KU News Release

June 15, 2007
Contact: Charla Jenkins, University Theatre, (785) 864-2684.

Alumnus returns to KU to direct students in his musical parody ‘Pageant’

LAWRENCE — “Pageant,” a hilarious musical parody of beauty pageants and contestants, will be staged as part of Kansas Summer Theatre at the University of Kansas. Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. June 29 and 30 and July 6 and 7 and at 2:30 p.m. July 1 and 8 on Stage Too! in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre in Murphy Hall.

With book and lyrics by KU alumni Bill Russell and Frank Kelly and music by Albert Evans, the musical was conceived and originally choreographed by Robert Longbottom.

The KU summer production is directed by Russell with musical direction by Michael D. Johnson, Marion, Iowa, doctoral student. Scenic and lighting designer is Dennis Christilles, associate professor of theatre and film; costume design is by Delores Ringer, associate professor of theatre and film. Choreographers for the production are Alicia Gian, Garden City graduate student; John Staniunas, associate professor and chair of theatre and film, and Cassi Stuckman, Manhattan senior.

Since its first production in 1986 and its off-Broadway premiere in 1991, “Pageant” has been entertaining audiences throughout the world. In 1992, it received a Drama Desk Award nomination for unique theatrical experience and an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for best off-Broadway musical.

The show is a pageant, complete with six contestants vying for the title of Miss Glamouresse, who is selected by judges from the audience. Each contestant represents a different part of the country and competes in swimsuit, evening gown, spokesmodel and, of course, talent categories.

What makes the pageant even more hilarious is that the contestants are played by men in drag — high heels and all.

But, Russell says, “This is not a drag show.”

“I like to think of it as ‘transgendered artistry,’ ” he said. “It’s a very funny farce, but it’s not campy or frivolous. A cosmetics company is the pageant sponsor and the play is about the way beauty is sold to women in our culture. The actors/characters are not transvestites, they are men portraying female characters. These roles are a real challenge for the student actors since they have to sing, dance and hold the stage while dressed in women’s clothes. This is great musical comedy for the actors. You’ll never watch Miss America the same way again.”

Guest artist Russell, who now lives in New York City, attended KU in the early 1970s. In 1980, he made his off-Broadway writing debut, penning the book and lyrics for “Fourtune” with music by Ronald Melrose. In 1987, “Family Style,” featuring music by Janet Hood, with whom he had worked while he was at KU, was presented by the Minnesota Musical Theater Workshop. In 1989, their AIDS-themed work, “Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens,” premiered at the Ohio Theatre in Soho.

“Side Show, with music by Henry Krieger, marked Russell’s Broadway debut. Inspired by a true story, it received Tony Award nominations for best musical, best score (music and lyrics), best book and a rare joint nomination for Alice Ripley and Emily Skinner as best actress in a musical for their portrayal of the conjoined Hilton Sisters.

Russell and Krieger’s second collaboration, “Everything’s Ducky,” a wacky version of the ugly duckling story, has had five major productions and a revised version, “Lucky Duck,” premiered at the Old Globe in San Diego in July 2004.

Russell also has collaborated with Krieger on “Kept,” their version of “Camille” set in and around Studio 54; “Santa’s Gonna Rock and Roll,” the opening number of the Radio City Musical Hall Christmas Spectacular since 1994; and “Take the Flame,” the official theme for the Gay Games. Russell adapted the book of “Call Me Madam,” starring Tyne Daly, for City Center Encores! He has received two Commendation Awards from the Gilman-Gonzalez/Falla Foundation and was given an honorary degree by Morningside College in May 2003 and another this year by the Boston Conservatory.

General admission tickets for “Pageant,” which is appropriate for all ages, are on sale in the KU ticket offices: University Theatre, 864-3982; Lied Center, 864-ARTS; and Student Union Activities, 864-7469; and online. Tickets are $15 for the public, $10 for all students and $14 for senior citizens and KU faculty and staff. All major credit cards are accepted for phone and online orders.

Cast members are listed below by hometown, class and major, parents’ names, high school and role.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Leawood
Tosin Morohunfola, sophomore, theatre major, son of Kenny and Ajoke Morohunfola, Blue Valley High School, Frankie Cavalier.

From Lenexa
B. Michael Ford, spring 2007 graduate in theatre, son of Victor and Shelly Walker, Olathe East High School, Miss Industrial Northeast and Returning Queen.

From Overland Park
Brian Patrick Ervin, senior, theatre and psychology major, son of Dan and Debbie Ervin, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Miss West Coast.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY
From Leavenworth
Jonathan Matteson, senior, theatre major, son of Christine McNiell-Matteson and Wallace Matteson, Leavenworth High School, Miss Deep South.

SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka
Robbie Gordy, junior, history and pre-dentistry major, son of Mr. and Mrs. Brent Gordy, Millard South High School, Omaha, Neb.; Miss Bible Belt.

Spencer H. Holdren, senior, theatre major, son of Jim and Teresa Turnbull, Topeka High School, Miss Great Plains.

TEXAS
From Plano
Ben Cook, senior, theatre major, son of Richard and Carol Cook, Plano Senior High School, Miss Texas.

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