Hilarious ‘Pageant’ hits the beauty spot

Since its smash 1991 off-Broadway premiere, “Pageant” has become a franchise, spawning productions as far afield as Japan and London. Now the drag satire of the beauty pageant circuit has hit Los Angeles, arguably the world’s objectification capital. Given the howls being generated at the Hudson Avenue Theatre, it was worth the wait.

As conceived by Robert Longbottom, “Pageant” is a fictitious contest for the title of “Miss Glamouresse,” named for the pageant’s corporate sponsor. The premise runs archetypal contestants through the usual promenading paces, punctuated by spokesmodel segments hawking cosmetics, such as Smooth-as-Marble Facial Spackle. A panel of audience judges determines the victor at each performance.

What distinguishes “Pageant” from other high-concept offerings is that its contestants are men in female garb. This twist, ignored by coauthors Bill Russell and Frank Kelly and composer Albert Evans, gives “Pageant” an affectionately subversive thrust.

Russell’s deadpan direction, Ted Hamer’s musical stewardship and Rene Giglia’s cunning choreography are invaluable. Dave Rogge’s set, Mike Buttiglieri’s props and Steve Pope’s lighting are beauty-spot-on, and Michael Nielsen’s costumes and Melissa Seifert’s hairstyles offer their own hilarious commentary.

Yet this souffle rises or falls with its cast -- and here it soars. As emcee Frankie Cavalier, Dan Collins oozes curdled counter-charm. Craig Taggart’s Miss Bible Belt evokes a born-again Karen Morrow, and Michael Mullen’s tap-happy Miss Texas could host an infomercial. As the much-reincarnated Miss West Coast, Seth Bogner plays one clueless note to sublime levels.

Mickey Caputo’s hyper-neurotic Miss Great Plains fractures with every appearance. Michael Taylor Gray’s hoop-skirted Miss Deep South trumps his transvestite turn in the original “Southern Baptist Sissies,” inducing tears of laughter in the talent competition. So does Sam Kivi’s outrageous, chola-accented Miss Industrial Northeast, and his surprise second role mixes Mercedes Ruehl and Harvey Fierstein.

Such devastating high camp aplomb makes choosing a favorite all but impossible. In this uproarious “Pageant,” the uncontested winner is the audience.

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‘Pageant’

Where: Hudson Avenue Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood

When: Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 3 and 7 p.m.

Ends: Dec. 28

Price: $25

Contact: (323) 960-4420

Running time: 2 hours