Review: Priscilla, aavikon kuningatar
Priscilla, the queen of experiences Priscilla’sentertainment tour has finally arrived at Eläintarhanlahti. THE PREMIERE AUDIENCE empathized with the story with all their hearts, laughed until they dripped, were moved to tears, sang along and applauded standing up. Director Samuel Harjanne did it again!
In 2018–2019, Kinky Boots, directed by Harjanne, attracted more than 100,000 spectators at the Helsinki City Theatre. The performance continued successfully at the Tampere Workers’ Theatre, where it was experienced by 37,000 spectators in sold-out performances. Now I have a similar gold nugget in my hands.
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is based on the 1994 Oscar-winning film. The musical premiered in Australia about fifteen years ago, after which it continued to triumph in the West End and on Broadway. Unbelievable but true, it’s been more than ten years since the London version I saw back in the day, and Priscilla’s entertainment tour has finally arrived at Zoo Bay.
PRISCILLA, the Queen of the Desert, is a festively tuned bus that transports three drag queens through the Australian outback. Tick (Lauri Mikkola) carries a secret with him, which he must reveal during the journey. Wild and raunchy Adam (Niki Rautén) thirsts for adventure. Bernadette (Clarissa Jäärni) is already an elderly trans woman and former drag artist who has embarked on a journey to get over her husband’s death.
The heartwarming story of three different friends is fueled by all-time disco hits and power ballads: I Will Survive, Hot Stuff, It’s Raining Men, Venus, Go West, Always On My Mind… Conductor Eeva Konnu’s guaranteed party band lifts the mood to the ceiling, but unfortunately remains hidden from view. The Finnish lyrics sometimes make you miss a verbal acrobat like Jukka Virtanen.
Lauri Mikkola charmed the audience already as the star of the musical Kinky Boots. Now Niki Rautén shows the jay eggs; The young actor has stage charisma and a kick in his singing voice. Divas Jennie Storbacka, Johanna Försti and Maria Lund do a first-class job.
Priscilla belongs to the nobility of the genre. It’s easy to smile contemptuously at JUKEBOX musicals, but Priscilla belongs to the nobility of the genre. The spectacle, bursting with glitter and colours, is a comprehensive experience like no other in the autumn darkness.
The different personalities and life stories of the Drag trio highlight the rights of minorities and themes dealing with humanity, which inevitably permeate the entire performance. Samuel Harjanne’s thoroughly skilled ensemble airs out prejudices and brings the perspective of sexual minorities to the big stage without hesitation. Let’s get together.
The choreography of the crowd scenes follows the old track in places, but this entertainment tour rolls handsomely as it is. Priscilla, the queen of the desert, fulfills her promises about the theatrical event of the autumn season. It’s what to look back on when you’re old!