Reviews

The 1994 motion picture The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert was a cinematic work of art – three flamboyant, glamorous drag queens and a large, pink bus set against the backdrop of the unforgiving, red-brown outback. Best of all, it presented the ubiquitous hero’s journey in a uniquely Australian way.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert brings that story to the musical stage - a riot of themes and colours, classic one-liners from the film supporting the action between songs, and sarcastic observations of life, love and sex.

After a delay due to Covid-19 lockdown, Southern Cross Soloists Dreams and Visions was finally performed, albeit with several of their regular musicians absent due to interstate lockdowns. But in their place were some highly accomplished guest artists, including two of Australia’s foremost musicians, cellist Trish Dean and husband clarinetist Paul, founder of Southern Cross Soloists.

Darlington Theatre Players One Act Season was a well curated selection of Australian short plays. Lovely variety in this trio, which were nicely directed and well performed.

When Street Scene opened on Broadway in 1947 it was called a ‘dramatic musical’. Although its reviews were favorable, it only ran 148 performances, but has since found a home in the opera houses of the world.

This is the second time that Queensland Conservatorium has mounted a production of it. The first was in 1988. It’s a good show for students as it offers innumerable characters and a large cast, so everyone can have their turn in the spotlight, if only for a moment.