PRISCILLA's WIll Swenson Directs FACING EAST Mormon Film

The New York Times reports today that Will Swenson (Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Hair) will direct independent feature film adaptation of Carol Lynn Pearson's play "Facing East." Pearson is also writing the screenplay. The play centers on a family's struggle to come to terms with their Morman faith after losing their gay son to suicide. The subject mater is not far from Swenson's heart, as he witnessed similar struggles within his own childhood Mormon community.  Say Swenson of the project: "Getting through my own adolescence as a young Mormon was challenging as it was, but watching my best friend struggle with his identity as a gay teenager was heartbreaking."

Production is expected to begin this fall. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the gay youth advocacy group, The Trevor Project.

Swenson has appeared on Broadway in Lestat, 110 in the Shade and Brooklyn. He created the role of Stacee Jaxx in the musical Rock of Ages but did not go on to perform the role on Broadway because he was offered the starring role of Berger in the Broadway revival of Hair. He also played Sir Sagramore in Camelot at Lincoln Center and Chris in the 2nd National Tour of Miss Saigon. Swenson played the role of Berger in the Off-Broadway 40th Anniversary Concert of Hair opposite Karen Olivo. In 2008, Swenson was again cast as Berger in The Public Theatre's revival of the show in Central Park. He then went on to reprise the role when the production moved to Broadway in March 2009 for which he received a Tony nomination. He played the role of Berger again in the West End revival of Hair which began performances on April 1, 2010, and ended his limited engagement on May 29, 2010.  He is currently starring as Mitzi/Tick in Priscilla Queen of the Desert at the Palace Theatre on Broadway.

In addition to his work on stage, Swenson has also developed a cult film career, primarily in Mormon cinema. He is well known among Utahn Mormons, particularly for his role as Jonathan Jordan in the LDS Cinema movie The Singles Ward (2002) and its sequel, The Singles 2nd Ward (2007). Swenson also co-wrote, directed and acted in the LDS Cinema movie Sons of Provo (2004).

To catch Swenson in Priscilla Queen of the Desert nightly, visit www.priscillaonbroadway.com.

Photo Credit: Monica Simoes