A friend of Dorothy: Anthems of Pride
Local performer, Lindsay Prodea has had a huge last 12 months. This show is Lindsay’s solo cabaret debut, but he is a seasoned and sought after performer as both a singer and actor. In 2024, he won the prestigious Adelaide Critics Circle Individual Award for his ‘Body of Work’, having mesmerised Adelaide audiences as Peter Allen in The Boy from Oz, and as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys, as well as Simply Brill during Adelaide Fringe 2024.
Plant 4 Bowden is a wonderful, modern Fringe venue that allows theatre goers to park easily and enjoy food and drink as well as a range of quality performances. It is a very good venue for Prodea’s show. The stage is bedecked with suitcases (for the journey), feather boas, glitz and spangles and is a fitting set up for the 70+ minute show that celebrates the last 100 years of LGBTQIA+ culture.
The four piece backing band is excellent, if a little dominating at times, and the partnership with Prodea is warm, interactive and strong. Musically, each is individually very skilled, and to his credit, Prodea named and thanked each of them, more than once on his opening night.
A " friend of Dorothy " is a code word for a gay man, first used in LGBTQ slang. It has long been a furtive way of suggesting sexual orientation while avoiding hostility. Prodea is a proudly ‘queer’ man and his show is about challenging everyone to be their authentic, and unique selves giving examples through snippets from 40 subtle and not so subtle lyrics and songs ranging from, ‘I will Survive’ to the gentle Dolly Parton song, ‘Wild Mountain Rose’.
Prodea takes us on an historical journey, pointing out key signposts in the ‘gay journey’. He cites and performs anthems by well known icons, including Judy Garland, Elton John, and Freddie Mercury, whose confidence and extravagant stage presence created some of the most recognisable anthems in rock history. Prodea explores and explains unique performers like David Bowie and Bette Midler, whose career began in gay bath houses, segueing songs to maximise inclusion of icons such as Cole Porter and Lady Gaga all of whom give us an unique take on being strong, courageous and authentic. I was most impressed that this is not a ‘gay person only’ show as a number of shows tend towards. Prodea’s show is unique and beautifully written to remind believers and inform newcomers to the history of the LGBTQIA+ community past and present.
Prodea is warm, slick and charismatic. He sings with passion, flair and skill, creating an atmosphere rather like a personal chat. The music, props and carefully curated story are captivating and thoughtfully brought together to create an excellent show. Don’t miss it. It is Adelaide talent on the brink of bigger things.
Jude Hines
Photographer: Kyahm Ross
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