'Priscilla Queen of the Desert' rolls into Titusville Playhouse

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Titusville Playhouse continues to bring beloved cult classics to the stage with "Priscilla Queen of the Desert." The uplifting story of acceptance and finding one's true self opens March 3 for a run through March 26.

The jukebox musical follows three drag performers on an epic road trip through the Australian Outback in their bus, which they have nicknamed Priscilla.

The show is based on Stephan Elliott's 1994 cult film “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” with a book by Elliott and Allan Scott. The musical adaptation started in Sydney, Australia, moved to London's West End in 2009 and premiered on Broadway in 2011.

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"Most people will come into this show thinking how much campy fun the evening is going to be," said executive artistic director Steven Heron. "I think they will love that there is a great story of family. The show has spectacle and over the top costumes, but just at the right moment it hits you in the heart."

In the show, Tick (played by Jordyn Linkous) is a drag queen performing under the name Mitzi. He is called from his home in Sydney, Australia to remote Alice Springs by his ex-wife, Marion (Erica deJongh), who has decided it’s time for him to meet his young son Benji. Marion also manages a local casino, and offers Tick a contract for a floor show.

Tick recruits two friends for the journey: transgender Bernadette (Rob Hebel) and irrepressible Adam (Thomas Greene), whose drag name is Felicia. The trio learn to accept and support each other while encountering a number of colorful characters and misadventures.

"Jordyn is a stunning talent. He has a great ability to connect with the moments that pull your heartstrings," Heron said. "Thomas plays Adam/Felicia, who has the most growth among the three because he starts his journey as a brat and ends the show with a new outlook on life - along with a few scrapes and bruises."

Heron has enjoyed watching the three principal actors create a real-life bond. "They have to grow within the show from frenemies to true friends," he said. "Seeing that happen in the rehearsal process has been very rewarding."

But "Priscilla" is not all sequins and glitter: there are some darker moments to lend balance. "The show deals with a lot of gay bashing," said Heron. "Even though it is an ugly moment twice in the show, it is a part of life for many. The cast copes and laughs and finds way to move on, like we all do in life."

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The theater hopes to keep the party going on select Friday and Saturday nights after the show. Linkous will host a late-night drag show, "Queens of the Night," on the main stage starting at 11 p.m. March 10-11, 17-18 and 24-25. The after-hours drag show requires a separate general admission ticket for $20.

Titusville Playhouse's production design team has created an epic setting to suit the epic story. "The costumes are huge and over the top, and there is a bus onstage," said Heron. "The show is very big and each moment has to build on the last, and it never stops."

The musical score features a fun, retro sing-along soundtrack including hits like"It’s Raining Men," "I Say A Little Prayer," "Venus," "I Will Survive," "Hot Stuff," "Finally," "Boogie Wonderland," "Go West," "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" and "I Love The Nightlife."

"The music in the story amps up the fun and actually the familiar connection the audience has with the show," said Heron. All the music is hits from the '60s to current day with a majority coming from the height of the disco era."

"How can the night not be a blast!"

If you go

'Priscilla Queen of the Desert'

Where: Titusville Playhouse, 301 Julia Street, Titusville

When: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. through March 26

Tickets: Start at $25

Info: 321-268-1125

On the web: titusvilleplayhouse.com

Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.

Whether you're interested in music, theater, festivals or other local entertainment, FLORIDA TODAY has got you covered. Support local journalism by subscribing at Special Offers - USAToday Network.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Drag musical 'Priscilla Queen of the Desert' rolls into Titusville