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Review

For 34 years, the art of female illusion, "drag" in layman’s terms, has been celebrated at the Miss Gay America competition. The competition is fierce these days, as are the 52 contestants (each representing a state). In Pageant, five diverse front-runners are profiled, exploring everything from their homes and lives to their big moments onstage and off. Kansas City landscaper/hairdresser Carlo Glorioso, aka Victoria DePaula, is a professionally trained dancer and singer. San Jose flight attendant Tony Brewer, aka Alina Malleti, first tapped into his inner drag queen while working at Hamburger Mary’s. Raleigh, N.C.’s David Lowman, aka Coti Collins, toured with Reba McIntire and performed as her double. Nashville’s Victor Bowling, aka Porkchop, has performed in over 100 pageants. And Orlando choreographer/dancer Robert Martin, aka Chantel Reshae, works at Walt Disney World. A breezy, delicious peek behind and in front of the makeup and glamour, Pageant is a true winner.

 -- Lawrence Ferber