Connecticut Theatre Company Presents

Book By: STEPHAN ELLIOT and ALLAN SCOTT

Based on the Latent Image/Specific Films Motion Picture Distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Produced by NULLARBOR PRODUCTIONS

In association with MGM ON STAGE

Musical Arrangements and Orchestrations by STEPHEN ‘SPUD’ MURPHY

Developed for the Stage and Originally Directed by SIMON PHILLIPS

The original motion picture was written and directed by Stephan Elliot, produced by Al Clark and Michael Hamlyn,

executive producer Rebel Penfold-Russell and was financed with the assistance of the Film Finance Corporation Australia Limited and the New South Wales Film and Television Office

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT

is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10036. (866) 378-9758 www.theatricalrights.com

JULY 7 – 23, 2017

The Repertory Theatre 23 Norden Street

New Britain, CT 06051 (860) 223-3147

www.ConnecticutTheatreCompany.org

The video or audio recording of this performance by any means is strictly prohibited.

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Message from The President Welcome to our fourth season of live community theatre here at The Rep. We have been so pleased to be able to continue our efforts to develop and encourage local talent in Connecticut and produce some great theatre along the way. We continue our 2017 season with Thoroughly Modern Millie, which I have had the pleasure of co-directing with Johanna Regan. Coming up next will be Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical, Shadowlands, Jekyll and Hyde and closing out our season will be the musical epic Ragtime. We hope that you are just as excited about these great shows as we are. If you haven’t yet joined us as a season subscriber or flex pass holder it’s a great season to start! Get all the special perks and guaranteed seats, all for a lower price than buying single tickets. Speak with the box office staff in the lobby for more information about season tickets or our three show flex pass options. As always, I extend my thanks to the Board of Directors, Managers, and volunteers for all of their hard work on a daily basis. The quote “It takes a village…” could not be more true when it comes to community theatre. We feel the arts are integral in the community and strive to continue pushing ourselves to offer shows that inspire and challenge us. My biggest “thank you” goes to you, our audiences, for your continued patronage and support of Connecticut Theatre Company. We are most grateful. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at ecampbell@connecticuttheatrecompany.org. Please look for me in the lobby and say hello. Now I invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! Erin Campbell President, Connecticut Theatre Company

Message from The Director As the news is littered with stories of who can use which bathroom and who has the right to marry whom, it’s easy to feel a little bogged down from the negativity. The theatre for me, and for many others, has been a welcoming space that celebrates the things that make us different even while holding up a mirror to ourselves to see that many times, we’re not as different as we think. With Priscilla Queen of the Desert, both the cult classic 1994 movie and the revamped musical, I see a piece that celebrates diversity and can’t help but make you smile. Somehow while reminiscing and dancing along to disco hits and 90’s pop songs, you find yourself realizing that in the face of adversity, bonds of friendship and family offer solace and understanding. It’s a universal lesson that while simple, many of us need a reminder of from time to time. With the support of those around us, it really does get better. Priscilla, like the bus itself, is a nonstop explosion of dance and song that is sure to keep you entertained, but it’s also a terrific story about finding love: love of family, love from a new and unexpected romance, and even learning to love yourself. If theatre reflects life, than these are surely lessons we can all learn from it. It’s just that this time the mirror is bedazzled with sequins, making it just a little more fabulous than usual. Welcome to Connecticut Theatre Company and feel free to dance along with us as we go west across the Australian outback in our budget barbie campervan. Warm Regards, Duane Campbell

Cast of Characters

Tick/Mitzi………………………………………………………….…………………………....CECIL CARTER Bernadette………………………………………………………………………………….….DAVID NUNNER Adam/Felicia……..…………………………………………………………………..……ZACHARY TAYLOR The Divas.……,………………………..…ERIN CAMPBELL, CHELSEA DERBY, DEIDRA S. JEFFERSON Bob…...…………...………………………………………………………..…………………JOHNNY REVICKI Marion/Shirley……...……………………………………………………………..……………IESHA M. ROSE Cynthia…………………………………………………………………………………...........JEANIE WRIGHT Benji……….……………………………………………………………………..………BEN STONE-ZELMAN Miss Understanding………...……………………………………………………..……ROBERT J. WILLIAMS Lars/Jimmy/Frank………………………………………………………………….................NICK CARRANO Farrah/Lars/Barman…………………………………………………………….….............KENNETH LAUTZ Lars/Jules………..………………………………………………………………....…MATTHEW LOMBARDO Pastor………………………………………………………………………………………..…...DAVID WALLS Ensemble:

JESSICA BADOWSKI, ERIN FRECHETTE, JAMES D. HAMPTON III, AMANDA LEIGH NELSON, HANNAH RUBITZ

Cast Bios

Jessica Badowski (Ensemble): Jessica is happy to return to her CTC family in such a wonderful show. She has previously been seen on stage here in “Sweeney Todd”, “My Fair Lady”, “White Christmas”, and “Young Frankenstein”. Jessica also has worked behind the scenes for CTC shows “The Women”, “Boeing Boeing”, and “Once On This Island”. Jessica would like to thank her family and friends for their support and the cast and crew for all the fun times! Erin Campbell (Diva): Erin is so excited to be in the CT premiere of this show! Other favorite roles include Frau Blucher - "Young Frankenstein", Ensemble (2 Times) - "Sweeney Todd", Martha - "White Christmas" and Ensemble - "Assassins". She hopes that you thoroughly enjoy yourself and have a toe tapping, head bopping, AWESOME time. Special thanks go out to all the cast and crew for helping her to come out of her comfort zone! Most of all, Erin would like to thank her wonderful and loving husband Duane for making her feel invincible. I love you so much. And as always, Erin would like to dedicate this and every show to her Granny. Nick Carrano (Lars/Jimmy/Frank): Nick is making his CTC debut in Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Nick is a student at Central Connecticut State University studying Theatre Performance. Previous credits include: Cinderella's Prince in "Into The Woods," Aaron McKinney, Dennis Shepard, Sergeant Hing, Greg Periotti in "The Laramie Project," Giovanni in "We Won't Pay! We Won't Pay!," Polixenes in "The Winter's Tale," the Monster in "Young Frankenstein," Ensemble in "RENT." Nick would like to thank Duane, Kristen, Rose, and the entire cast and crew for their hard work, creativity, and dedication to this production. Finally, "a big shout-out to my family, friends, and amazing girlfriend for all of their love and support. Thank you and I love you." Cecil Carter (Tick/Mitzi): Cecil is thrilled to be making his Connecticut Theatre Company debut in such a wonderful show. Cecil was last seen on stage in “Jekyll & Hyde” with Colchester Community Theatre. Cecil enjoys his time as a choir singer and amateur choreographer. He has performed with the Connecticut Gay Men’s Chorus for the past 3 years. Cecil would like to thank the cast and crew for making this such a great experience.

Cast Bios Chelsea Derby (Diva): Chelsea Derby is so in love with and proud to be a part of this show. She’s performed and choreographed with numerous companies in CT such as CTC, HITW, LTM, SLOCO, and Broad Brook Opera House as well as New York and New Jersey theater companies. Recent roles: “Sweeney Todd” (Mrs. Lovett), “Into the Woods” (Cinderella), “Shrek” (Fiona), “Hair” (Dionne), “The Wedding Singer” (Holly), “The Producers” (Ulla), “Iolanthe” (Leila), “Hairspray” (Penny), and “Spring Awakening” (Ilse). Love to my number one star Braden and Nathaniel. Erin Frechette (Ensemble/Dance Captain): Erin is excited to return to the CTC stage for her 4th production. She recently appeared in the ensemble of "Thoroughly Modern Millie". She also danced in "White Christmas" & "My Fair Lady (also co-choreographed). Her choreography has appeared in Granby Art's Project's productions of "Hello Dolly", "The Pajama Game", "High School Musical", & "Back to the 80s". She also choreographed the "The Sound of Music" for Monson Arts Council. She has danced at the Majestic Theater and for the "Cher Extravaganza". Erin thanks her husband, Wally, for all his love & support. She also thanks all her parents for being the "wind beneath her wings". James D. Hampton III (Ensemble): James is a native of CT who attended Derby High School and Bacon Academy where he learned to play the Clarinet, Tenor and Bari Saxophones for the Concert and Jazz bands. While at Bacon, he auditioned and performed in the CT Regional and State Bands as well as the annual All New England Music Festival. James received his B.S. in Biology from Eastern Connecticut State University where he was a collegiate athlete as a member of the Track and Field and Cross Country teams. He also continued practicing his music as a member of the ECSU concert band. After college, James briefly joined the Colchester and Norwich Community Bands but later found a home singing and performing for the CT Gay Men's Chorus where he's been a member for two seasons. James has recently finished his masters at the University of New Haven. Deidra S. Jefferson (Diva): Deidra had a blast in her role as a Diva, and was more than excited to return to stage after a 3-year hiatus. Deidra thanks her family and best friends for their never-ending support and genuinity. I love you. To the cast of “Priscilla Queen Of The Desert”, continue to spread love, joy and laughter. Everything you touch is turning to GOLD!! Kenneth Lautz (Farrah/Lars/Barman): Kenneth is making his premiere with CTC. He has had a blast working on “Priscilla” and is thankful for the awesome team he's gotten to work with. Outside of acting, he also enjoys being in his a cappella group at Catholic University, Redline A Cappella, and he also enjoys just being able to spend time with friends. Past credits include: Ciccio in “The Most Happy Fella” (Catholic University), Featured Soloist in “Start Spreading the News” (Kennedy Center), and Caveman Ancestor in “The Addams Family” (Warner Stage Company). Kenneth would like to thank all of those who have supported him along the way! Matthew Lombardo (Lars/Jules): Matthew is THRILLED to making his CTC debut in this production of “Priscilla”! Having done theater in high school, he is excited to been cast with such talented people! He stands by his motto in life "Until you're ready to look foolish, you'll never have the possibility of being great!" (A quote from his idol, Cher!). He dedicates this performance to his mom, who always has been there for him and believes in him no matter what! Love ya mom! Amanda Leigh Nelson (Ensemble): Amanda has been dancing and acting for over 20 years. She performed in various off-off Broadway shows in New York City as a child, and in the past few years, she was a dancer in Colchester Community Theatre's productions of “Shrek the Musical”, “The Little Mermaid”, and “Jekyll and Hyde”. This is Amanda's second Connecticut Theatre Company production. Amanda lives in Colchester with her husband, her five year old son and her border collie.

Cast Bios David Nunner (Bernadette): This is David's fifth production with CTC and is certainly one of his most memorable. He was previously seen on the CTC stage as Tobias in “Sweeney Todd”, Armand in “Once On This Island”, Dr. Einstein in “Arsenic and Old Lace”, and Igor in “Young Frankenstein”. David has worked in theare off and on his entire life. David has also appeared with The Whitney Players out of Hamden, CT, where he has played roles such as Lord Farquaad in “Shrek” and Igor in “Young Frankenstein”. David is THRILLED to be back on stage working with this wonderful group. Johnny Revicki (Bob): Johnny Revicki (Bob) is marking his fourth role with this loving, accepting, and endearing community theatre, Connecticut Theatre Company. Johnny is proud to portray the role of Bob who serves as a simple, woke, and loving man living in the fabulous world of these three queens. Johnny is also directing CTC’s upcoming production of “Shadowlands”, which is currently in rehearsal. He was most recently seen on stage in Connecticut as Otto Frank in Landmark Community Theatre’s critically-acclaimed production of “The Diary of Anne Frank.” Johnny has previously been seen on the CTC stage in the title role of “Macbeth”, as Jonathan Brewster in “Arsenic and Old Lace,” and as The Monster in “Young Frankenstein.” Iesha M. Rose (Marion/Shirley): Proud to participate in her ninth production with CTC, some of Iesha's previous roles include Edith in “The Women”, Mrs. Pearce in “My Fair Lady”, Zelda in “White Christmas”, and the Hermit in “Young Frankenstein”. She has also played Mrs. Reed in “Jane Eyre”, Rheba in “You Can't Take It with You”, and Mrs. T in “Avenue Q” with other companies. In addition to theatre, Iesha has appeared on camera for local businesses, including a promotion for Channel 3 Eyewitness News. She is a stay-at-home mommy of three kooky cats, an exceptional cook, and an avid napper. Iesha thanks her husband for his unwavering support. Hannah Rubitz (Ensemble): Hannah is excited to be back on stage at the Connecticut Theatre Company. Her favorite credits include Jack’s Mom in “Into the Woods”, Enid in “The Christmas Schooner”, “Sweeney Todd”, “Once on this Island”, and “My Fair Lady”. She is working towards her BA in theatre performance at Central Connecticut State University. She would like to thank her family and friends who have helped and supported her on her journey to this point and beyond. Ben Stone-Zelman (Benji): Ben Stone-Zelman (Benji) is delighted to return to CTC and loved performing as Young Karl Stossel in “The Christmas Schooner” with CTC in 2016 and 2014. He recently performed at Goodspeed Opera House both as Randolph in “Bye Bye Birdie” and as Tommy Bailey in “A Wonderful Life”. Ben played Boy Scrooge/Fred’s Son in “A Christmas Carol” at Hartford Stage and performed at the Thomaston Opera House with Landmark Community Theatre as Michael Banks in “Mary Poppins”, and Flounder in “The Little Mermaid”. He played Jackie/J.J. in Sigourney Square Park with Pearwater Productions, and he begins rehearsals later this summer as Edmund in “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”, also with Pearwater. Ben is a professional voice actor and is a lead character on Nick Jr’s Becca’s Bunch which premieres in 2017. He is also the voice of a lead character in Gen-Z’s upcoming podcast, Ghost of Jessica Majors. Zachary Taylor (Adam/Felicia): Zachary is elated to be returning to the New Britain Repertory stage after recently graduating from the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in New York City. He's dreamed and fantasized of being in this show for years now, so you can only imagine the excitement when he found out he was cast in the Connecticut debut! Zach first fell in love with this story when he stumbled upon the film, which instantly became a personal favorite and a work of art he would forever hold close to his heart. When the film first premiered, Priscilla was a welcome change from other queer texts, offering a more intimate and incautious account of one lovable band of queers from Sydney. Given the historical pathologization of the likes of gay men and transgendered individuals, the film offered a more intimate and dignified representation of this outcast crowd. That's what makes it so iconic and well-loved. Zach is also no stranger to Connecticut Theatre Company. He starred as 'Angel' in "Rent" as part of the 2014 season, choreographed "Gypsy" in 2015, and played the role of 'Daniel' in "Once On This Island" in 2016. Other recent stage credits include 'Ted' in "Peter and the Starcatcher" at the Warner Theatre and 'Leaf Coneybear' in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" with Farmington

Cast Bios Zachary Taylor (Continued): Valley Stage Company. Zach feels blessed to finally be a part of this fabulous production and bring his adaption of Felicia to life as well as getting to work with an amazing group of creative and hard-working individuals. Huge thanks to his family for the constant support and to Duane for always seeing something in him and giving these amazing opportunities. He hopes you love this beautiful show as much as he loves being in it. David Walls (Pastor): David who plays a few roles, is very proud to be a part of the production of “Priscilla Queen of the Desert”. David was encouraged earlier this year to return to theater after a long absence by his family. He is incredibly happy that he did Robert J. Williams (Miss Understanding): Robert is a singer, actor, dancer, and comedian. He has danced on an episode of So You Think You Can Dance, the Fox TV show. Robert also hosted an open mic in NYC at club crash mansion, this is his third show with CTC. Previous credits include: “Once On This Island”, “Thoroughly Modern Millie”, and now “Priscilla Queen of the Desert”. Robert has also been on stage in “The Wiz”, “Cinderella”, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”, and “Gypsy”. He is a Fabulous Sexy Batch 😙 Jeanie Wright (Cynthia): Jeanie nearly cried when she found out she would have the opportunity to be back on the stage playing such a fun role after Assistant Directing three productions (“Addams Family Musical”, “Disney Cabaret Revue”, “Grease”). Her favorite roles to date are Susan (“No Sex Please, We're British”), Day by Day (“Godspell”), and here at CTC as Auntie Jocko/Yonkers (“Gypsy”). Special dedication to her "stage dad" Jim for always believing in her and never letting her slack... and to her real-life best friend and mother Debbie for everything always and ever--She loves you more than tacos.

Synopsis of Scenes – Act I

Overture……………………………..…………………………………………………...……………….Orchestra Scene 1: It’s Raining Men………………..…………………………………………………....……Divas, Mitzi, Clubgoers What’s Love Got To Do With It...……………………………………………..………Miss Understandng, Divas I Say A Little Prayer……………………………………………...…..…………Tick, Miss Understanding, Divas Scene 2: Don’t Leave Me This Way..............................................................................Bernadette, Pastor, Divas, Company Scene 3: Venus………………………..………………………………………………………...…...….Divas, Felicia, Boys Scene 4: Go West…………..................................................................................Adam, Tick, Bernadette, Divas, Company Scene 5: The Journey………..……………………………………………………...………………Adam, Tick, Bernadette I Say A Little Prayer (Reprise)…….................................…………………………………………...…Tick, Divas Scene 6: I Love The Nightlife……………………………………………….…Shirley, Bernadette, Tick, Adam, Company Scene 7: True Colors……………………..…………………………………………………...….…Bernadette, Adam, Tick Sempre Libra…..……………………………………………………………………………………….……Felicia Scene 8: Color My World……………………………………………….………Adam, Tick, Bernadette, Divas, Company Scene 9: I Will Survive….....................................................................……..…Bernadette, Felicia, Mitzi, Divas, Company

*** 15 Minute Intermission ***

Synopsis of Scenes – Act II

Scene 1: Thank God I’m A Country Boy……..…………………………………………...….Divas, Country Boys & Girls Scene 2: A Fine Romance……………......………………………………………………...……………..Young Bernadette Scene 3: Thank God I’m A Country Boy (Reprise)……..................................................................…Country Boys & Girls Scene 4: Shake Your Groove Thing………………………………………………...…..…Mitzi, Bernadette, Felicia, Divas Scene 5: Pop Muzik……………………………………………………………………………….……Cynthia, Divas, Men A Fine Romance (Reprise)…………………………………………………………………………………..…Bob Scene 6: Girls Just Want To Have Fun……………………………………………………...……………...…Divas, Felicia Scene 7/8: Hot Stuff……………………………………………………………………...………....Felicia, Divas, Bernadette Scene 9: Go West (Reprise)…………………………………………………………..……………….….Bernadette, Adam MacArthur Park……………………………………………………...……...…Bernadette, Tick, Divas, Company Scene 10: Boogie Wonderland…………………………………………………………..……….….Tick, Marion, Company Boogie Wonderland (Reprise)……………………….………………………………………………...…Company Scene 11/12: Casino Floorshow Montage……………………………………………...…...….Divas, Mitzi, Felicia, Bernadette Scene 13: Scene 14: Always On My Mind/Kylie Medley………………………………………….….Tick, Benji, Felicia, Divas, Boys We Belong………………………………………………………...…………..…Mitzi, Felicia, Bernadette, Divas Scene 15: Finale…………………………………………………...……………….…Divas, Miss Understanding, Company Bows……………………………………………………………………………………………...………Company

Song Credits

“It’s Raining Men” by Paul Jabara and Paul Shaffer/EMI and Warner Chappell Music/Used with Permission. “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle/ Warner Chappell Music and Hornall Bros Music Ltd/ Used with Permission. “I Say A Little Prayer” by Burt Bacharach and Hal David/Universal Music and Warner Chappell Music/Used with Permission. “Don’t Leave Me This Way” by Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff, Cary Grant Gilbert/ Warner Chappell Music/Used with Permission. “Venus” by Robert HJ Van Leeuwen/International Music Network o/b/o Big Mystique Music/Used with Permission. “Go West” by Henri Belolo, Jacques Morali, Victor Willis/ Can’t Stop The Music/Scorpio Music/ Used with Permission.

“The Locomotion” by Gerry Goffin, Carole King/ EMI/ Used with Permission. “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” by Cathy Dennis, Rob Davis/ Universal Music and EMI/ Used with Permission. “I Love The Nightlife” by Alicia Bridges and Susan Hutcheson/ Sony/ Used with Permission. “True Colors” by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly/ Sony/ Used with Permission. “Color My World” by Tony Hatch/Sony/ Used with Permission. “I Will Survive” by Freddie Perren, Dino Fekaris/Universal Music /Used with Permission. “Thank God I’m A Country Boy” by John Sommers/Cherry Lane Music/ Used with Permission. “A Fine Romance” by Dorothy Fields, Jerome Kern/ Happy Aspen Music LLC o/b/o Aldi Music/ Used with Permission. “Shake Your Groove Thing” by Freddie Perren, Dino Fekaris/ Universal Music /Used with Permission. “Pop Muzik” by Robin Scott/ Universal Music /Used with Permission. “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Robert Hazard/Sony/Used with Permission. “Hot Stuff” by Pete Bellotte, Keith Forsey, Harold Faltermeier/ Warner Chappell Music/Used with Permission. “MacArthur Park” by Jimmy Webb/Universal Music /Used with Permission. “Boogie Wonderland” by Willis, Lind/Universal Music, EMI and International Music Network o/b/o Big Mystique Music/Used with Permission. “The Morning After” by Joel Hirschhorn, Al Kasha/ Warner Chappell Music/Used with Permission. “Always On My Mind” by Johnny Christopher, Mark James and Wayne Carson Thompson/EMI/ Used with Permission. “Confide In Me” by Steve Anderson, Dave Seaman, Owain Barton/Universal Music/ Used with Permission. “Come Into My World” by Cathy Dennis, Rob Davis Universal Music/ Used with Permission. “Spinning Around” by Ira Schickman, Osbourne Bingham, Kara Dioguardi/ EMI/ Used with Permission. “We Belong” by David Lowen, Daniel Navarro/ EMI/ Used with Permission. “Finally Medley” by Cecilia Peniston,Elbert Lee Linnear, Rodney K. Jackson, Felipe Delgado/ Universal Music/ Used with Permission.

Production Crew

Director……………………………......……………………………………………………DUANE CAMPBELL

Music Director..……………………….……………………………………………………………..JEFF SIROIS

Choreographer……………………………………………………………………………..….KRISTEN NORRIS

Fight Choreographer…………………………………………………………….……………..MATTHEW COTE

Stage Manager………………………………………………………………….……….……..BEN SILBERMAN

Technical Director……………………………………………………………………………MICHAEL J. BANE

Set Design…..….........................................................................…MICHAEL J. BANE & DUANE CAMPBELL

Set Construction.........................................................................MICHAEL J. BANE & WALTER MACENTIRE

Sound Operator………………………………………………………………..………..……..BEN SILBERMAN

Lighting Design…..………………………………………………….…………………….…MICHAEL J. BANE

Light Operator….…….……………………………………………….……….……………DUANE CAMPBELL

Costume Designer.........................................................................................................ROSE MASSELLI MORSE

Costume Intern……………………………………………………….………………………...…JENNA SWATT

Props……………..………………………………………………………………………....DUANE CAMPBELL

Website/Online Sales……...……………………………………………………….………DUANE CAMPBELL

House Manager……………………………………………………………………………….....…SANDY LEBA

Photographer....……………………………………………………………….………….…DUANE CAMPBELL

Priscilla Queen of the Desert Orchestra:

Piano……………………………………………………………………………………….………...JEFF SIROIS

Woodwinds…………………………………………………………………………………..……DON ROONEY

Trumpet..…………………………………………………………………….………………ROBERT SALERNO

Trombone………………………………………………………………………………...…SALVATORE URSO

Guitar……………………………………………………………………………………...…..ANDREW BOSCO

Bass…………………………………………………………………………………………………...ALEC RICH

Drums………………………………………………………………………………………..............NICK PRIOR

Production Bios

Duane Campbell (Director): Duane is happy to be back in the director’s chair to bring this fabulous show to the Rep. Previous CTC directing credits include: “Sweeney Todd”, “Once On This Island”, “White Christmas”, “Gypsy”, “Chicago” and “RENT”. Duane also serves as Executive Director for the company. Many thanks to the cast and crew for their tireless work bringing this big show to our little theatre. Thanks as well to Erin for her love and support, “You are always on my mind.” Jeff Sirois (Musical Director): Jeff is new to Connecticut Theatre Company, and thrilled to have joined this cast! A lifelong musician, Jeff holds a degree in Music Education from Plymouth State University in Plymouth, NH and studied performance in both piano and trumpet. Since 2012, Jeff has been a music teacher in the Berlin Public Schools. Currently, he teaches instrumental and general music, and directs the band at Berlin High School. Recently, Jeff has co-music directed or been on production teams for Berlin High School’s productions of “Once Upon a Mattress”, “The Music Man” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie”. In addition to his responsibilities at Berlin High School, Jeff is director of music at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Terryville, CT. A trumpet player, Jeff frequently performs with school and community theatre orchestras in the area. Kristen Norris (Choreographer): Kristen Norris (23) is the Resident Choreographer at Connecticut Theatre Company. She started dancing when she was 3 years old and is trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, and pom. Kristen has worked on choreography for “The Wizard of Oz”, “The Christmas Schooner”, “Gypsy”, “Hairspray”, “Young Frankenstein”, “Once On This Island”, and “Sweeney Todd” here at CTC. She is so thankful for her talented, patient, and dedicated cast. Kristen would also like to thank Miss Sue, her first dance teacher, for teaching her to just keep on dancing. Matthew Cote (Fight Choreographer): Matthew is an actor and director who attended CCSU’s theatre program. This is the second time he’s worked with the Connecticut Theatre Company after previously fight choreographing “The Women”, but he has been involved in theatre his whole life from elementary school through college. Some favorite past roles have been Adraste from “The Illusion” at CCSU, Romeo from “Goodnight Desdemona, Good morning Juliet”, and George, from “Of Mice and Men” at Hole in the Wall Theatre.

Production Bios Benjamin Silberman (Stage Manager / Sound Operator): Ben is very excited to be a part of this production of “Priscilla Queen of the Desert”. He was recently the stage manager for “Thoroughly Modern Millie”, “The Christmas Schooner”, “Sweeney Todd” among others, He is the Sound Operator for many productions in the venue. Ben has helped in many capacities around the theatre, both as part of the former Repertory Theatre, and the Connecticut Theatre Company in which he currently serves as Treasurer. He thanks the entire cast and crew for all their hard work and commitment to this wonderful production. Michael J. Bane (Technical Director): Michael has worked on many productions in this venue, such as: “Thoroughly Modern Millie”, “The Women”, “The Christmas Schooner”, “Sweeney Todd”, “Boeing Boeing”, “My Fair Lady”, and many more. Michael has also been a major part of this venue since the age of 10 with technical directing, stage management, facilities management and President of The Repertory Theatre, Inc. Michael now serves as the Vice President of CTC and as acting Technical Director. Michael would like to thank the cast and crew for all of their hard work and dedication, along with his partner Evan for his support. Rose Masselli Morse (Costume Designer): Rose Masselli Morse (Costume & Millinery Designer & Construction) Rose’s Life Motto: “Life is too short, so you gotta sparkle!” defines her feelings for this FABULOUS show and its amazing cast and crew. “PRISCILLA” is a costumer’s dream; it’s big, it’s shiny and it’s larger than life! Rose has been a costume designer and seamstress since she was in high school, and she especially loves designing hats and headpieces. “Priscilla” marks her tenth show with CTC. Prior to her work with CTC, Rose was a director, choreographer, writer and costumer for Mercy High School and SMC Stage Company, working on shows like “Meet Me in St. Louis”, “Godspell”, “Joseph”, “A Christmas Carol”, “It’s a Wonderful Life” and five original works. Rose would especially like to thank her amazing Costume Intern, Jenna Swatt for her help with this show! You saved my sanity, Miss Jenna! Have you seen my phone? Jenna Swatt (Costume Intern): Jenna is a Costume Technology major attending Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. She is so glad to be working with Rose Masselli Morse and CTC, gaining experience with such a lovely company. She hopes the audience has as much fun watching the show as the cast and crew had creating it. Stephan Elliott (Book): is an Australian film director and screenwriter. His best-known film internationally is The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994). He began his career as an assistant director working in the boom of the Australian film industry of the 1980s. His first two feature films, Frauds and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert were produced by Rebel Penfold-Russell’s Australian production company Latent Image Productions. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert was officially selected to screen at the Cannes Film Festival, winning the Prix du public as well as an Academy Award for Best Costume Design, among numerous other accolades. His film Easy Virtue, was written with co-writer Sheridan Jobbins, and is based on the Noël Coward play of the same name. It stars Colin Firth, Kristin Scott Thomas, Jessica Biel and Ben Barnes. It was produced by Barnaby Thompson for Ealing Studiosin the UK, and premiered at the Toronto Film Festival on 8 September 2008. It has also screened in the Rio Film Festival, Rome Film Festival and London Film Festival to great acclaim. His next film, A Few Best Men starring Xavier Samuel and Olivia Newton-John was released in 2012.

Allan Scott (Book): is a Scottish screenwriter and producer, nominated for BAFTA’s Alexander Korda Award for Best British Film and a Genie Award for his 1997 film Regeneration. He has won the Edgar Award (1976) and Writers’ Guild Award (1978). He was born in Elgin, Moray, and educated at Gordonstoun School and McGill University, Montreal, where he obtained a BA in English Literature. He was appointed a Governor of The British

Production Bios Allan Scott (Continued): Film Institute in 1992 and served that Board for some six years. He is also a former Chairman of The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, thus perhaps the only person ever to chair a trades union and a Stock Exchange company at the same time. He was Executive Producer of the thriller Shallow Grave (1992.) He also wrote and produced the BAFTA-nominated film, Regeneration (1997) as well as The Fourth Angel (2001.) He has written or co-written more than a dozen films, including The Awakening (with Chris Bryant, 1980) and five films directed by Nicolas Roeg. Scott was co-writer and script consultant on the Norwegian film Kon-Tiki (2012) which was nominated for an Oscar in 2013 in the foreign language category.

Friends of Connecticut Theatre Company Connecticut Theatre Company plays a major role in the cultural community of Central Connecticut through our dedication to providing professional quality theatre productions and related outreach and educational services to the community. We strive to create a positive and welcoming environment for all those involved with the company. We hope that through a diverse season of shows covering drama and musicals, both classics and contemporary, that the community will be inspired educated, and entertained! Ticket revenues alone do not cover all Connecticut Theatre Company’s operating expenses. The remaining expenses must be raised through contributions, the majority of which comes in the forms of gifts from individuals like you. It’s because of our close circle of friends that Connecticut Theatre Company is able to produce great theatre and education programs to inspire our community. We invite you to become part of this family of supporters by joining the Friends of Connecticut Theatre Company. As our way of saying thanks you will receive the following benefits:

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Friend - $75 Member - $150 Program Recognition Program Recognition

1 Complimentary Ticket

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Friends of Connecticut Theatre Company

Friends Janice Burrill

Members

Jutta Mankowski Joan Morgan

A Word of Thanks

Connecticut Theatre Company and the cast and crew of Priscilla Queen of the Desert would like to thank the following people for their generous contributions to the success of the show and the theater.

Vita Beebe Jared Boulet Joey Kulinski Sandy Leba Julia Leba Walter McEntire

Pat O’Neill

Thank you as well to our many volunteers that have donated their time and talents after the printing of this program.