BWW Interviews: Nick Adams Talks Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert began previews on October 12th in Toronto, and had it's official pink carpet opening on the 26th of October. BWW has been on hand to bring you photos, videos and interviews with the cast and crew as they prepare to launch the North American Premiere of this world-wide smash. This weekend we are thrilled to bring you interviews with the four leads in the show!

Priscilla is already a world-renowned hit with successful productions in Australia and London. It is scheduled to begin performances on Broadway at the Palace Theatre February 28th with official opening night being March 20th, 2011. Before that it will do a 12 week run in Toronto which ends January 2nd, 2011.

As previously announced, the production stars Will Swenson (Tick/Mitzi), Tony Sheldon (Bernadette), Nick Adams (Adam/Felicia), and C. David Johnson (Bob). Completing the cast is Jacqueline B. Arnold (Diva), James Brown III (Jimmy), Trek Bucciino (Benjamin), Nathan Lee Graham (Miss Understanding), J. Elaine Marcos (Cynthia), Anastacia McCleskey (Diva), Mike McGowan (Frank), Jessica Phillips (Marion), Steve Schepis (Farrah), Keala Settle (Shirley), Ashley Spencer (Diva), Thom Allison, Kyle Brown, Gavin Lodge, Jeff Metzler, BRyan West, Tad Wilson, Joshua Buscher, Susan Dunstan, David Lopez, Ellyn Marie Marsh and Eric Sciotto

Today we are featuring Nick Adams who plays "Felicia/Adam" in the production.  This will be Nick's first lead role on Broadway, and he was excited to talk to BWW about what the journey has been like so far:

Congrats on your first leading role on Broadway! Your last role was as a Cagelle in La Cage Aux Folles, did that help prepare you for this role?

La Cage was incredibly informative for me and helped me understand a lot about what being a drag performer is. However, the two shows are really night and day. The fundamentals are there when you learn to transform from a man to a woman, but the shows are very different.

What has been your favourite part of the Priscilla journey so far?

Definitely the chance to create something new. I have done a lot of revivals but with this role I have been able to create the character for a North American audience. It is my first leading role in a show and I'm excited by some of the choices I have been able to make.

What would you say to people to encourage them to come out and see Priscilla, Queen of the Desert?

That it is larger than life and a fantastic, magnificent show. There are extravagant costumes and sets and it is a beautiful show with amazing heart at the center of it all. Come and enjoy the spectacle, you won't be able to not fall in love.

Nick Adams as "Felicia/Adam" (photo credit: Joan Marcus)

How are you finding the audience reaction each night?

The Toronto audiences have been overwhelmingly enthusiastic and responsive. The crowd gets so into it. The show seems like a big party with people singing along and dancing in the aisles. It's really been a treat to see how well the show plays to crowds.

What has been your favourite thing about launching the North American premiere so far?

My favorite thing about launching the show so far is really getting a feel for the pacing and just to now get to do the show every day. It's the most fun I've ever had on stage.

When we first spoke we talked about what you would be looking forward to doing while in Toronto, now that you have been here for awhile, do you have a favourite eatery, nightspot or anything else that you are really enjoying?

We've found a really great spot right near the theatre called Smokeless Joe. Incredible food, oysters and beer. The staff is great and love when we come in. It's really made us feel welcome and at home.

When and Where?
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

The Princess of Wales Theatre

Performance Schedule:

Begins Oct 12th, 2010 and runs until January 2nd, 2011

Tuesday - Saturday at 8PM
Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2PM

Tickets can be purchased online at www.mirvish.com or by phone at 416-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333

For more information visit www.priscillathemusical.com.