Meet the Drag Beauties of Pageant

Marty Thomas & Co. in 'Pageant' | Photo by Jenny Anderson

The glamorous stars of Pageantshow off their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent in a new Playbill.com video.

After a sold-out five-show run in February to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Pageant, which features men dressed as female beauty pageant contestants, has returned for a limited Off-Broadway engagement. Currently in previews, the musical comedy officially opens July 14 and runs through September 1 at the Davenport Theatre.

As the press release states:

"Like every beauty pageant you've seen before, Pageant features contestants desperately vying for a glittering tiara. With swimsuit, talent, and evening gown competitions -- the show includes both the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat! Unlike some beauty pageants you've seen before, the female contestants are all played by men. And the audience gets to select the winner each night. Filled with excitement and suspense, but first and foremost, beauty. Let the beauty begin!"

Conceived by Robert Longbottom and written by Albert Evans, Frank Kelly, and Bill Russell, Pageant originally debuted Off-Broadway in 1991. Matt Lenz directs the revival with choreography by Shea Sullivan, music direction by Mark Hartman, and costumes by Stephen Yearick. The lovely cast includes John Bolton, Nick Cearley (of Skivvies fame), Nic Cory, Alex Ringler, Marty Thomas, Seth Tucker, and Curtis Wiley.

See the hunky hopefuls tackle difficult questions such as "How would you bring about world peace?" and "Are you for or against sweet fluffy kittens?" in the video below.

For tickets and information visit pageantmusical.com.