Top choreographer takes show around Australia

Dream come true for Simon Vowels

By SHIRLEY BROUN

VISITORS to Melbourne Zoo tonight (Saturday, February 8) will be in for a real treat … and not of the animal variety.

Simon Vowles production `Queens of the Outback' to tour Australia.

The cast and crew of the extraordinary `Queens of the Outback’ musical production will be treating Twilight Zoo audiences to a fun new interpretation of the hit movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

The colourful, fun-filled adaption is the brain child of well-known Melbourne choreographer Simon Vowles, 40, who not only stars in the production but is also the writer, choreographer and producer.
“Queens of the Outback is a dream come true for me,” said Simon. “I have always had a passion for musical theatre and have appeared in lots of professional productions including the Grease Spectacular but I thought it was time to combine my talents into my own production.”

“Seeing how much fun three drag queens could have touring Australia inspired me to write the show and having worked in stage productions and gay clubs all my life I found it very familiar territory. There are seven cast members and some fabulous costumes.”

While inspired by Queens of the Desert, Simon has introduced his own Glee-style score to the musical. “I’ve turned it into a bit of a `mash-up’ musical,” said Simon. “We cater for all ages from Lady Gaga to a grand finale featuring the music of Jimmy Barnes.”

After tonight’s performance the show will hit the road on an Australia-wide tour which could last up to two years. “We already have over 50 shows booked and more are being added in every day,” said Simon.

The tour begins in Albury and Corowa before arriving in Sydney for the Mardi Gras and then heading north up the East Coast. The show is also booked for a season in New Zealand in August.

Simon has already started writing the sequel (the second in a planned trilogy of `mish mash’ musicals). “I will probably call it Barbarella Queen of the Galaxy,” said Simon.

“We want everyone who comes to our show to have a lot of fun so I urge everyone to dress up in the stillettos and sequins and come prepared for a huge night of entertainment.”

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