By Andrew Gans
02 May 2007

Frankie James Grande, who appears in the ensemble of Mamma Mia!, was crowned Mr. Broadway 2007 at the inaugural male beauty pageant April 30 at New World Stages.

Runner-up for the evening, which raised over $2,000 for the Ali Forney Center, was A Chorus Line's Paul McGill. Other contestants included Ward Billeisen (Curtains), Kenway Kua (Wicked), Kevin Yee (Mary Poppins), Arbender Robinson (Hairspray) and Nick Sanchez (Tarzan). The contestants were judged in three areas: talent, interview and swimsuit competition.

Judges included Seth Rudetsky, Scott Nevins and Nancy Opel. Tovah Feldshuh hosted.

The pageant boasted original songs by The Drowsy Chaperone's Lisa Lambert, Glen Kelly, Caligula's Eric Svejcar, Ben Cohen and Sean McDaniel.

Producers were Ryan J. Davis, Nick Malone and Jeffrey Self, in association with Tim Hur.

Frankie James Grande is currently making his Broadway debut in Mamma Mia!. He appeared in the tour of Dora the Explorer Live! and in regional productions of George M! and A Chorus Line.

Frankie James Grande, Tovah Feldshuh and Paul McGill after the 2007 Mr. Broadway pageant.
photo by Carlos Gustavo Monroy