland"), the trio gets ready to perform a variety of songs that they sang or lip-synced on their journey ("The Floor Show"). Afterwards, Tick finally meets his son, who accepts his father's sexuality and lifestyle ("Always on My Mind/I Say a Little Prayer") and Adam gets to perform his own solo Madonna hit, ("Like A Prayer" [Broadway]; "Confide in Me/Kylie Medley" [Australia and London]), his favorite singer. Afterwards the gang talks about their plans after Alice Springs, and realize they can't leave each other ("We Belong"). They go off stage together and the company performs a medley of songs to close the show ("Finally (Finale)").

*In the London production, the role of Marion was played by Yvette Robinson whilst Amy Field was on maternity leave (1 December 2009 – 25 September 2010).
**In every production, the role of Benjamin is played by more than one actor, each alternating at certain performances, due to their young age. In the UK Tour the role of Benji was shared between around 30 different boys up and down the UK.

***In some productions (only) Farrah and Young Bernadette were played by the same Actor.

Australia (2006–08)

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert premiered on 7 October 2006 at the Lyric Theatre, Star City Casino, Sydney, Australia and ended its run on 2 September 2007. Directed by Melbourne Theatre Company artistic director Simon Phillips, it starred Tony Sheldon as Bernadette, Jeremy Stanford as Tick (Mitzi) and Daniel Scott as Adam (Felicia) with Michael Caton as Bob.

The Sydney production transferred to the Regent Theatre in Melbourne, beginning previews on 28 September 2007 before opening on 6 October 2007. The show closed on 27 April 2008 to make way for the Australian premiere of Wicked.

The Melbourne production transferred to Auckland in New Zealand for a limited run, opening on 28 May 2008 and closed on 6 July 2008.

The musical returned to the Star City Hotel and Casino in Sydney on 7 October 2008 for the second anniversary of the show's premiere and closed on 21 December 2008. The show starred original cast members Sheldon and Scott, alongside Todd McKenney as Tick and Bill Hunter as Bob.

London (2009–11)

A West End production started previews on 10 March 2009 at the Palace Theatre with the opening press night on 23 March. It is co-produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Group and directed by Simon Phillips with musical arrangements by Stephen 'Spud' Murphy, choreography by Ross Coleman, costume designs by Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner, production designs by Brian Thomson, and lighting by Nick Schlieper. The original cast included Jason Donovan as Mitzi (aka "Tick"), Tony Sheldon as Bernadette, and Oliver Thornton as Adam (Felicia). Notable replacements include Ben Richards as Tick (Mitzi), Don Gallagher as Bernadette, Portia Emare as one of the DIVA's and Ray Meagher as Bob. The London production closed on 31 December 2011.

Toronto (2010–11)

The musical opened on 12 October 2010 at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto as a Pre-Broadway tryout. The musical featured all of the Broadway cast with a new production team. It received largely positive reviews and strong ticket sales. The musical played for 12 weeks, a month longer than originally planned, closing on 2 January 2011. Several modifications were made to the production.

Broadway (2011–12)

The musical opened on Broadway on 20 March 2011 at the Palace Theatre with previews beginning 28 February 2011. Priscilla, however, made its North American debut at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto for a limited 12-week pre-Broadway tryout; the last performance was on 2 January 2011.

The original Broadway cast includes Will Swenson as Tick (Mitzi), Tony Sheldon, again, reprising his role of Bernadette, and Nick Adams as Adam (Felicia). Choreography is by Ross Coleman, set design by Brian Thomson, lighting design by Nick Schlieper and costume designs by Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner. Producers include Bette Midler, who joined the production team after seeing the London production; Liz Koops and Garry McQuinn for Back Row Productions; Michael Hamlyn for Specific Films; Allan Scott Productions; David Mirvish; Roy Furman; Terry Allen Kramer; James L. Nederlander; and Terri and Timothy Childs.

The Broadway cast album was recorded in late January 2011 on Rhino Records for release on 15 March 2011. The production released video footage from their North American premiere on Tuesday, 15 February. The Broadway production closed on 24 June 2012 after 23 previews and 526 performances.

Italy (2011–14)

In June 2011 M.A.S. Music, Arts & Show and Poltronissima Spa announced, only a few months after the Broadway Opening, the arrival of "Priscilla" in Milan – Italy – in December 2011 (Teatro Ciak). In January 2013 the show also opened in Rome (Teatro Brancaccio) and in May 2013 in Trieste (Politeama Rossetti). The musical has an incredible talented cast led by its magnificent protagonists: Simone Leonardi simply perfect in the role of Bernadette; Antonello Angiolillo who plays the complicated role of Tick/Mitzi with great versatility; the sparkling it:Mirko Ranù, face (and body) of the irriverent character of Adam/Felicia; the tremendous voices of the Divas Loredana Fadda, Valentina Ferrari, Elena Nieri and Martina Pezzoli. Within few months in Italy is "Priscilla Mania": fans literally seduced by the magical of Priscilla, who want to see the show over and over (some of them more than 30 times!!) In 2014/2015 was produced the touring version, with a change of cast: Bernadette (Marco D'alberti) and Adam / Felicia (Riccardo Sinisi) the show has visited the main Italian cities, getting a great success.

São Paulo (2012)

The Brazilian production premiered in March 2012 at the Teatro Bradesco, São Paulo. The cast includes Ruben Gabira as Bernadette, Luciano Andrey as Tick/Mitzi, André Torquato as Adam/Felicia, Simone Gutierrez, Priscilla Borges and Livia Graciano as Divas, Andrezza Massei as Shirley, Lissah Martins as Cynthia, Leandro Luna as Miss Understanding and Saulo Vasconcelos as Bob. It is produced by GEO Produções Artísticas. The Brazilian disco anthem "Dancing Days" was added in the finale, also this production is the first Brazilian production to have the songs sung in English.

US National Tour (2013)

On 29 April 2011 it was announced that a national tour would begin Fall 2012. The tour will open 8 January 2013 at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis.

Cast List: Wade McCollum (Tick/Mitzi), Scott Willis (Bernadette), Bryan West (Adam/Felicia) and Joe Hart (Bob). Ensemble: Emily Afton, Nik Alexzander, John Capes, Andrew Chappelle, Shane Davis, Alex DeLeo, Taurean Everett, Christy Faber, Amy Hillner, Bre Jackson, Chris Klink, David Koch, Ralph Meitzler, Alex Ringler, Babs Rubenstein, Travis Taber, Brit West, Will B. Whitesell and Chelsea Zeno.

UK National Tour (2013–14)

In August 2012 it was announced that a national tour of the UK would begin in early 2013. The tour is produced by David Ian Productions and opened on 9 February 2013 at the Manchester Opera House and closed on 12 April 2014 at Theatre Royal, Plymouth.

Cast includes: Jason Donovan and Noel Sullivan (Tick/Mitzi) [depending on venue], Richard Grieve (Bernadette), Graham Weaver (Adam/Felicia), Giles Watling (Bob), Alan Hunter (Miss Understanding), Regan Shepherd (Farrah/Young Bernadette), Leon Kay (Frank).

Stockholm

The Swedish production premiered on 21 September 2013 at the Göta Lejon in Stockholm. The cast included Björn Kjellman as Bernadette, Pernilla Wahlgren as Diva, Patrik Martinsson as Tick/Mitzi, Erik Høiby as Adam/Felicia, Joel Almroth as Miss Understanding, David Sigfridsson as Farrah, Niklas Löjdmark as Frank, Caroline Sehm as Cynthia, Annika Herlitz as Marion and Jenny Asterius Persson as Shirley. The ensemble included Daniel Gill, Henrik Jessen, Magnus Borén, Nils Sundberg, Johan Klarbrandt, and Andrew Gordon Watkins. Tommy Englund and Henric Flodin were swings.

Athens

The Greek production premiered on 6 May 2014 at Badminton Theater in Athens. The cast includes Giorgos Kapoutzidis, Fotis Sergoulopoulos, Panayotis Petrakis, as well as the Greek pop singer Demy, Melina Vegas and Shaya among other performers.

Manila

The Philippine production premiered on 9 May 2014 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater at Resorts World Manila. Directed by Jaime Del Mundo, the cast included Leo Tavarro Valdez as Tick/Mitzi, Jon Santos as Bernadette, Red Concepción as Adam/Felicia, Bituin Escalante as Diva, Lani Ligot as Diva, Timmy Canlas as Diva, Henry Strzalkowski as Bob, Michael Williams as Miss Understanding, OJ Mariano as Farrah, Pinky Marquez as Shirley, Japs Treopaldo as Cynthia, Noel Rayos as Jimmy, Mako Alonzo as Frank, and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Marion.

Seoul (2014)

The Seoul production premiered on 3 July 2014 at the LG Arts Center in Seoul.

Madrid

A Spanish replica production opened on 2 October 2014 at the Nuevo Teatro Alcalá in Madrid, with Jaime Zataraín as Tick, Mariano Peña and José Luis Mosquera alternating as Bernadette, Christian Escuredo as Adam, David Venancio Muro as Bob, Aminata Sow, Rossana Carraro and Patricia del Olmo as The Divas, Susan Martín as Marion, Cristina Rueda as Shirley, Etheria Chan as Cynthia, and Alejandro Vera as Miss Understanding.

Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship

In October 2015, an adapted, shorter version of the production premiered onboard Norwegian Cruise Lines cruise ship Norwegian Epic.

UK National Tour (2015–16)

Another UK national tour opened on 25 August 2015 at the Manchester Opera House and closed on 18 June 2016 at New Theatre, Oxford. The cast included Jason Donovan, Duncan James and Darren Day sharing the role of Tick, Simon Green as Bernadette, and Adam Bailey as Adam.

Regional: US

Under the leadership of Executive Artistic Director Bradford T. Kenney, Southern Maine's Ogunquit Playhouse produced the North East regional premiere of Priscilla, featuring Tony Award winner Jarrod Emick in the role of Tick. The production opened August 10th and will run through September 3rd, 2016. In fall of 2016, Fiddlehead Theatre Company will present the Boston premiere at the Citi Shubert Theatre, directed and designed by Stacey Stephens, Fiddlehead Theatre Company's Associate Producing Artistic Director. Clear Space Theatre in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware will present the east coast regional premier, opening June 23. In July 2016, The Dolls' (Albuquerque's famous theatre troupe) will present the Southwest premier at The Albuquerque Journal Theatre at The National Hispanic Cultural Center directed by Kenneth Ansloan and Jessica Osbourne. Out Front Theatre Company will present the Georgia Premier, opening October 20th.

New Zealand (2016)

Priscilla Queen of the Desert ran at the Auckland Civic Theatre, New Zealand from 16 October to 13 November 2016.

Japan (2016)

Priscilla Queen of the Desert ran at the Nissay Theatre, Tokyo from 8 to 29 December 2016. The cast included Takanori Jinnai as Bernadette, Ikusaburo Yamazaki as Tick/Mitzi, Yunhak from Supernova (South Korean band) and Keita Furuya as Adam/Felicia, Jennifer, Elianna, and Marika Dandoy as Divas, Haruharu as Shirley, Kintaro and Yukiko Ikeda as Cynthia, Shunsuke Omura and Onan Spermermaid as Miss Understanding and Isamu Ishizuka as Bob.

Paris (2017)

The musical will premiere at Casino de Paris, France on 25 February 2017 with Laurent Bàn as Tick, David Alexis as Bernadette, and Jimmy Bourcereau as Adam.

South Africa (2017)

Priscilla Queen of the Desert is scheduled to run at the Cape town Artscape Theatre from Tuesday, 28 March to Sunday, 23 April 2017, and at Johannesburg's Teatro at Montecasino from Friday, 28 April to Sunday, 18 June 2017. Original Priscilla international Director, Simon Phillips together with Choreographer, Andrew Hallsworth will be travelling to South Africa to mount the show together with Resident Director, Anton Luitingh; Musical Director, Bryan Schimmel and Resident Choreographer, Duane Alexander.

Amendments for the London production

Musical numbers (Broadway and Internationally)

Recordings

A cast recording of the original Australian production was released on 29 September 2007; both in stores and on the Australian iTunes. All songs, with the exception of the reprise of "Go West", from the original Australian production are present on the recording and are performed by the original Australian cast. A Broadway cast recording was released on 5 April 2011.

Critical reception

In reviewing the West End production, the London Evening Standard (thisislondon) reviewer wrote: "From the first moments when three divas hang suspended high above a silver-spangled bridge and belt out Downtown, the show never loses its spectacular, helter-skelter momentum of songs to which the drag queens lip-sync."

Reviews for the Toronto production include praise for the costumes from the Globe and Mail: "The costumes designed by Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner, the same team that won an Oscar for the movie, are a fabulous mix of Village People meet Tim Burton culminating in, at the curtain call, a whole crass menagerie of dragged-up koalas and 'roos." The Star favorably wrote: "This eye-popping, ear-pleasing, toe-tapping honey of a show moves like a cyclone from start to finish and will leave you gasping for breath on numerous occasions, thanks to its spectacular spectacle, its raunchy humour and its virtuoso performances."

Dispute over use of recorded music

Use of a recorded string section in the Broadway production of Priscilla led to a dispute between producers and the American Federation of Musicians (AFM). The AFM argues that using recordings in place of live music is a marginal cost-saving measure which cheats audiences of the full, rich sound of a live orchestra. Producers argued that the artistic conception of the show requires a "synthetic pop flavor" that can only be achieved with recorded music. AFM member Scott Frankel, who composed the music for Grey Gardens, stated: "What is most special about seeing a Broadway musical, rather than some other art form, is the interaction between the orchestra musicians and the performers onstage". The dispute is currently awaiting arbitration.

Awards and nominations

The Sydney production won the 2008 Sydney Theatre Awards for Best Production Of A Musical and Judith Johnson Award For Best Performance By An Actor In A Musical – Tony Sheldon.

The West End production of Priscilla received three nominations at the 2010 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best New Musical, Best Actor in a Musical (Tony Sheldon) and Best Costume Design (Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner). Chappel and Gardiner won the award for Best Costume Design. It also received seven nominations at the 2010 Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Awards and went on to win four awards there: Best New Musical, Best Supporting Actor in a Musical (Oliver Thornton), Best Set Designer (Brian Thomson) and Best Choreographer (Ross Coleman). The West End production was nominated for a further eight awards at the BroadwayWorld.com UK Awards and won two: Best Costume Design (Chappel and Gardiner) and Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Thornton).

The Broadway production received four Outer Critics Circle Award nominations: Outstanding New Musical, Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Tony Sheldon), Outstanding Costume Design (Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner), and Outstanding Choreographer (Ross Coleman). Chappel and Gardiner won the award for Outstanding Costume Design. The musical also received four Drama Desk Awards nominations: Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Tony Sheldon), Outstanding Book of a Musical (Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott), Outstanding Costume Design (Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner). Chappel and Gardiner once again won the award for Outstanding Costume Design.

On 3 May 2011 the musical received two Tony Award nominations: Best Actor in a Musical (Tony Sheldon) and Best Costume Design (Tim Chappel & Lizzy Gardiner), winning for costume design.

In January 2014, BroadwayWorld.com announced the North American Tour Priscilla at The Pantages Theater as Best Musical Touring Production in Los Angeles, CA for the year 2013. Other BBW Los Angeles awards include: Best Leading Actor in a Musical Touring Production (Scott Willis as Bernadette), Best Featured Actor in a Musical Touring Production (Nik Alexzander as Miss Understanding), Best Direction of a Musical Touring Production (Simon Phillips/David Hyslop) and Best Musical Direction of a Musical Touring Production (Brent Frederick). The San Francisco BBW Awards for 2013 announced Best Leading Actor in a Musical Touring Production (Scott Willis as Bernadette) in January 2014, as well.