1st Priscilla review Toronto

Toronto Star POV-




Hope they get all the flubs out b4 B'way.

Priscilla Review

Updated On: 10/26/10 at 10:57 PM

Yes it does.

I have to say that I totally agree with Richard, as usual. The show is fast-moving and involving. We really care about these characters and it makes the final scene between father and son particularly poignant.

If anything some of the early scenes are a bit too rushed, particularly the funeral scene which is played is played for laughs. This is a very minor quibble, because the whole show moves with great speed and focused storytelling. There are no dead spots. The eye-popping costumes, the lighting, special effects, the bus and the spectacle are all wonderful, but that is just the window dressing. There is a story here about some vulnerable people who try to mask the hurts they have faced. That’s what made the movie so winning and it works very well here too.

This will be a huge crowd-pleaser on Broadway, run a long time and maybe even win a few Tony awards for some of the performances. Given some of the other musicals set to open this season it is way too early to predict its chances for Best Musical, but it doesn’t have that kind of feel. (Of course, I said the same thing last fall about MEMPHIS but when no other show came along to eclipse it, it ended up winning.) Nevertheless, I can easily see PRISCILLA having a long and profitable run. It is a ridiculous amount of fun!

I have posted a full review to the Toronto board, but overall the production is in excellent shape and ready for its move to New York. (Too bad it can't stay here longer for it is bound to be a sell-out for the rest of its stay.)

The one technical glitch that stopped the show for a few moments early in Act Two was masterfully handled by C.David Johnson and generated some extra laughs for the heavily comped mostly industry audience. (I felt at a disadvantage- so many people there told me that had already seen it at least once in previews. Am I the only one who waits for opening night anymore?)

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Was at the opening night, having seen already seen the show at the first preview. Will post a couple of comments on the Toronto board tonight, but wanted to mention a couple of interesting sightings:

Will Swenson still isn't quite doing it for me as Tick/Mitzi, and the guy I think would work just happened to be there: Gavin Creel! What was Gavin Creel doing in Toronto, I couldn't help wondering? Did he come up for personal reasons, or was he brought up to see the show by the producers?

Comedy writer Bruce Villanch was also in attendance, and I similarly wondered if he was attending for personal or professional reasons.

If anyone has inside dish, please spill it.

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Bruce Villanch of course is a writer friend of Producer Bette Midler so maybe he is there to "punch up" the dialogue with a few witty oneliners.

Gavin was in town for the Actors' Fund benefit for Marc Kimelman on Monday night.

I'm afraid I disagree with Richard far more than I agree with him. No doubt after 50 years of theatre-going my tastes are deplorable.

Those reviews both read as raves to me- at the very least, solid "MONEY" reviews.

Thanks for the info re: Gavin Creel. I do still think he would make a better Tick/Mitzi, but that's just my opinion.

Tony Sheldon's partner Tony has posted some great pics and comments on the Priscilla opening night and after party on their blog. Apparently Bette Midler was not to be seen, but Audra McDonald was. Ack, I wish I got to see her!

http://ttsheldy.blogspot.com/2010/10/la-nuit-des-nuits.html

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mee.who. I think they have only been together for a few years. I think her divorce was final in 2009.

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Nick Adams's partner is SMOKING!

Never mind. Someone on the West End board has clarified that they have totally changed the Kylie thing to Madonna which made a number of song changes.