Priscilla: ACON Preview

**I know I'm slow on writing about the show, but I have honestly been working heaps on my new Mr Mary show, that I simply haven't had time.. Anyways, on with the blog...**

What a fabulous show Priscilla - The Musical is.. Just as it promised! What a great night..

We were first welcomed to the Lyric Theatre by my fellow showgirl, and ex-boss, Mitzi Macintosh. Mitzi talked about her involvement with the "Priscilla" legend, mentioning she had performed her version of the show more than 1000 times! (She actually mentioned the exact amount, which was amazing in itself!)

Next was a short speech from ACON, thanking the producers and audience for allowing the show to be a fundraiser for the organisation.

The director of the show, Simon Phillips then took to the stage. Firstly welcoming us to the show, he added that due to the complexity of the show, that the evenings performance would actually be the FIRST EVER run through of the show on stage! Wow!

We were advised, in a very fun and light-hearted way, to expect at least 2 major pauses in the show, as technical issues would be worked out. He even assured us he would even talk us through it!

Then it was on to the show..

Now I won't give away a lot of the surprises (of which I've previously been privy to from a number of sources - Cleo/Freeda/TM and the producers themselves).. So no worries for those reading on..

After the opening number, my good friend Cleo Coupe (aka Trevor Ashley), who plays "Miss Understood", takes to the stage for a solo. The audience loved her, and I was so proud I was crying - her outfit was fabulous, as you would expect from the Oscar winning designers, and this all set the tone for the spectacular to follow.

Of course the storyline is kept close to the movie, with some of the most memorable lines delivered throughout.

Tony Sheldon, who some people may remember I danced and choreographed for in DIVAs 2005, plays "Bernadette". He was brilliant and very believable in the role. Check out his first wig! It's absolute heaven! He was a joy to watch over the entire show. I can't speak highly enough of him..

Jeremy Stanford, in the role of "Mitzi", was on the other hand, a little flat. To be fair though, he did warm up as we got further into the show.

My friend, Daniel Scott - a local boy, played the role of "Felicia". He played it so well, and at times looked liked and "channeled" Guy Pearce! With such a gorgeous voice, he really added spice to the show - as only Felicia can!

We went through the show for 45 mins before the first show pause happened - in Broken Hill no less!. It was a fortunate place to stop, as we got to hear again Genevieve Lemon's rendition of "I love the Nightlife" - sooo very funny!

Soon enough, Michael Caton (from "The Castle") enters playing the role of "Bob". Bless him, he is no Bill Hunter, but he was still a lot of fun. (I wonder if Bill would have done the show..?) Michael even got a short solo to sing as well!

One of the other cast highlights was "Cynthia" (Lena Cruz), better known as the "Mail-order Bride". She bought the house down when she just walked onto stage - not even a word uttered! Finally, when the cheering died down, she said "Lemonade?". The crowd then erupted again for literally at least 2 minutes, stomping the ground, cheering and clapping! She was a cack! Her big number, which I'll keep quiet, was so funny that I was again in tears... Of laughter of course! Such a clever song choice..

Freeda Corsett (aka Damien Ross), who I have recently worked with in the show "Grease" at the Imperial Hotel, was awesome in a flashback scene. She play the "Young Bernadette" and in my opinion, really shows all the performers on stage how to walk, dance and act like a woman!

There were a few faces I recognised from my time at the WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in the show too, so I was always on the lookout for who was in what role.

Of course there were a number of stops in the show, and this gave the performers a chance to interact with the audience, which actually was really nice. We got to see a side of the performers most people don't see - their own personality.

There were only 2 spots which were disappointing for me..

Firstly, the scene where the queens meet the aboriginal tribe. For some reason, the dancers in the background are just dressed in black clothes (That look like strangely like tracksuits!). It's a very uninspiring set of costumes, for a scene which was one of the most memorable moments in the movie. Of course the bright "Gumby" costumes make an appearance, but surely something better could be done for the outback boys/girls.. Hell, I'd by them a set of real costumes if the Priscilla Producers would let me..

One of my pet peeves, with any show, is that the audience should be allowed to show their appreciation for the cast, individually, as well as an ensemble. Still, as of Tuesday night, the main cast is not taking their bows, rather the entire cast is lumped together for a group bow. One person has explained to me that they "have heard" this is because the Producers wanted the Bus to be the star.. I really don't think that is the case.. Anyway, I do hope they refine their bow sequence, as what they are currently doing is quite unconventional for a musical, and not particularly respectful to (especially) the 3 leads.

It was a long night (the show ended at midnight!) but we still moved off to the after party, held at the Showroom on the other side of Star City.

I got the chance to chat with some of the cast and crew, and it was a great to catch up with a few old friends.

After making our way to the Irish Pub near the Casino, we caught up a little more with our showgirls, Cleo and Freeda who gave us a insiders view on the show. There was so much to catch up on, but lack of sleep forced me home come 2:30am..

In the end, the show is FABULOUS! I was sad that I didn't make it into the show myself, as it would be a wonderful show to be a part of. I hope it stays in Sydney at least until Mardi Gras, if not longer, as it deserves strong support. But don't leave it long.. Go book it now at www.ticketmaster.com.au or on 136100.

Make sure you see this one.. It's a (now) legendary Aussie story, staged in such a fantastic way.. I'm sure this show will make it to New York and London in no time!

Shelley Show Index: 4.5 Diamonds out of 5!