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Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge

Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical

The Feel-Good Musical

July 24 to August 10, 2024

Book by Stephan Elliott & Allan Scott
Based on the Latent Image/Specific Films Motion Picture
Distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Get ready for the ride of your life with Australia’s glittering musical masterpiece! With a spectacular array of outrageous costumes, flamboyant choreography, and a hit parade of dancefloor favourites, this wildly fresh and funny musical is a journey to the heart of FABULOUS!

Based on the Academy Award®-winning film, this sparkling stage adaptation follows three dazzling drag queens – Mitzi, Felicia, and Bernadette – as they set out on a hilarious adventure across the Australian outback in a battered old bus (nicknamed Priscilla) to put on a show in a remote resort town. Along the way, a heartwarming story of acceptance and self-discovery unfolds.

Shake your groove thing to classic disco hits including “It’s Raining Men,” “I Will Survive,” “Hot Stuff,” “I Say A Little Prayer,” “Finally,” and many more! If you rocked out to Kinky Boots or Rock of Ages, you won’t want to miss this bold blockbuster musical hailed as ‘The best feel-good show since Mamma Mia!’!

Audience Recommendation: 

Recommended for ages 13 and up. This production contains mature themes and strong language.

The story of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert the Musical champions concepts of judgment-free identity, empathy, inclusivity, the importance of belonging and hope. As is the case with most meaningful theatre, the road to this better understanding of others’ perspectives is paved with conflict. In this show, those problematic themes include strong language, theatrical violence, sexual innuendo and homophobic and transphobic slurs. Our hope is that these conflicts lead to worthwhile discussions focused on the musical’s inspirational themes and encourage us to apply the idea we all are worthy of belonging, unique and valuable.

Running Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes, including a 20 minute intermission.

Read the Program

Reviews

A superb production with a stellar cast! Our faces hurt from laughing and smiling so much. It's also touching and emotional. I want to go again!
Heather C., Waterloo
The show was wonderful. The dancing, singing and costumes were superb. It was a high-energy feel-good production. The theatre was lovely, too -- not too large, not too small, comfortable seats, clean and modern. I highly recommend this show!
Joanne G., Vaughan
First time attending a show at this theatre and it was an amazing experience. What a great venue and the show was absolutely incredible. The accessibility of the theatre and all the volunteers made this a stress free afternoon for someone with mobility concerns. I would see this show again the cast did the original movie justice and they are very talented.
Theresa A, Cambridge
It was magical So much talent and passion You enriched our lives with your performance ( all 9 of us)
Jana S, Collingwood
FABULOUSLY FUN! RUN to go see this show while it's on stage!
Easton B., Cambridge
Simply amazing and hilarious!!! Drayton shows never fail!!! The characters were terrific and the costumes were to die for!!! You've got to go!!!
Lenny R., Waterloo
Absolutely fabulous! The costumes and music brightened our entire month.
Jeffrey H, Cambridge
Absolutely fabulous! Outstanding costumes, singing, dancing and acting. Excellent direction and choreography. Highly recommend
Joy F, Burlington
From the moment it started, this production was 'on fire!" Every set piece, every costume, every musical lyric...and of course the marvelous cast.. and crew! I'm coming back... Thank you...thank you
Nancie M, Hamilton
My husband and I loved Priscilla. The music was from our era and the singing and dancing were wonderful. A very talented group.
Marilyn K, Fergus
Amazing set design, spectacular costumes, awe-inspiring dancing and superb performances in a setting with great views, comfortable seating and overall excellent service. And all for a very reasonable price.
Almuth W., Cambridge
Excellent Performance! Solid vocals and great staging - great night out for friends and families.
Nathan B., Hamilton
Very captivating. Funny, loved the music. My family thought it was one of the best shows they have seen
Sue D, Kitchener
Loved it! The costumes, dancing and singing were amazing! So much fun!
Michele L., Cambridge
High energy show with fantastic music, singing, dancing, acting. Highly recommend the show, it was a lot of fun.
Nancy B., Wasaga beach
We have been going to Drayton Entertainment shows for many years and this is one of the best we have seen. The set design was so out of this world just loved the way the bus was done and how it turned. The costumes were fantastic loved the dancing brushes and the cupcakes. We have been to Alice Springs twice and seen Ayers Rock you really nailed it.
Richard N., Burlington
The show was fabulous! The energy on the stage was infectious. Have not had that much fun in quite some time.
Sigrid B., Guelph
I've seen the film version many times, the production in Toronto many years ago and this was the best yet. It makes you laugh, dance, and cry. Was a wonderful story about embracing diversity.The staging and the costumes were out of this world. Bravo!!!
Frederick G., Waterloo
Incredibly imaginative, brilliant costumes, Fabulous set design! Singing and dancing was high-level performance.
Betty A., Cambridge
Really great singers. The dancers were unbelievably good and funny. And the costumes were the best. I laughed I sang along I cried.(We Belong number on Ayers rock) Thank you to the entire cast and crew and to the writers
Valarie H., Toronto

Meet The Artists

Headshot of Devin Alexander

Devin Alexander

Errol/ Ensemble

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Headshot of Trevor Covelli

Trevor Covelli

Pastor/Country Boy Singer/Jules/Ensemble

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Headshot of Tiffany Deriveau

Tiffany Deriveau

Diva

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Headshot of Timothy Harder

Timothy Harder

Ensemble

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Headshot of Kelly Holiff

Kelly Holiff

Diva

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Headshot of Gabrielle Jones

Gabrielle Jones

Shirley

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Headshot of Stacey Kay

Stacey Kay

Diva

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Headshot of Lakota Knuckle

Lakota Knuckle

Ensemble

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Headshot of Billy Lake

Billy Lake

Mitzi/Tick

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Headshot of Ryan Maschke

Ryan Maschke

Young Bernadette/Ensemble

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Julia McLellan

Marion

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Headshot of Mei Miyazawa

Mei Miyazawa

Cynthia

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Headshot of Declan Pothier

Declan Pothier

Benji

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Headshot of Brad Rudy

Brad Rudy

Bob

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Headshot of Adam Sergison

Adam Sergison

Ensemble

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Headshot of Julius Sermonia

Julius Sermonia

Jimmy/Ensemble

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Headshot of Lee Siegel

Lee Siegel

Miss Understanding/Frank

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Headshot of Christina Vegas

Christina Vegas

Bernadette

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Headshot of Trayvon Ward

Trayvon Ward

Ensemble

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Headshot of Jesse Weafer

Jesse Weafer

Felicia/Adam

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Audience Guide

Enhance your experiencefurther your engagement, and expand your knowledge and interest, beyond just attending the show. This Guide includes various articles, interviews, activities, conversation starters, and more with the Priscilla, Queen of the Desert the Musical Audience Guide.


Resources

Drayton Entertainment is committed to creating safe spaces for our audience members and suggests the following local 2SLGBTQIA+ resources should you require support.

SPECTRUM is Waterloo Region’s very first 2SLGBTQIA+/Rainbow community space that offers more than 30 different groups and activities each month, including: transgender peer support groups, games nights, SPECTRUM Prime for 2SLGBTQ+ adults 50+, and Rainbow Newcomers Connect. It serves, affirms, and supports the well-being of 2SLGBTQ+ people in Waterloo Region and welcomes all members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities, their family, friends, and allies. Visit the SPECTRUM website.

OK2BME is a set of supportive services for Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) and questioning kids, teens, adults, and their families in Waterloo Region. Run by Camino Wellbeing  +  Mental Health, they offer confidential counseling (in person and online), OK2BME Youth Groups for individuals 12-18, as well as public education, consulting and training around 2SLGBTQIA+ issues. Visit the OK2BME website.

 

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT the Musical is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com