'Priscilla Queen of the Desert' Pulls Into Times Square

Saw "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" on Broadway Friday night. (I should disclose upfront that I was invited as a member of the media -- and that I'm not a big fan of theater, especially musical theater.) The atmosphere at the Palace Theater -- where we'd seen Liza a few years ago -- was absolutely electric as the show was in its final days of previews before the big opening night. Spotted Whoopi Goldberg, who couldn't find the people she'd come with, plus theater critics about town Roma Torre, Patrick Healy, Kevin Sessums, plus Michael Musto and every other gay in New York City.

Based on the 1994 film of the same name -- about three drag queens (well, two and a post-operative transsexual) traveling through the Outback to get to their next gig, where one of them has an ex-wife and child he's never met -- the show is cut from the "Mama Mia!" mold, a formula that can be enjoyable if you're in mood for mindless PG camp.

The performers were good (especially Tony Sheldon, who steals the show as the older and wiser transsexual Bernadette) and the set was incredible (talk about riding the magic bus!), yet somehow the sum didn't feel greater than the total of its parts. Sure, it was bright and colorful, with a lot of flashy dancing and singing (naturally, the '80s-heavy soundtrack got my seal of approval). But in the end, I felt like I'd just eaten a huge Three Muskateers -- all chocolate and nougat -- yet couldn't escape the feeling that a Snickers would have been so much more satisfying. (For ticket information, click HERE.)

Footnote: On the way home, I noticed a poster for a new Shirelles musical, called "Baby It's You!." I'm a HUGE fan of the group, but seeing as I am also a fan of the "Priscilla" movie and soundtrack, I am beginning to think a night with Shirley and the girls on my iPod might be a better fit for me than a return to the Great White Way.