Trustus Presents VISTA QUEEN 15: THE YEAR OF CRYSTAL Pageant Tonight

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the annual Vista Queen pageant returns to the Trustus Mainstage - and this year, it's the year of crystal. Join us this year for yet another group of crazy contestants who put on heels, wigs and make-up as they try to strut the stage and, at the same time, "feel like a natural woman." The annual event takes place tonight, May 20. Doors open at 6 pm and the show starts at 7 pm.

Trustus Theatre Managing Director and Vista Queen founder Larry Hembree calls the event "even more surreal than some of the strangest legitimate theatre Trustus produces." He continues, "Kudos to these brave men. This is the best blackmail material ever available."

The current Vista Queen title is held by Gerald Floyd with former winners including Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and Senator Jake Knotts. This year's contestants are Tyler Ryan (WACH-Fox host,) Billy Guess (Tapp's Arts Center Assistant Director,) Tim Goldman (Trustus Board Member and Arts Advocate,) Daryl Byrd (Trustus Company Member and Arts Educator,) Richard Burts (701 Whaley and Historic Preservationist) and Otis Taylor (The State Arts Editor).

Emcees for the event are Terrance Henderson and Walter Graham with special appearances by Patti O'Furniture and Paris Le Faris. The production coordinator is Clay Owens.

Tickets are 40.00 each and can be purchased online at www.trustus.org. There is a cash bar and hor's doeuvres.

The contestants are scored 40% by the judges and 60% by the amount of money each contestant raises before and during the pageant. Each contestant competes in onstage personality, talent and an onstage question segment. Pre-pageant donations can be made for individual contestants by contacting Trustus Theatre at 254-9732 or dropping by the theatre at 520 Lady Street.

This year's judges are Rosie Craig, Debbie McDaniel, Bambi Gaddist, John Sherrer, Anderson Burns, Jodi Salter, Kay Fogle and Michaela Piler Brown.

For more information, visit www.trustus.org or call the theatre at 254-9732.

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