Hot stuff coming to Pakenham

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert stars Blair Salmon, Scott Hili and Jason McMurray at the Cardinia Cultural Centre in April. Picture: SUPPLIED.

By Shelby Brooks

After more than 12 months of rehearsing, CPAC Musical Theatre is finally able to get back on stage and shake their groove thing with the production of the Australian cult classic, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Being performed at the Cardinia Cultural Centre in April, Priscilla tells the story of three loud, proud and very different friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for Alice Springs to put on the show of a lifetime.

Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance, sound tracked by live sung hit songs such as I Will Survive, Hot Stuff and Shake Your Groove Thing.

CPAC Musical Theatre, formerly Cardinia Performing Arts Company, is celebrating 20 years of providing top quality, yet affordable musical theatre productions in Cardinia.

Producer Lee Geraghty said although the cast and crew of Priscilla had been disappointed the show could not be staged last year as planned, they had worked tirelessly to bring it together for audiences this year instead.

For Priscilla’s “diehard” cast, the actors rehearsed online while they weren’t able to meet in person last year due to Covid-19 restrictions, with the director Scott Hili, musical director Ben Heels and choreographer Kristy Hamshare.

“Not only has Scott directed the show but he has also designed, and along with his army of helpers, created completely original designs for the costumes,” Lee said.

“There are over 200 costumes and wigs in this production, along with a magnificent bus on stage.

“As if this wasn’t enough for Scott, he is also starring as Bernadette, one of the three leading ladies of the show.”

Starring alongside Scott is Jason McMurray who plays the role of Felicia/Adam and newcomer to CPAC, Blair Salmon, playing the role of Tick.

The ensemble plays a variety of different roles throughout the show adding to the vibrant colour on stage.

CPAC’s Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is also part of this year’s Midsumma Festival and opening night will be attended by Melbourne-based drag performer, Karen from Finance.

Tickets for Priscilla can be purchased online through the Midsumma website midsumma-premier.eventfinda.com.au/ or at trybooking.com/BIMZI.