Pictured: Honey West

Complete casting and creative team have been announced for Pride Films and Plays’ production of the Tony Award-winning musical, PRISCILLA: QUEEN OF THE DESERT, which will open in January as the company’s inaugural production in their new Pride Arts Center (the former home of Profiles Theater). The musical will be performed in “The Broadway”, the center’s 85-seat theatre at 4139 N. Broadway. Executive Director David Zak will co-direct the production with Artistic Associate Derek Van Barham. Artistic Associate Robert Ollis will be Music Director, Jon Martinez will choreograph and John Nasca is designing the costumes. The trio of performers – two drag queens and a transgender woman – who traverse the Australian Outback in a beaten-up bus nicknamed “Priscilla” will be played by Honey West, Jordan Phelps and Luke Meierdiercks, with Jill Sesso, Tuesdai Perry and Rebecca Coleman as the three Divas and John Cardone as Bob.

West, a longtime Chicago performer of musical theater and cabaret, will play Bernadette, the transgender performer portrayed by Terence Stamp in the original film on which the musical was based. Zak believes this is the first time a trans actress has taken on the role.

Also in the cast are Aaron Reynolds (Miss Understanding, ensemble), Maiko Terazawa (Cynthia, ensemble), Mackenzie Curran (Marion, Ensemble), Amanda Newman (Shirley, ensemble), Matthew Huston, Roy Samra, Averis Anderson, and Parker Guidry (ensemble).

Performances run January 12 through February 12, 2017. Tickets are now available to subscribers. Single tickets will go on sale November 1.