The costumes and music make Priscilla Queen of the Desert: the Musical a colourful encounter. Photo / Dean Purcell
The costumes and music make Priscilla Queen of the Desert: the Musical a colourful encounter. Photo / Dean Purcell
KEY POINTS:
Men in platinum skirts will be on show in Auckland tonight as Priscilla Queen of the Desert: the Musical starts its international tour in the city.
Based on the 1994 Australian movie of the same name, the musical is about two drag queens and a transsexual woman whotravel through the Aussie outback in a bus they name Priscilla.
The musical has been on an 18-month tour around Australia, and is now heading overseas, performing first in Auckland until July 6.
Daniel Scott, who plays Adam/Felicia (played by Guy Pearce in the movie), says he has enjoyed working with the Priscilla cast and wearing lavish costumes.
But he says that behind the glamour, it isn't an easy occupation.
"It's definitely work. Full hips have come out of sockets ... but nothing too serious," he says with irony.
He says some of the costumes, including large platform shoes made from bits of foam, have been particularly hard but fun to wear.
"When we first had to wear those shoes, we called them the gumby shoes. We were all wobbling around.
"My favourite [costume] though, is not really drag and it's just that little bit skanky."
Priscilla Queen of the Desert: the Musical is directed by Simon Phillips and features songs from the award-winning soundtrack, including I Will Survive, Shake Your Groove Thing and Finally.
Scott said he enjoyed coming to New Zealand and performing for Kiwi audiences as they were always "genuine".
"I'll be doing a scene, crying and all emotional, and someone in the audience will yell out: 'Oh get it together!"'
