Dean Misdale continues to build momentum on their inevitable rise to shimmering lights and celestial heights in their 10th year at FRINGE WORLD. This year, they’re bringing a musical theatre kid’s ultimate dream cabaret, Drag Me to Broadway, to the De Parel Spiegeltent from 17 – 26 January. Filled with quick changes, powerful vocals, and a healthy smattering of personal and cultural history, Drag Me to Broadway is a fitting showcase for Misdale’s unique talents.
Right from the top, Misdale’s regal presence, confidence, and warmth readily draw us into their story of how a young performer with stars in their eyes discovered their unique gifts through local theatre, Sydney drag, and a life-changing trip to the Great White Way. Misdale offers not only personal anecdotes but beautifully told short histories of each Broadway show they perform a tune from. It’s as much an homage to some of Misdale’s biggest influences as it is a valuable, enjoyable education in queer culture.
Misdale packs so much into this hour of song and storytelling, yet we never feel rushed through our tour de Dean. Each anecdote is delivered with care, sometimes while changing costume pieces or touching up makeup. While there may have been a slight elevation of opening weekend adrenaline detectable, any minor bumps that presented themselves were quickly smoothed over or tucked into place with nary a twitch from Misdale’s painted-for-the-gods eyes.
The show’s highlights feature Misdale twirling through a joyful “I Will Survive” from Priscilla (though I’m sorry that those of us in the middle section of the room let everyone down during the singalong), taking “We Are the Champions” from We Will Rock You by the horns, and rocking multiple wigs for “Wig in a Box” from Hedwig, with honorable mention going to the faux denim belted garment WITH POCKETS worn for the tune. I would have loved to see Dean really leave it all on stage for La Cage‘s seminal “I Am What I Am”, but perhaps the song’s placement means they simply can’t risk blowing out their voice midway through the show. It’s a tricky call, but the way the song builds, it demands a ‘nothing left’ delivery that might be better suited in its natural place as a finale.
For anyone looking for an intimate, joyful, affirming, and enlightening night of gorgeous singing and storytelling, they should immediately hitch a ride to Broadway with this rising star.
CICELY BINFORD
Drag Me to Broadway runs from 17 – 26 January 2025 in the De Parel Spiegeltent at the FRINGE WORLD Pleasure Garden. For tickets and more information, click here.
