BWW Reviews: PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL Illuminates the Denver Center with Glitz, Glamour and Heart!

The first national tour of PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL plays The Buell Theatre now through September 15th. PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL follows the trio of three friends, on a road trip of a lifetime, who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship in the middle of the Australian outback and end up finding more than they could ever have dreamed. With over 500 dazzling 2011 Tony Award-winning costumes by Lizzie Gardiner, Priscilla features a hit parade of over 20 dance-floor favorites including "It's Raining Men," "Finally" and "I Will Survive."

Now I know that, especially in the gay community, that the word "extravaganza" is thrown around a lot (I am talking to you RuPaul!). You cannot comprehend or appreciate the definition of EXTRAVAGANZA until you see this production!!! From the opening number, when the divas literally fly in from ceiling and the costume parade that follows, this show envelopes you in a glittery hug with its energy and will have you dancing in the aisles by the end! There were so many numbers ("It's Raining Men", "Color My World", "I Will Survive", "MacArthur Park") that just kept building upon themselves that you wondered what genius was going to come out next! At times, I didn't know where to look and was a kid in a costume candy store! But even with these amazing numbers, there were the additional songs of "True Colors" and "We Belong", which exuded such heart that I simply cherished this show. I was enchanted with the simple yet fun effect of the quick costume parade and effects of The Floor Show. I also have to mention one of the show-stoppers of the night, which was that fabulous bus! From the colorful interior to the glowing exterior, this is one bus that I wanna take a ride in! And don't even get me started on the costumes - which were so inventive and amazing! I was on The Edge of my seat in anticipation of the next fantastic piece of art that was going to come onto the stage! On a personal note - When the movie first came out, I had actually just moved to America and was coming out myself. This movie was so ahead of its time and gave the me the backing that I needed to grow. Now, 20 years later, I am so encouraged by the overwhelming audiences and acceptance that this sensational musical deserves and is receiving! This stunning show had me brimming over with a sense of Pride!

Wade McCollum brought so much heart, sarcasm, and humor to Tick/Mitzi and made it a standout performance. I loved the addition of the father/son relationship between Tick and Benji and "I Say a Little Prayer" added such a endearing new meaning to me. Meanwhile, "MacArthur Park" had me on the floor in laughter and I also was delighted with "Shake Your Groove Thing"! Scott Willis was simply wonderful as Bernadette and quite believable as a female. His interpretation of this transgender had more of a softer and compassionate side and I loved the arch and chemistry with both of the other leads. Her delivery of "True Colors" had me in tears and "I Will Survive" brought a smile to my face. Bryan West channeled his inner drag queen and was fabulous as Adam/Felicia. Her showstopper had to be "Material Girl", which was OMG awesome and I also adored "Hot Stuff", "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", and especially the shimmering performance of "Sempre Libera". Bob Joe Hart was absolutely lovely as the mechanic with a heart of gold, Bob. He brought such a warmth to the character and was nice to have the contrast of the strong male character in this effeminate show. Nik Alexzander as Miss Understanding stole the first act with her stunning and hilarious rendition of Tina's classic, "What's Love Got to Do With It?" that had the audience in a fit of giggles. The scene stealer of the second act belonged to Chelsea Zeno as Bob's "wife", Cynthia. She gave a whole new meaning to "Pop Musik" and it was raining Ping-Pong balls that completely had the audience in stitches. I also have to give mad snaps to the entire ensemble for keeping the energy high through dozens of costume changes and dancing and singing their fierce asses off!

If you are looking for a fun evening out, then grab your heels and run to see this visual extravaganza!!! PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL is glittering on the Buell Theatre stage of the Denver Center now until September 15th. For tickets or more information, contact the box office at 303-893-4100 or online at www.denvercenter.org.