May 2018
Performances:
May 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26
Fri/Sat @ 8:15pm | Sun @ 2:00pm
Book by Stephan Elliott, Allan Scott
Based on the Latent Image/Specific Films Motion Picture
Directed by John Nunemaker
Music Direction by Valerie A. Higgs
Adapted from Elliott’s 1994 film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, the musical tells the story of two drag queens and a transgender woman, who contract to perform a drag show at a resort in Alice Springs, a resort town in the remote Australian desert. As they head west from Sydney aboard their lavender bus, Priscilla, the three friends come to the forefront of a comedy of errors, encountering a number of strange characters, as well as incidents of homophobia, while widening comfort zones and finding new horizons.
Location:
Kensington Town Hall / Armory
3710 Mitchell Street, Kensington, MD 20895
Note: You will be redirected to Vendini, for secure online ticket sales.
CAST
 | Sarah Jane Bookter (Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing in her second show with KAT! She is from Columbia, MD and just finished her junior year at American University. Previous credits include Ilse in Spring Awakening (Howard CC), Sally Bowles in Cabaret (KAT), Linza in Magic Under Glass (CCTA), and Candy in Zombie Prom (Wilde Lake HS). She would like to thank her friends and family for supporting her throughout this process, as well as the entire cast, crew, and production team. Enjoy the show! |
 | Chloe Detrick (Ensemble) is excited to be making her KAT debut in Priscilla: Queen of the Desert. With a background in dance, she has previously performed in both live showcases and concept dance videos for Nickelz Production, a boutique dance studio in Falls Church. She has also helped with all stages of production for both short films and live productions in the DMV area and is ready to make her premiere on stage alongside the amazing ensemble. She is grateful to John and the KAT cast and crew for welcoming her and would like to dedicate her performance to her beautiful friends and family who supported her along the way. |
 | Rachel DuChateau (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her theatrical and production debut with KAT! Along with being in the ensemble, she is the props manager for Priscilla. She was last seen as Kristine in A Chorus Line at the Erie Playhouse. Favorite roles include: Sabine in The Most Massive Woman Wins with Student Experimental Theatre (SET) at Allegheny College, First Interviewer in Interview: A Fugue for Eight Actors (SET), and Elsa Von Grossenknueten in The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 (Greater Latrobe Senior High School). |
 | Temple Fortson (Lead Diva) is very excited to return to the KAT stage, with this spectacular production. Previously seen in KAT’s production of Nine, some of Temple’s other favorite credits include: Into the Woods as Jack’s Mother with Heritage Players, Motherhood Out Loud with Vagabond Players, Smokey Joe’s Café as BJ with Artistic Synergy of Baltimore, Avenue Q as Gary Coleman with GAC, The Color Purple as Darlene at TCP, Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as the Narrator at TAP, and The Wiz as Evillene at SMP. She would like to thank her family, friends and this incredible cast for their support and talent. Enjoy the show! |
 | Kristin Franco (Diva) is thrilled to be making her KAT debut in Priscilla. She re-entered the theatre scene with BP’s most recent panto, Beauty and the Beast, after a long hiatus. Some of her favorite past roles have been Rizzo in Grease, Asaka in Once on This Island, Narrator in Joseph... and a featured soloist in Up with People. She works as an international student advisor at the Institute of International Education in downtown DC and writes show reviews for the Maryland Theatre Guide in her spare time. She dedicates her performance to her sunshine: her nephew Jack. |
 | Joy Cecilly Gerst (Shirley, Ensemble) was last seen in A Christmas Carol as Mrs. Fezziwig for KAT. She was seen in the 3rd season of House of Cards as part of the WH Press Corps. Joy has been performing in community theater for a very long time in PA, GA, TN, MD, VA, and D.C. Some favorite roles include: Mrs. Clackett/Dottie in Noises Off, Joanne in Company, Marjory in Tales of the Allergist’s Wife, Sarah/Mother in Quilters, Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Mother Superior in Nunsense. Her most favorite role is Bubbe with 5 year old Danny and 2 year old Ethan. By day, Joy is a Pupil Personnel Worker for MCPS. |
 | Mariam Hathor (Ensemble) is studying music (classical voice) at Montgomery College. Before discovering her passion for theatre, she was a competitive gymnast that liked to draw and sing when not in the gym. She is excited to be in her first production with Kensington Arts Theatre and her very first musical. Mariam thanks everyone involved in the production for being so kind, talented and dedicated. |
| Summer Hill (Diva) | |
 | Francis Hoag (Benji) is thrilled to be in his first production with KAT. Other shows include Aladdin, Merlin, Beauty and the Beast with BP. By day he is a 5th grader at St. Jane DeChantal School in Bethesda. As well as theatre, he plays basketball, golf and is obsessed with all things Harry Potter! Shout out to Kristin for the recommendation and to Mum, Dad & George for their support. |
 | Carol Jones (Ensemble) Is excited for her first time in front of the curtain at KAT! She is a member of the KAT board and was Assistant Stage Manager for The Bridges of Madison County. She was most recently seen on stage in Mary Poppins at CBT and Merlin with BP. When she isn’t working on shows, you can find her at Theater J where she is an Audience Services Associate. Thanks to Bob for his constant support of Carol’s theatre endeavors. |
 | Brian Marquez (Ensemble) Returns to theater after a four year hiatus. A transplant from California, Priscilla marks Brian’s debut with KAT. By day Brian works as an analyst and by night Brian gots to boogie! Memorable credits include Donkey (Shrek; Berkeley Playhouse), Gabe (Next to Normal; Pinole Players), Roger (RENT; Little Theater), Chow (Flower Drum Song; Woodminster Amphitheater), and Leo (Ivy & Bean; Bay Area Children’s Theater). Priscilla has challenged Brian to new heels, more skin, and flagrant abuse of body rolls. Enjoy the show. |
 | Jack Mayo (Bob) is happy to be making his first appearance with KAT. Last fall, he played Gen. Waverly in RMT’s White Christmas. Mr. Mayo has performed at Arena Stage; Harlequin, Lazy Susan, and West End dinner theatres; Source, Alden, and Trinity theatres. Among his favorite roles: Niels Bohr in Copenhagen, Senex in Forum, Eddie in Golden Boy, and Harry the Horse in Guys & Dolls. He’s also done some commercial, TV, and film work. My sincerest thanks to John, Kristen, and the entire cast and production team of Priscilla. |
 | Christian Moreno (Miss Understanding) is currently stepping away from bartending to step into some leather and high heels. He was last seen as Frog in A Year with Frog and Toad (Edinburgh Festival Fringe), and more recently worked as an Assistant Stage Manager while studying at Rider University. He is immensely grateful to be a part of this production! Many thanks to the talented cast and crew for all their hard work, as well as family and friends for their love and support. Special thanks to Jessica, Guy, the Trio and Silver families! |
| Larry Munsey (Bernadette) | |
| Magali Palmer-Young (Cynthia) | |
 | Daniela Reina (Ensemble) is a spirited actress who is very grateful to her cast and crew. Daniela has shown determination and passion for the entertainment industry with continuous acting work in New York, DC, Atlanta, Georgia and Florida. After being accepted in the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute, she has worked on TV shows like Gotham, Dynasty, Bull as well as numerous Netflix productions. Daniela would like to thank those who have supported her. Especially Lindsay Betros, Topher, CM, WD, her family and her beloved friends. |
 | Jon Simmons (Adam/Felicia) is thrilled to be appearing on the KAT stage once again. He recently appeared as Charlie in Bridges of Madison County. Other favorite roles include Willard (Footloose!) Younger Brother (Ragtime) and Mr. Bumble (Oliver) When not trying to keep his balance in high heels, Jon enjoys giving fake names at Starbucks and eating guacamole. Many thanks to his great family and friends for supporting him and always laughing along with him. Enjoy the show! |
 | Topher David Skarin (Ensemble) is excited to work on his first musical since graduating from the National Conservatory. He has been fairly active and versed around all media platforms including voice interpreting for Gallaudet, commercial work, being an extra on television, and performing on stage with fellow alumni. When not acting, Topher spends his free time writing screenplays for enjoyment. He is thrilled to work with KAT for the first time and looks forward to the many promising opportunities coming his way in the future. |
 | Karen Toth (Marion) is thrilled to make her KAT debut. Recently seen as Mrs. Barry in Anne of Green Gables (LTA), previous roles also include Mary Lazarus (Sister Act – SMP), Judy Turner (A Chorus Line - RMT), Miss Olson (Promises, Promises - TAP), Young Stella (Follies – TAP), Lenya (Neil Simon’s Fools – ACCT), a Gemini (A Funny Thing…Forum - TAP), and various characters in 42nd Street (TAP) and Curtains (RCP). Offstage, Karen sings with The Washington Chorus and enjoys hiking and rock climbing. Sending love and thanks to friends and family. |
 | Greg Wilczynski (Tick/Mitzi) Recent transplant from Pennsylvania, Greg is excited to be making his debut with KAT. Favorite past roles include Lefou in Beauty and the Beast, John Hinckley in Assassins, and Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Besides loving to perform, during his off time he enjoys being a nurse and exploring his new surroundings in the DMV. All my love to my Family, and Friends who are "Always on my Mind". |