Journey to the Heart of Fabulous.

Last night, I went to see a new musical called "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert." You don't have to know me very well to know that this is the type of show that I hate. An old movie being musicalized, stuck up on stage and glossed over in merchandise is not my idea of theatre. I have nothing against musicals. I have something against the direction that "new" musical theatre is going. Last semester, I did a very angry (but quite witty) powerpoint presentation on Jukebox Musicals and why they can suck it (for the record, this was not the title of my presentation).

I decided to give Priscilla a chance. I had never seen the movie, but I had seen that sparkling, 20 foot high LED pump they have up on the marquee. That shining high heel is on of my landmarks when locating G-A-Y. Seriously, you can't miss this thing. Despite my moral opposition to Priscilla as a piece of art, I figured that drag queens are sort of my bag, so why not.

God, am I glad I went.

I was astonished. I was amazed. I laughed. I cried (from laughing). I almost peed myself. It was just brilliant. It was spectacle the likes of which I have NEVER before seen in my life, and yet I loved every second of it. It was just what I needed at that moment.

I think the appeal of Priscilla (at least for me) was all in the camp. This show was sparkle, shine and glitter. There was big hair and bigger dresses. It was absolutely ridiculous. There was a very sweet story buried underneath all that sequins, but it never took itself seriously for more than 30 seconds. One moment you were touched and the next moment leather clad chorus boys singing "Venus" reminded you exactly where you were. And it was beautiful.

I am very embarrassed to make the following statement. But I'm going to do it anyway.

Seeing "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: the musical" reminded me why I want to do theatre for the rest of my life.

Now, I know this is a ludicrous statement. Trust me, I know. But you haven't seen the show. So don't judge. OK, so I know you're going to judge anyway, but nothing can describe the sheer joy I felt sitting in that theatre. It was really magical and ridiculous and . . . I think it's the elation. It's that feeling of elation that makes me want to keep going forever and ever and ever.

In non-Priscilla news, lappy's still busted. I think I'm going to try to get her fixed (at least temporarily) tomorrow. The G20 summit is in town (as are the Obamas). I had to walk by a police barricade on my way to work, so that was fun? Oh, and I'm trying desperately to sublet the Bungalow for the summer. But at least we have a full house for next year!!

One month and counting til I'm back in Ithaca. When did that happen?