Review: Priscilla, aavikon kuningatar
Priscilla had an unforgettable experience
Priscilla at the Helsinki City Theatre was an unforgettable experience. The stage is full of energy, expertise, creativity, hit songs, hilarious costumes and joy. This is what we need after the coronavirus restrictions.
70% Fall Priscilla Tickets Sold Out
I expected a lot from Priscilla, but my expectations were exceeded. Five that the plot is a side issue, when real expertise and dedication were seen on stage. Samuel Harjanne is a top-class musical director. That was proven again in the premiere of Priscilla. Before the premiere, theatre director and one of the translators of Priscilla, Kari Arffman, said that 70% of the tickets for the autumn Priscilla performances had already been sold before the premiere. This is a good message for an industry that has been hit hard by coronavirus restrictions.
The script of the musical is written by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scot. The musical is based on the 1994 film Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, which once won an Oscar and became very popular. The reason was probably the film’s positive attitude towards life and tolerance, which were needed in the 1990s, after all, AIDS had caused fear and anxiety (just like the coronavirus in recent years).
Solid professionals
Priscilla’s main stars are Clarissa Jäärni, Lauri Mikkola and Niki Rautén, who play drag stars. A few years ago, I had seen Lauri Mikkola in the City Theatre’s Kinky Boots, so I knew his talents or skills. On the other hand, the skills of Clarissa Jäärni and Niki Rautén were a pleasant surprise for me. Niki Rautén charmed with his skills. Clarissa Jäärn’s baritone voice first confused me: is the actress a woman or a man? Of this trio, one can only say: wow!
The divas were Johanna Försti, Maria Lund and Jennie Storbacka, all of whom charmed with their incredible singing skills. I’ve had the opportunity to follow Johanna Försti’s skills countless times at the Dancing with the Stars studio. Maria Lund’s skills were also familiar from the musical My Day as a Groundhog and a couple of concerts.
All in all, a big thank you to the entire crew.
Joy for the eyes and ears
Costume designer Tinja Salmi deserves special thanks for the musical’s costumes. Oh, the creativity and ingenuity. Or what do you think about the Christmas ball dress or the use of transparent umbrellas as different hems for dresses or outfits decorated with flipflops? It was a pleasure to follow that creativity and spot different creations. Of course, the costume designers also deserve thanks.
The camouflage was spectacular, as befits the theme.
I admired how quickly the masks and costumes changed, even though I knew that there were dressers etc. on the side of the stage or behind the stage. Unbelievable, though.
The lighting and video design was done by Willian Iles and Toni Haaranen. Their input also played an important role in making Priscilla have an unforgettable experience.
The musical’s music is familiar from the 1990s, hits one after the other – albeit partly with new lyrics. It’s Raining Man, The Locomotion, Thank God I’m a Country Boy, Girls just want to have fun etc.
Conclusion
The premiere audience lived in the rhythm of the musical and did not just sit quietly still. So much clapping and rhythm with the hands to the music is rarely seen in Finnish theatre. The audience watched the final scene standing, dancing and clapping.
Rarely is there such a great party on stage as in Priscilla.
A friend of mine, with whom I was watching the performance, said that such a joyful performance should be covered by Kela reimbursement. Well summed up, because Priscilla had an unforgettable experience.
If you haven’t booked tickets for Priscilla yet, do so quickly. This performance brings a good mood for a long time.