When Priscilla Queen of the Desert came out in 1994, David Harris was watching on while he worked as an usher Maitland Cinema.
Now the former Rutherford man and Broadway star is performing in the hit musical as it tours Australia.
New York-based Harris plays Tick, depicted by Hugo Weaving in the Oscar-winning film, who transforms into drag queen Mitzi.
“I’m loving the role,” he said. “I always wanted to come back for a role I’m passionate about – one that had an impact socially.
A big moment in the show is when Tick meets his son, which David describes as a “beautiful moment” of “unconditional love”.
The Priscilla tour started in Melbourne earlier this year and is in Sydney for two months before heading to Adelaide.
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Harris returned to New York between the Melbourne and Sydney shows and said it was at that point that he saw how far he’d come.
“I feel like I live two different lives,” he said. “I feel very blessed to be able to live and work in both countries.”
As well as leading two different lives, the 42-year-old said performing in theatre was also different now to when he lived in Maitland.
He said singing in musicals when he was growing up felt “isolating” at times.
“There was no Glee back then,” he said. “Things were culturally very different.
“I wish I could tell my 16-year-old self that it’s all going to be okay and tell any other 16-year-old the same thing and to follow their dreams.
“I was able to stick it out. I’m glad I was able to find a career I’m passionate about.”
Harris said he planned to return to Maitland to visit family, including his six nieces and nephews, this weekend.
Sage Swinton
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
