The musical "Priscilla Queen of the Desert," adapted from the 1994 film "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert," follows the story of drag queens Tick/Mitzi (Wade McCollum) and Adam/Felicia (Bryan West), and transsexual Bernadette (Scott Willis), who contract to perform a drag show at a casino in Alice Springs, Australia. They take a caravan bus—which they name Priscilla—to travel there, and on the way the three friends have a series of adventures. 

The show itself (directed by Simon Philips) is essentially a trail mix of jellybeans, Skittles, and perfectly chiseled abs; the costumes (by Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner) are outrageously colorful and there is man candy everywhere. (There is cake involved as well.) That aside, "Priscilla" could be called a stereotypical drag version of "Mamma Mia!", which is not necessarily a bad thing if one is looking for a fun way to spend two and a half hours.

The stark contrast between the first and second acts leaves much to be desired. In Stephan Elliot and Allan Scott's book, the first act is a powerhouse of energy with amped up anthems and drag queen sass, while the second act serves as an awkward attempt to give the show what the first act lacked: drama, obstacles, and a reason to care about the fabulous drag queens other than the fact that they are, well, fabulous. "Priscilla" is a fun show, but the under-developed and sometimes out-of-nowhere bumps in the road for our heroes Felicia, Bernadette, and Tick make it a confused and muddled one as well. The fact that practically every song (arranged by Stephen "Spud" Murphy) is a high-energy number also leaves for very little rest for both the performers and the audience; you don’t feel the two and a half hours pass, but the show is still incredibly exhausting. If anything, "Priscilla" is really just an incredibly elaborate drag show complete with foil fringe curtains, disco lights, confetti, and a color-changing bus. (Although Rupaul would be proud.)

Would I see it again? Yes. Do I recommend it? Yes, if you have a penchant for drag shows and glitter. But I suggest alcohol, or if you are underage, a large coffee with extra shots of espresso or a few energy drinks during intermission.

Reach Staff Contributor Liffany Chen here.

"Priscilla Queen of the Desert" is playing at the Pantages Theatre (6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles) through June 16. Tickets are $25-$125. More information can be found at BroadwayLA.org.