Urie and Rudetsky to Judge Broadway Beauty Pageant; Contestants Announced

By Andrew Gans
March 18, 2009

Seth Rudetsky and Michael Urie ("Ugly Betty") will judge the third annual Broadway Beauty Pageant, which will be presented April 20 at 8 PM at Symphony Space in Manhattan.

The evening, according to press notes, will "feature male cast members representing their respective Broadway shows, competing for the title crown through talent, interview and swimsuit competitions. The contestants will go head to head in front of a panel of celebrity judges, but ultimately, the final vote is in the audience's hands." Hosts will be announced shortly.

The 2009 contestants are James Brown III (Mr. Little Mermaid), Adam Fleming (Mr. Wicked), Anthony Hollock (Mr. Hair), Tony James (Mr. Lion King), David Larsen (Mr. Billy Elliot), Jonathan Sandler (Mr. Mary Poppins) and John Selya (Mr. Guys & Dolls).

Past winners include Frankie James Grande (Mr. Mamma Mia) and Marty Thomas (Mr. Xanadu), who are both set to perform.

The Broadway Beauty Pageant is written and conceived by Jeffery Self and directed by Ryan J. Davis, with musical direction by Sonny Paladino. The evening is produced by Ryan J. Davis, Jeffrey Self and Wil Fisher in association with Tim Hur.

Proceeds will benefit the Ali Forney Center, the nation's largest and most comprehensive organization dedicated to homeless LGBT youth.

Tickets, priced $50-$1,000, are available by visiting SymphonySpace.org.