BWW Interviews: Will Swenson 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 Will Swenson, who plays Tick/Mitzi in the production:

You did a sneak preview video for Priscilla when you visited the show in London, what were your first impressions of the production over there?

I loved the show in London! I was amazed by the production numbers and the costumes just blew my mind.

You recently performed at Broadway on Broadway this year, what was the New York audience reaction to one of their first looks at the North American Priscilla cast?

I had a great time performing at Broadway on Broadway. As for the audience reaction: I have no idea! I hope they liked it. I think my short hair kind of freaked a few people out. They were more used to "Hippie Will". They clapped and cheered politely at the end, so hopefully that was a good sign.

Could you give us an idea of how the show is going so far?

Fantastic. I think we've done a great job of finding the heart of the story and fine tuning the script to be a little more "American". Nick Adams is amazing as Adam, and Tony Sheldon is perhaps the most giving, polished performer I've ever worked with.

You are coming off what could be described as two very "masculine" type roles in HAIR and Rock of Ages, what has it been like stepping into heels and make-up?

Well, interestingly enough, my new character does share some common ground with Berger from Hair, and Stacee Jaxx from Rock of Ages - They all really express themselves through showmanship, so I had a starting point to work from. My new character "Tick" does it in a very feminine way and that's been a blast to explore. I don't know how women can spend an entire day in heels! God bless them all for their long suffering for fashion's sake.

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

I'd have to say the new ground I've been covering. There's so much I've never dealt with before! For instance, the Australian accent is a huge challenge. Tons of choreography is really new territory for me. And playing a drag queen presents all kinds of fantastic challenges. It's not been a boring process to say the least!

Will Swenson as "Tick/Mitzi" (photo credit: Joan Marcus)

 

Congratulations on your official opening night in Toronto - how are you finding the audience reaction each night?

I'm amazed each night to look out at the diversity of the audience. I mean, I anticipated the younger 20-30 something crowd, but I'm seeing families, and senior citizens... patrons of every stripe. And all of them seem to be eating it up. I might have underestimated the huge demographic this show hits.

 

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

It's definitely been the largest project I've been a part of. It's been amazing to watch every creative element come to the table and contribute their expertise and watch the whole show grow piece by piece. It's been the most amazing study in collaboration. Wigs, hair, make-up, direction, choreography, automation, scenery, music, voice, actors, BUS!! Just incredible to be a cog in such a gigantic, amazing gear.

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?

I'm in love with the Indian restaurant on my street. Aroma! Good grief, it's like taking a bath in butter every time I eat there. AND they deliver! Heaven! And anything from Dufflet Pastries is mind numbingly delicious.

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 be phone at 416-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333

For more information visit www.priscillathemusical.com.

And for more of Will, catch him singing the National Anthem at this weekend's Buffalo Bills game on Sunday November 7th at 1PM