The 1994 movie “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” surprisingly won worldwide critical acclaim for its positive portrayals of LGBT individuals and quickly became a sort of cult classic that brought LGBT themes to mainstream audiences. It provided the blueprint for the subsequent musical that opened in Sydney, Australia in 2006 and made its way across the globe landing on Broadway in 2011. It continues to tour the world today. The Forestburgh Playhouse takes its shot at this musical feast.

A drag queen named Tick is invited by his wife to perform at her hotel casino across the Australian desert. She pleads with him to meet their son; a son he has never met. Tick enlists the assistance of two fellow friends/performers to accompany him on this heartfelt journey. They will be co-stars as well as emotional support for this uncertain Dad. Joining him on the expedition is another drag queen, the irrepressible and over-the-top flamboyant Felicia as well as an aging transgender woman named Bernadette who is known as the grande dame of drag show biz. The trio acquires an old bus for the trip and aptly nicknames her Priscilla. The plot takes them across the desert, through some boondock towns and face to face with several of life's hard to face realities.

But let's not think for a moment that this show brings you down. Quite the contrary, “Priscilla” starts out with an absolute bang and turns into a rollicking night of boisterous flashy adventures. It's one of those musicals with not a single original song. In most musicals, you'll know the famous tunes and may have one or two other favorites, but in this musical, you will know every song. And that's because they are made up of classic oldies predominantly from the 80's. The show opens with “It's Raining Men” then goes to “What's Love Got to Do With It”. Later is “Don't Leave Me This Way” and “True Colors” among so many others. “I Will Survive” gets belted out and all kinds of gyrating happens during “Shake Your Groove Thing”. And yes, a cake is left out in the rain prompting a fantastic rendition of “MacArthur Park”. I knew every single song and it was a blast watching them being performed to the many unexpected sets of circumstances.

A lot of the story takes place in a bus named Priscilla. Scenic Designer Ashleigh Poteat's open bus design was cutely lit and pink (of course) and set up about two thirds of the way upstage and yet was clear enough to every shenanigan that took place within. Her use of travelers, curtains and simple set pieces moved us through the desert and many rural locales as well as front stage and backstage of a few performance venues.

But when anyone speaks of this show, one tech aspect claims the limelight. The outrageous and absolutely non-stop glitz and brilliance of the costumes! And in this Forestburgh production, the sky truly is the limit. Nothing is too much or too big or too flashy. Exceptional costume design flourishes here. Each costume change exceeds the previous. And who do we exalt for this accomplishment? The same person who designed the set! Ashleigh Poteat does dazzling double duty as scenic and costume designer of this production. What a tremendous job!

Director/Choreographer Chaz Wolcott captains this crazy and yet tender ship of fools through the zany world of show biz, but never loses an opportunity to touch our hearts with scenes of poignant vulnerability that demonstrate the unending power of love.

He has also managed to bring together a fabulous cast of actors. But among this group, the leads bring it all home. Edward Prostak's matronly frocked transgendered Bernadette plays the comedic and genuine moments with equal clarity. His Bernadette has seen it all and protects the others with all she has. Chris Gleim's Tick is a fine combination of scared, but loving father who delivers the part with care. His Elvis routine with his boy is probably the most heartwarming moment of the evening. And then there's Kyle Laing as Felicia. I don't know if Mr. Laing will ever play another role as gaudy, loud and flamboyant (or as much fun) as this. His Felicia is a hip thrusting, super-camp, over sexed hunk of drag queen that makes every costume and accessory look like it was tailor made for him. It goes without saying that the chemistry between these three pros was sincere.

A show with extravagant glitz, flash, brilliance, laughs and a few lessons to learn can be had at the Forestburgh Playhouse!

If you go…

WHEN: July 30 through August 11

WHERE: The Forestburgh Playhouse

FOR INFO: Contact FBplayhouse.org or Call 845-794-1194.