Presented by: Gilbert & Sullivan Society of South Australia
Reviewed: 21 September, 2023
Sometimes you see a show and it’s hard to tell who’s having more fun… the cast or the audience. This was certainly the case at the opening night of Priscilla Queen of the Desert – The Musical, at The Arts Theatre. This cast was having the time of their lives up there, and the revelry and enjoyment spilled out infectiously throughout the auditorium.
It should be impossible to miss the target with a show like Priscilla. The characters, costumes, and storyline all lend themselves perfectly to an all-out, on-stage extravaganza. Aside from some slight opening-night jitters in the first act, an extravaganza is exactly what we got.
The energy in the second act really gave the audience what they had come for though, even if it did feel like some songs were shoehorned into the production. Especially in the lead up to the finale, where it appeared that some songs were included for no other reason than they are drag anthems. This of course, is no reflection to G&S as they presented the work as it was intended by the writers.
The set was minimal, but quite effective. The use of LED strip lighting was well done, without going overboard. I couldn’t wrap my head around the very plain bus though. A lot of time has obviously been spent building a great bus for the story, but it was just grey. It could have been pink, or purple, or rainbow, or everything… but instead we spent half the show looking at this plain old grey bus. I’m sure there’s a reason for this design decision, but I can’t work out what it is.
The occasional pitchy vocal wasn’t helped by some mic level issues, but overall the cast sounded great. Especially Vanessa Lee Shirley, whose operatic performance was impeccable. There are some true laugh out loud moments, which I’m not going to reveal here, except to say that Adelaide has seen a new side of Chany Hoffmann that we certainly weren’t expecting.
Ann Humphries’ costumes were outstanding, as always. Jillian Gulliver’s orchestra is tight and loud, and Sarah Williams’ choreography is fun to watch. Combes as Director has done an excellent job of bringing it all together, and the G&S Society no doubt has another hit season on their hands.
If you loved the film, get along and see this production, it’s exactly what you’re hoping for.
Reviewed by Doug Phillips
Photo credit: Proshots
Left to right: Billy St John, Benjamin Johnson and Vonni Brit
Venue: Arts Theatre
Season: Until Sat 30th September
Duration: 2.5 hours, with intermission
Tickets: $23 – $42
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/993819
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