John Bolton joins Pageant the Musical

John Bolton will take over the role of the Host from a previously announced Kevin Meaney in the musical comedy Pageant the Musical from 6 Jul 2014. The show is currently playing at Off-Broadway's Davenport Theatre through 01 Sep 2014 and opened on 14 July 2014, following previews from 29 June 2014.

John Bolton made his Broadway debut alongside Jerry Lewis in Damn Yankees. Other Broadway credits include How to Succeed..., Spamalot, Contact, Titanic, A Christmas Story: The Musical. Bolton, who is also known as a cabaret performer, has appeared extensively Off-Broadway and recently made his Carnegie Hall debut in Guys and Dolls In Concert. Television work includes four seasons as Bruce Caplan on "Gossip Girl", and roles on "Boardwalk Empire", "The Good Wife", "Law and Order", "Ed", "All My Children" and "As the World Turns".

The show's cast also includes: Nick Cearley, Alex Ringler, Marty Thomas, Seth Tucker, Curtis Wiley and Nic Cory. Pageant the Musical is directed by Matt Lenz with choreography by Shea Sullivan, music supervision by Mark Hartman, scenic design by Paul Tate DePoo III, costumes by Stephen Yearick, lighting by Paul Miller, and sound design by David Sanderson. The show is produced by SAS Productions, Kitty Potapow, and Drew Desky.

Pageant the Musical features book and lyrics by two-time Tony nominee Bill Russell (Side Show, The Last Smoker in America) and Frank Kelly with music by Albert Evans. The show was originally conceived by Robert Longbottom and premiered off-Broadway in 1991 prior to engagements in the West End and around the world.

Like every beauty pageant you've seen before, Pageant the Musical features a host of memorable contestants fighting for the chance to wear the glittery crown. Complete with swimsuit, talent, and evening gown rounds, audiences will follow the highs and lows of each contestant before being able to have their say in who should take home the title. Unlike most beauty pageants however, all female contestants are played by men.

- by Bona Ruocco