DRAG YOURSELF DOWN TO PAGEANT
Exiting Cygnet’s revival of Pageant, my writing pad, normally filled with pages of barely decipherable notes, had nothing upon it but the title. This successfully silly and enjoyable entertainment is neither deep nor needs fixing—and besides, who can turn away from such lovely ladies?
Pageant takes us through an over-the-top beauty contest sponsored by Glamouresse beauty products, and the six contestants all desperately want to be the newly-crowned Miss Glamouresse. If you’ve ever seen a beauty contest, you know what you’re in for, except for two additions: All entrants are played by men and several audience members are selected to be the judges. Yep, it’s like that.
There is no more plot in Bill Russell and Frank Kelly’s book, and Albert Evans’ songs (with wry social-commentary lyrics by Russell and Kelly) are basically unmemorable, so allow yourself just to soak up the spectacle and smile. Yes, some bits hold up better than others during the ladies’ “Product Endorsement” and “Beauty Hotline” competitions, but the show’s quirks are forgivable given the fun generated by an infectiously energetic cast.
Director James Vasquez creates the grandiose atmosphere of Atlantic City on a rather small stage, aided by the sublime Phil Johnson upping the lunacy and largesse as the deliciously super-cheesy host Frankie Cavalier. The campy performers are more than capable drag queens; these men offer strong vocals, athletic dance moves, and excellent comic timing. One of Vasquez’ triumphs is choreographing complicated dance maneuvers on an oddly-shaped thrust stage without one high-heeled contender tumbling down the staircase below Sean Fanning’s simple but glittery framework, which includes that giant Glamouresse logo.
From bathing suits to space-age helmets, Shirley Pierson’s costumes are a blast. The ladies represent their home territories (Miss Bible Belt, Miss West Coast, et al), and the evening dress on Miss Deep South (David McBean, whose face subtly spoke volumes when he came in second place) was a marvel worthy of Scarlett O’Hara.
So give the “ladies” their due, and clamor for your favorite gal among the gams and glamour. It doesn’t matter who you choose, because each one is a winner in all her ersatz beauty.
photos by Daren Scott
Pageant
Cygnet Theatre Company
Old Town Theater, 4040 Twiggs St.
Wed and Thurs at 7:30 pm, Fri at 8:00 pm,
Sat at 3 pm and 8 pm, and Sun at 2 pm and 7 pm
scheduled to end on August 31, 2014
for tickets, call 619-337-1525 or visit www.cygnettheatre.com
