Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: Flashy dance numbers and strong ensemble make up for thin plot
Based on the 1994 cult classic film of the same name, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is a jukebox extravaganza of colours, feathers, and disco. With stage direction by Shaun Toohey and DJ Eyamie, music direction by Murray Doggett, and choreography by Morgan Coughlan, Orpheus’ production is a fun, if somewhat vapid amalgamation of high-energy dance numbers and quotable one-liners.
Orpheus’ production cannot be faulted for issues found within Priscilla’s script and original source material; simply put, some jokes regarding race and gender have aged poorly, and do not land in a socially-conscious 2019 audience. Additionally, being a jukebox musical, Priscilla’s plot often feels quite thin; Orpheus, for the most part, makes up for this with flashy, energetic dance numbers, which manage to leave audience members smiling and (often literally!) grooving in their seats.
Reservations aside, Orpheus’ Priscilla, Queen of the Desert shines in its group numbers (of which there are plenty!). A musically strong ensemble, skillfully led by Murray Doggett, manages to keep up its vocal strength and stamina even during lift-heavy dance sequences. Doggett must also be commended for his direction of a superb orchestra; the balance between ensemble and pit band is just right. Priscilla’s ensemble successfully leans into the score’s myriad close harmonies, with few instances of errant notes or unblended voices. Special mention must be made of Niamh Webber, Alex Sinha, and Bradley Sykes, three ensemble members whose presence onstage is always full of energy and lighthearted humour; their featured moments are more than memorable, and their dance skills always shine through even in full-cast dance numbers.
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert finds its heart in its core cast. Andy Allen-McCarthy as Tick is a joy to watch, with a strong musical theatre belt and winning moments of nuance, even within a fairly contrived script. Shaun Toohey as Bernadette and DJ Eyamie as Adam are equally charismatic; their performances are all the more impressive knowing that these two also directed the show! The three Divas (Sophie Rochat, Donna St-Jean, and Stefania Wheelhouse) provide us with delicious harmonies as a base layer for the more elaborate lip-sync sequences within the performance.
Perhaps the main stars of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert are the outlandish costumes, designed by Guylaine Roy and Mélanie Evans. Additionally, the colourful, gobo-enthusiastic lighting design by Bill McLaughlin supplies a nice backdrop for the multifunctional set (cleverly designed by Jenn Donnelly and Steve Jones).
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is a fun night of theatre for those who love all things disco, dance, and drag. Priscilla, Queen of the Desert runs through June 9 at Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe, running at two and a half hours including one fifteen-minute intermission. Be advised that there are several instances of mature themes and explicit langauge.