city sidewalks

As the rest of the world fussed over Miss USA, the only pageant that mattered to gal pal Michael Musto and I was last night’s “Broadway Beauty Pageant” held at the fabulous Symphony Space on Manhattan’s upper west side. The third incarnation of this event to benefit the Ali Forney Center (an incredible organization that shelters and mentors lgbt youth) sang, danced and laughed the night away with extraordinary men from the casts of The Little Mermaid, Wicked, Hair, The Lion King, and Billy Elliot. Each contestant went head-to-head in talent, swimsuit, and interview competitions for the coveted title of Mr. Broadway…and a one hundred dollar gift certificate to Bamboo 52.

The hilariously Jewish four-time Tony nominee Tovah Feldshuh hosted the pageant, and though the winner was ultimately chosen American Idol-style by audience vote, the panel of judges consisting of Charles Busch, the side-splitting Ana Gasteyer, Beth Leavel, and accompanist extraordinaire Seth Rudetsky. All were graciously on hand to provide some hilarious (and sometimes inappropriate) commentary that kept the show moving.

Although the competition was tough and all performances were fabulous, Hair’s Anthony Hollock brought down the house with his awkward combination trumpet solo/tumbling gymnastics/Irene Cara impersonation and ultimately accepted the crown as Mr. Broadway 2009. My vote was for the adorable Mr. Billy Elliot, but to each his own.

Last year’s pageant winner, Mr. Marty Thomas, closed the show with a breathtaking (and often hilarious) rendition of I Will Always Love You before releasing us downstairs to the after party. Never have I heard such an easily blundered song performed so beautifully…and by a man! Well…an effeminate man sporting a bedazzled silver blazer, but a man nonetheless!

Sightings: Tovah Feldshuh pushing her way in through the throngs of gay men crowding the box office ten minutes before the show started. Broadway heartthrob Cheyenne Jackson & his mystery baseball cap-wearing chemist boyfriend looking adorable up in the balcony.