'Priscilla' Rules the Desert at No Square - Review
'Priscilla, Queen of the Desert' Shines with Tinsel and Glitter at No Square Theatre running now through August 2, 2026, in Laguna Beach, CA.
Based on the cult classic film by Stephan Elliott, “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” at No Square Theatre in Laguna Beach, CA, is an uplifting, toe-tapping adventure of three friends, drag queens Tick (Christopher Voumas) and Felicia (Sawyer Reece Maier) along with transwoman, Bernadette (Jason Pascual) are members of a glamorous Sydney-based drag show, looking for a change of scenery.
After a call from Tick's estranged wife and in desperate need of a change of scenery, the trio take their act across the Australian Outback aboard a battered old bus affectionately named "Priscilla." Along the way they encounter friendship, bigotry, acceptance and several surprises. The show is all set to an irresistible pop anthems including, “It’s Raining Men”, “I Will Survive”, “Hot Stuff”, “Go West”, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “I Love the Nightlife.”
I hadn’t seen Elliott’s film, “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” since it was in heavy rotation on HBO or Showtime in the mid-’90s. The only thing I remembered was the line, Where Bernadette is shocked by Felicia’s disco memorabilia stating in utter confusion, "What are you telling me? This is an ABBA turd?” Thankfully, that little “nugget” was flushed out.
Directed by Joe Lauderdale with choreography by Ellen Prince, they created no easy task for Pascaul, Maier and Vournas are filling the stilettos of Terence Stamp, Guy Pearce and Hugo Weaving. Fortunately, they don’t just wear them, they strut in them.
The three leads and the hardworking ensemble survive what feels like an Olympic decathlon of costume changes, dance numbers, lip-sync performances and live vocals without missing a beat. Brigitte Harper’s costumes are worth the price of admission alone, each somehow more outrageous than the last in the best possible way. Music director and pianist Joseph Mulroy leads a terrific six-piece band featuring Alan Kelly-Crawley on synthesizer, Mark Sproull on guitar, Nic Gonzalez on bass, Keith Ranson on trumpet and Daniel Mulroy on drums, keeping every disco anthem spinning under the shimmer of a preverbal disco ball.
The Divas, Jordyn Brady, Meg Rocha and Martina Y. Sanchez, deliver powerhouse vocals while at times perched on scaffolding, fearing at any moment, someone would be knocked out by a low hanging speaker if they moved their head millimeters in the wrong direction. Sanchez is hilarious as the unforgettable ping-pong girl while Brady steals laughs as a local barfly. Both dive headfirst into every character. Brady and Michael Marmont, who plays Bob, also deliver the evening’s most convincing Australian accents.
Among the ensemble, Michelle Eiffert stood out for her hyper-focused commitment. While a few performers subtly acknowledged familiar faces in the audience, Eiffert stayed locked into every dance number from start to finish. Duke Newcomb was infectious enthusiasm and looked especially at home in drag as Miss Understanding, even more comfortable than in masculine attire. If I were a woman, I’d be livid as to how good his calves looked in heels.
Finn Miles Reid continues to impress with every production. Kenneth Phuong and Michael Cervantes looked more confident than their previous performances at No Square, while Geo Herrera, Allyson Blackstone, Benna Spots and Patrick Castillo made every energetic moment of stage time count. Katie Hamilton’s Marion is far more understanding than any estranged wife should be, while Cohen Moss surprised us all with his melodic vocals.
Lighting designer Sophia Lombardo and Stage Manager and lighting operator Jordyn Tagle add visual flair that makes the intimate stage feel much bigger. Emily Hood’s wigs deserve their own curtain call.
Considering the cozy performance space, the sheer number of costume changes, dance numbers and musical performances makes this production even more impressive. It showcases the dedication, talent and controlled chaos that have become No Square Theatre’s signature.
My only criticism is that the opening gets the bus out of the depot a little too quickly. Tick’s introduction and the reason for the trio’s road trip happen so fast that anyone unfamiliar with the film or musical may spend the first few scenes playing catch-up. That rush leaves first timers wondering, “Which one is ‘Priscilla’?”
“Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” is joyful, energetic and just the right amount of over-the-top camp. No Square Theatre doesn’t put on a musical. It throws one hell-of-a-party and everyone is invited.
“Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” at No Square Theatre runs from now through August, 2, 2026.
To purchase tickets for “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” at No Square Theatre visit: nosquare.org or call the box office at: +1-949-715-9438.
No Square Theatre is located at:
384 Legion St.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
4.5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½