Priscilla lands local theatre company “CentreStage”

A LOCAL theatre company has been lauded for its excellence and is up for seven titles at the Musical Theatre Guild of Victoria Awards.

For its “outstanding performance” of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical, CentreStage is nominated for Production of the Year, Best Direction, Best Musical Direction, Best Lighting Design, Best Sound Design, Best Leading Performer and Best Dancer awards.

The annual Musical Theatre Guild of Victoria hosts an annual awards competition which includes over 100+ local productions throughout Victoria including Swan Hill, Mildura, Melbourne, Geelong and all the way down to Warrnambool.

 

Six judges attend given productions throughout the season unknown to the cast and creatives and privately review the show and chat about their thoughts and comments.

Each individual award is marked out of 100 per cent and the “Nominations” are for those who scored 95 per cent or higher.

The 2023 awards are slated to be held at Costa Hall in Geelong.

North Geelong based, CentreStage managing director, David Greenwood said being nominated for seven awards is “a surreal and humbling experience.”

“In the world of musical theatre, a nomination from the Musical Theatre Guild of Victoria is a badge of honour, a symbol of excellence which recognises the collective spirit of creativity, teamwork, and the unyielding pursuit of artistic brilliance,” Mr Greenwood said.

“It’s a nod to the countless hours of dedication, passion, and collaboration that go into creating magic on the stage.

“It reflects the harmony and synergy that make live theatre an extraordinary journey and echoes the resonance of the stories we bring to life and the emotions we evoke in our audience.”

 

Mr Greenwood said their performance of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical, was always sure to stand out to judges for its vibrant celebration of diversity and individuality.

The show also stood out to local audiences, with more than 10,000 people attending the show, securing the second all-time box office record at the Geelong Arts Centre.

“The show, inspired by the iconic film, embraces and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, conveying a powerful message of self-expression, acceptance, and love,” Mr Greenwood said.

“The dazzling and extravagant costumes are a hallmark of the production and contribute to the show’s visual spectacle, making it a feast for the eyes and enhancing the overall theatrical experience.

“It addresses themes of friendship, acceptance, and the importance of being true to oneself, making it a compelling and emotionally resonant story.

 

“In essence, the combination of a powerful message, dazzling costumes, a nostalgic soundtrack, a heartwarming story, and innovative stagecraft makes Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical a truly special and memorable theatrical experience.”

Winners will be announced on December 9.

For more on CentreStage, head to www.centrestage.org.au/