Local talent adorned in glitter, sequins, lycra and feathers will be on show when Priscilla Queen of the Desert hits the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre stage next month.
Four well-known Bundaberg locals and powerhouse performers Andy McLucas, Kyle Schneider, Trevor Green and Tony Meerman will share the lead roles in Priscilla Queen of the Desert and will be championed by a fabulous cast from Bundaberg Players Inc when the first of four shows kicks off on Thursday 28 July.
The storyline will follow two drag queens and a transgender woman as they journey across the Australian Outback from Sydney to Alice Springs in a tour bus that they have named “Priscilla”, encountering various groups and individuals along the way.
Director Bex Hutchins said the show was set to be the biggest Bundaberg Players performance yet, with everything from costumes to props taking the show to the next level.
“I know that we say this every time we do big productions, but this show has to be the biggest show we have done to date,” Bex said.
“When our productions are off site, it always adds the extra level of excitement but also the extra level of stress.
“There are so many people involved in Priscilla, a huge costume team, makeup department, choreographers, sound and lighting technicians, not to mention the very talented cast.
“I think our vision of the production will not leave audiences disappointed, as we are using technology and clever staging to utilise all the cast and stage space.”
Bex said the fabulous Priscilla bus had now arrived in town for rehearsals, with the team looking forward to putting her together as she takes over the Moncrieff stage.
“Priscilla has arrived and is currently in pieces in a 40-foot shipping container!” she said.
“The container was so large that it would not fit down the driveway of the Playhouse and has had to be stored off site.
“We have had a look inside, and it is like a giant 3D puzzle sitting in a box waiting to be put together so our bump in day will be very interesting!”
Bex said not only would audiences be dazzled by all of the glitz and glam from the costumes and sets, but the fantastic local performers would also bring this colourful story to life.
“We have always had a talented nest to choose from here in Bundaberg,” she said.
“The four leads Andy McLucas, Kyle Schneider and Trevor Green and Tony Meerman, who share a role, have really been adventurous and bold in creating characters that not only push them as actors out of their comfort zone, but have found a way to complement each other and the storyline.
“The Diva’s lead by Stella Hutchins, along with Emma Donohue-Dix and Bonny Treloar sing approximately 25 songs all-in three-part harmony.
“The talent doesn’t end at the leads or the featured roles, the talent filters right through to the ensemble and beyond to the crew.”
Bex said the audience could expect to feel as though they were part of the show, with a number of hit songs to sing along to throughout the performance.
“They will get to sing along, share laughs with fellow audience members and maybe even shed a tear or two along the way,” she said.
“I have always wished I was privy to the conversations in the car as audience members leave the theatre as I have no doubt they will find many wonderful things to talk about.
“If you loved Mama Mia! You will certainly enjoy Priscilla!”
There are four shows on offer including:
• Thursday 28 July at 7.30 pm
• Friday 29 July at 7.30 pm
• Saturday 30 July at 2 pm
• Saturday 30 July at 7.30 pm
Tickets are still available for purchase here.
The show is recommended for ages 15 years and older.
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I have just returned from attending the matinee of Priscilla at the Moncrieff. It was a wonderful performance as always. This time,of course,bigger and better than ever.The standing ovation at the end was well deserved.It is mind boggling to think that these performers have another life apart from the theatre! They never disappoint and today’s performance was just fantastic!
The costuming was mind-boggling and the sets,as always,excellet. Congratulations,everyone!
And Thankyou!!