For one night, The Parker Playhouse transformed into a full celebration of Queen’s legendary catalog as Gary Mullen & The Works brought One Night of Queen to Fort Lauderdale. More than just a tribute performance, the two-hour production captured the energy, theatricality, and communal spirit that made Queen one of the greatest live bands in music history.
From the moment the opening notes of “One Vision” filled the theater, the audience—spanning multiple generations—was fully engaged. Families, longtime Queen fans, and younger listeners shared the same excitement, singing along from the very beginning. The atmosphere felt celebratory throughout the night, less like a seated theater show and more like a full arena-rock experience condensed into an intimate venue.
Gary Mullen’s performance anchored the evening. His energy never faded, constantly interacting with the audience while balancing humor, charisma, and vocal power. That enthusiasm spread through the entire room—even staff members working throughout the venue could be seen smiling, singing along, and enjoying the performance. Rather than simply imitating Freddie Mercury, Mullen focused on channeling the joy and theatrical presence that defined Queen’s live shows.
The first set moved through classics like “Tie Your Mother Down,” “A Kind of Magic,” and “Another One Bites the Dust,” while “Under Pressure” and “Who Wants to Live Forever” brought a more emotional dynamic to the night. “Killer Queen” and “I Want to Break Free” kept the crowd fully engaged before the band closed the first half with “Now I’m Here.” After a 20-minute intermission, the second set raised the energy even further.
“I Want It All,” “Somebody to Love,” and “Don’t Stop Me Now” turned the theater into a full crowd singalong, while “Love of My Life” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” reminded everyone just how timeless Queen’s songwriting remains. By the encore—featuring “Radio Ga Ga,” “We Will Rock You,” and “We Are the Champions”—the entire venue was on its feet singing together.
What makes One Night of Queen work so well is that it understands the core of Queen’s appeal: the music was always meant to bring people together. Gary Mullen & The Works succeeded in recreating that feeling for two hours, delivering a performance filled with joy, nostalgia, and genuine appreciation for one of rock’s greatest catalogs.
For Queen fans old and new, this show is an easy recommendation.
