For all you budding bloggers, I offer you some sage words of wisdom: be prepared.

I had intended to do my due diligence before attending “Pageant” at 14th St Playhouse on Saturday night, I really had.  I planned to read the press release and take a quick look at the photos I’d been sent before heading to midtown, but between work and school, something had to give.  I brought my husband to the show and when asked of the subject matter I had to admit, “Uh, I think it’s about… a pageant.”

Had I actually bothered to read the press release, I would have realized a couple of things.  One, this is no ordinary pageant show, “Toddlers in Tiaras” or otherwise.  Two, it’s a good thing I have an open-minded husband.

Take a look at the release copy: “What’s glitz, glamour, poise and talent, without five o’clock shadow? Pageant: The Musical’s beauty ‘queens’ have it all, and as emcee Frankie Cavalier puts it, there’s also ’something extra’ in this production of the farcical Off-Broadway hit that’s a send up of beauty Pageants.”

Yeah, for those slow to the party, we’re talking (SPOILER!) dudes in drag.

The "ladies" of Pageant

That said, the show is hilarious.  Much better than if it had been what I was expecting, and tons of fun for the whole (over ~14 years old) family.  Miss Texas wants to take out Miss Deep South, Miss Bible Belt can belt with the best of ‘em (praise Jesus!), Miss West Coast can… look pretty, Miss Industrial Northeast disturbingly reminds me of my once-home NYC, and Miss Great Plains (my favorite) is just too awkward for words.

“Pageant” is a riot from start to finish, and these guys are some of the best talent you’ll find across this city.  They can tap, ventrilo-quize, sing, dance, and improv their sequined tushes off, and best yet, so can the host, Frankie.

If you want to see dancing, drama, and date-night hilarity, check out “Pageant” at 14th St Playhouse before it’s too late.

And you didn’t hear it from me, but if you say you’re celebrating a special occasion, they may even let you play a judge.

TIME: 8:00pm Wednesdays – Fridays; 5:00pm & 8:00pm Saturdays; 2:30pm Sundays
TICKETS: $32