Gold Coast theatre production company Matt Ward Entertainment is bringing much-loved musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert to the Gold Coast this July.
The show is now casting lead roles and has launched a nationwide search for a transgender woman to play leading lady Bernadette Bassenger, and has locked in Australia’s Queen of the Cross Carlotta who is Gold Coast-based, to star alongside.
“Representation is important to us. We welcome artists from all genders, communities, identities, backgrounds, sizes, races and abilities to come forward and audition for this production. No experience necessary; if you’ve ever wanted to sing, dance or act, we’d love to meet you.” said Matt Ward.
The show signals a new era for the stage company, founded in the basement of HOTA back in 2013, known then as The Arts Centre Gold Coast. Founder Matt Ward revealed MWE is in an exciting growth stage, with RENT, Wicked and Mamma Mia under his belt, Priscilla en route and a pipeline of hit shows planned across multiple venues until 2026.
The cultural icon Priscilla Queen of the Desert marked a pivotal point for the LGBTQIA+ community a worldwide hit, the original film introducing positive representative themes to a mainstream audience. Following three friends across the Australian Outback in a bus they name Priscilla, this is a story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance.’
Launching a nationwide search to cast leading transgender woman Bernadette, Matt Ward reinforces the need for representative casting in 2022; “it’s an honour to share the story of Bernadette and it’s important to our team to make casting choices that elevate the humanity of her story.”
Known to coax arts and musical outsiders into the spotlight, he has high hopes for I’m A Celebrity intruder and Gold Coaster David Subritzky who is out of the jungle and auditioning for Priscilla: “We’ve been very fortunate to convert social influencers with no singing or dancing experience into theatre stars in previous productions”.
Local Hot Tomato Radio Announcer Emily Jade O’Keeffe is also auditioning for a role: “started vocal lessons at Matt Ward Vocal Studio prior to landing a lead role in Mamma Mia!” With a goal to source local talent, creatives and artists to form cast and crew, Mr Ward anticipates more than 80 individuals to be employed during the Priscilla period.
We are excited to see the final casting announcements, you can catch Priscilla Queen of the Desert at The Star Gold Coast from July 16 to August 7.
Tickets are available now at www.ticketek.com.au | for more info on the show www.priscillamusical.com.au Tickets start from $75.00.
