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Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical 2011

Run Time:
2 hours and 30 minutes, with one intermission
Opened: March 20, 2011
Closing: June 24, 2012

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical - 2011 Broadway History , Info & More

Palace Theatre (Broadway)
1564 Broadway New York, NY

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL is a heart-warming, uplifting adventure of three friends 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 a dazzling array of outrageous costumes and featuring a score of dance-floor classics, Priscilla is a sensational journey to the heart of fabulous.


Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical - 2011 - Broadway Cast

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PREVIEW Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical - 2011 - Broadway

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical

In Priscilla, the Glitter's the Thing
7 / 10

A lip sync of a lip sync of a lip sync, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical arrives on Broadway in a flurry of pink feathers, delivering more or less exactly what you’d expect of a jukebox musical about three drag queens' braving the spangle-resistant Australian outback in a beat-up tour bus. (The show is based on the similarly titled 1994 feel-good movie starring Terence Stamp.) We’re treated, in other words, to a high-speed Automat of toweringly tasteless costumes, camp levels so dangerously high you’ll be finding stray sequins in the dryer for years to come, and a set list — sorry, a score — stuffed to its glittery gills with karaoke yester-hits: There are so many showstoppers, in fact, that I occasionally wondered when it was actually going to start. (Can anyone in the Western world survive another 'I Will Survive'? The Act One finale suggests that we can, and must.)

You Will Survive ‘Priscilla’ and Shake Your Booty, Too
6 / 10

So what if Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott's crude book, based on Elliott's film 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,' panders to a crowd that doesn't need winning over? The first act works too hard and Will Swenson's voice seems to be on the verge of going on strike. Nevertheless, he's pretty winning as Tick; so is Nick Adams as Felicia. A cut above, for bringing tremendous heart to a predictable role, is Tony Sheldon as the touching Bernadette. Hats off too to C. David Johnson as lovable Bob, the man of Bernadette's dreams. Bring your dancing shoes.

PRISCILLA's David J. Hahn et al. Set for Music Director Master Classes Today, 6/25
by BWW News Desk - June 25, 2012


An afternoon of music director master classes are set for Chelsea Studios today, June 25 from 12 to 8 p.m., organized by TheatreMusicDirectors.org and moderated by David J. Hahn (Associate Conductor: On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, Priscilla Queen of the Desert).

Photo Flash: Saturday Intermission Pics, June 23 - PRISCILLA's Last SIP, West End's GHOST and More!
by BWW News Desk - June 23, 2012


This will be regular participants Priscilla, Queen of the Desert's Nick Adams, Ellyn Marsh and company's final SIP before the show closes on Broadway tomorrow, and the cast of Godspell prepares for its June 24 closing on the Great White Way as well. We wish them well! See below for June 23rd's matinee SIPs from Broadway's Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Phantom of the Opera, Newsies, Mary Poppins, Evita, Rock of Ages, The Book of Mormon, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Ghost (Broadway AND West End!), The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, Once On This Island at Paper Mill, First You Dream at the Kennedy Center, La Cage aux Folles National Tour, Pittsburgh CLO's A Chorus Line, Gateway's My Fair Lady, Arizona Broadway Theatre's Grease and more!

Flashback: PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT Takes Final Bow on Broadway, June 24
by BWW Special Coverage - June 24, 2012


Priscilla, Queen of the Desert plays its final performance on Broadway today, June 24, 2012, after 23 previews and 526 performances. After a pre-Broadway try-out in Toronto, the show opened on March 20, 2011, at The Palace Theatre (1564 Broadway), starring Tony Award nominee Will Swenson, Tony Award nominee Tony Sheldon and Nick Adams as a trio of friends on a road trip, 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.

Photo Flash: Joan Jett Visits Nick Adams at PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT
by BWW News Desk - June 21, 2012


Priscilla, Queen of the Desert star Nick Adams welcomed guest rocker Joan Jett backstage at the Palace Theatre last week on June 14. Adams invited Jett to see Priscilla before its 549-performance run ends this Sunday, June 24. Check out a photo of the pair below!

PRISCILLA's David J. Hahn et al. Set for Music Director Master Classes, 6/25
by BWW News Desk - June 18, 2012


An afternoon of music director master classes are set for Chelsea Studios on June 25 from 12 to 8 p.m., organized by TheatreMusicDirectors.org and moderated by David J. Hahn (Associate Conductor: On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, Priscilla Queen of the Desert).

PRISCILLA Reality Show in Australia Seeks New Grand Prize with Broadway Close
by Jessica Lewis - May 17, 2012


The New York Times is reporting that PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT will play its final performance on Broadway on June 24, 2012 after 23 previews and 526 performances.

PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT to Close on Broadway June 24
by Robert Diamond - May 16, 2012


The New York Times is reporting that PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT will play its final performance on Broadway on June 24, 2012 after 23 previews and 526 performances.

Photo Coverage: PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT's Tony Sheldon Receives Caricature at Sardi's
by Jennifer Broski - May 2, 2012


PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT's Tony Award nominated star and original Australian leading man Tony Sheldon unveiled his portrait at Sardi's Restaurant tonight, May 2. See photos of Sheldon with Nick Adams, Will Swenson, Audra McDonald, Roger Rees, Christine Andreas and Judy Kaye at Sardi's below!

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT's Tony Sheldon Featured on Radio
by BWW News Desk - May 2, 2012


WCBS Newsradio 880 reporter Jim Taylor caught up with the Tony Award-winning production of Bette Midler's PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT and it's Tony Award-nominated leading man Tony Sheldon backstage at the Palace Theatre. Listen to the complete radio segment online here.

PRISCILLA's Tony Sheldon to Receive Sardi's Portrait Tomorrow
by Kelsey Denette - May 1, 2012


www.priscillaonbroadway.comPRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT's Tony Award nominated star and original Australian leading man Tony Sheldon will unveil his portrait Sardi's Restaurant tomorrow, Wednesday, May 2.

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT's Will Swenson and Tony Sheldon Featured on Radio
by BWW News Desk - April 23, 2012


FM News 101.9 theater reporter Michelle Murillo caught up with the Tony Award-winning production of Bette Midler's PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT on the musical's one-year anniversary at the Palace Theatre, and sat down with Tony Award-nominated stars Will Swenson and Tony Sheldon to discuss their hit year driving the big pink bus on Broadway. Listen to the complete radio segment online here.

Julie Reiber of Broadway's PRISCILLA Releases Debut CD Today
by BWW News Desk - April 24, 2012


JULIE REIBER - the singer and actress currently playing Marion in Priscilla Queen of the Desert on Broadway at the Palace Theater - will release her debut solo album today, April 24. Love Travels is a mix of her original tunes, musical theatre favorites by such composers as Jason Robert Brown ('Still Hurting'), Adam Guettel ('Through The Mountain') and Stephen Schwartz (the special bonus track 'Defying Gravity') - each with a special twist - and reinventions of Reiber's favorite artists including Stevie Wonder ('Knocks Me Off My Feet'), Chaka Khan ('Stay'), John Mayer ('Back To You') and Joni Mitchell ('Little Green'). She will celebrate this new recording with a concert at Rockwood Music Hall the following night, Wednesday April 25. The $20 ticket price includes a signed CD. Love Travels will also be available via iTunes, CDBaby.com, Amazon.com and JulieReiber.com

Julie Reiber of Broadway's PRISCILLA to Release Debut CD, 4/24
by Harmony Wheeler - April 12, 2012


JULIE REIBER - the singer and actress currently playing Marion in Priscilla Queen of the Desert on Broadway at the Palace Theater - will release her debut solo album on Tuesday, April 24. Love Travels is a mix of her original tunes, musical theatre favorites by such composers as Jason Robert Brown ('Still Hurting'), Adam Guettel ('Through The Mountain') and Stephen Schwartz (the special bonus track 'Defying Gravity') - each with a special twist - and reinventions of Reiber's favorite artists including Stevie Wonder ('Knocks Me Off My Feet'), Chaka Khan ('Stay'), John Mayer ('Back To You') and Joni Mitchell ('Little Green'). She will celebrate this new recording with a concert at Rockwood Music Hall the following night, Wednesday April 25. The $20 ticket price includes a signed CD. Love Travels will also be available via iTunes, CDBaby.com, Amazon.com and JulieReiber.com

PRISCILLA 'I WILL SURVIVE' Australian Reality Talent Show to End with Broadway; Auditions Begin in April
by Jessica Lewis - April 12, 2012


Australia media giant Fremantle Media will be presenting a new reality show, 'I Will Survive', offering Broadway hopefuls the chance to train with the PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT company at the Palace Theatre. The reality series will be broadcast on Network Ten.

STAGE TUBE: PRISCILLA's Divas Perform National Anthem at New York Knicks Game
by Stage Tube - April 6, 2012


PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT 'Divas' trio Jacqueline B. Arnold, Anastacia McCleskey and Lisa Howard sang the National Anthem for the New York Knicks vs. Orlando Magic game at Madison Square Garden, March 28.

TV: Inside PRISCILLA's 1 Year Anniversary Performance!
by Nicole Rosky - March 21, 2012


Last night, March 20, Priscilla Queen of the Desert celebrated the musical's landmark one year anniversary at the Palace Theatre. Following the celebratory performance, Priscilla's half millionth audience member was crowned on stage along with a secret 'Oprah-style' prizing moment and a special surprise performance from the cheerleading squad 'Cheer New York.' Check out highlights from the big event below!

Photo Coverage: PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT Celebrates 1 Year on Broadway!
by Jennifer Broski - March 21, 2012


Last night, March 20, Priscilla Queen of the Desert celebrated the musical's landmark one year anniversary at the Palace Theatre before the show with the stars cutting the "Priscilla Pink Pie Face Pie" from Australia's most celebrated Bakery cafe "Pie Face." Following the celebratory performance, Priscilla's half millionth audience member was crowned on stage along with a secret "Oprah-style" prizing moment and a special surprise performance from the cheerleading squad "Cheer New York." BroadwayWorld was on hand for the pre and post-show celebrations and brings you complete photo coverage of the night below!

Photo Flashback: PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT Celebrates One Year on Broadway
by BWW News Desk - March 20, 2012


The Tony Award-winning production of Bette Midler's PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL celebrates its one year anniversary on Broadway and 500,000th audience member worldwide on today.

THE FRIDAY SIX: Q&As with Your Favorite Broadway Stars- Lisa Howard
by BWW - March 16, 2012


Welcome to THE FRIDAY SIX: Q&As With Your Favorite Broadway Stars. Want to know what hooked them to a career in the theater? Their dream roles? Their Broadway crushes? Read on! In this next edition, we caught up with Josh Young, who is making his Broadway debut in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR- currently in previews at the Neil Simon Theatre.

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical History

Other Productions of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical

2006   World Premiere
2009   West End Original London Production
West End
2010   Toronto Pre-Broadway North American Production
Toronto
2011   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
2013   US Tour US National Tour
US Tour

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical - 2011 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2011 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actor in a Musical Tony Sheldon
2011 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Book of a Musical Stephan Elliott
2011 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Book of a Musical Allan Scott
2011 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Costume Design Tim Chappel
2011 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Costume Design Lizzy Gardiner
2011 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Musical Bonnie Comley
2011 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Actor in a Musical Tony Sheldon
2011 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding New Broadway Musical 0
2011 Theatre World Awards Performance Tony Sheldon
2011 Tony Awards Best Costume Design of a Musical Tim Chappel
2011 Tony Awards Best Costume Design of a Musical Lizzy Gardiner
2011 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Tony Sheldon

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