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. …