From the opening chords of the overture an air of expectation swept through the multitude of spectators and fans assembled for the 10th anniversary Miss Pittsburgh Pageant at the Pegasus Entertainment Complex on June 10. Flash, glitter, and style set the tone for the evening as the show opened with a well-choreographed and spirited production of “Jerry’s
Girl’s” performed by several former Miss Pittsburghs: Jolie London (1978), Danni Santilli (1981), Alexis (1982), Cassie (1983), China (1985), and Lambda Award’s Female Impersonator of the Year, Bambi (1985). It was a fitting introduction for what would prove to be an exciting evening of glitz and glamour.
Mistress of Ceremonies, Krystal, appeared in a blaze of sequins to welcome the audience and
introduce China and Cassie, the mistresses of ceremonies for the Casual Wear Presentation. This first viewing of the contestants began with Abby, followed by Cynthia in a London original of linen and gold lame. The pageant continued with Ever Lovely, Jamie, Kelly, and Ramona, who modeled a paint-spattered casual ensemble featuring a trailing waist sash of clear plastic wrap. The parade of contestants concluded with Rhonda Leigh, Sophia in pink chiffon and floor-length black leather, and Miss Trish Russell.
Two of Pittsburgh’s most respected cabaret entertainers, Danni and Bambi, hosted the talent
portion of the show, which is always one of the more difficult categories to judge. This year was no exception. Three performances highlighted the program. Cynthia’s stunning choreography and interpretation of “Music In The Mirror” had the crowd cheering for more. “I’m Blonde” was so skillfully mimed by Rhonda Leigh that the audience’s response was deafening. Sophia’s clever setting and creative costuming treated the audience to a sophisticated display of theatre magic. In all, the performances by this year’s contestants were of a consistantly higher caliber than we have enjoyed for several years.
The Evening Wear Presentation had an additional wrinkle, an impromptu question asked of each contestant. Miss Jolie London and Alexis furnished added humor, as mistresses of ceremonies for this section. They may become the newest comedy team of the ’80s. Of course, the contestants in this part of the program dazzled everyone with floor length sequins and lame, but even though many of the questions were answered intelligently, the procedure itself always
seemed to leave a shallow impression.
The panel of judges included Leslie Bryner, owner of Leslie and Co., Hair Designs; Don DiFonso, resident costume designer, Pittsburgh Playhouse; Bruce Dempsey, director of Pittsburgh Fashion Institute; Barb Feather, one of the most fashionable women of the community; singer, actress and entertainer Wanda McDaniel; and Burton White, director of public relations, Pittsburgh Playhouse. Scoring of each contestant was based on a system of points per category. Casual wear, 60 points; talent, 120 points; evening wear, 60 points; and impromptu question, 90 points. Larry Butka and John Swalboski formed the team of professional accountants responsible for the final tally of points.
While the judges labored over what must have been some difficult decisions, China presented her farewell performance as Miss Pittsburgh before relinquishing the crown. Appearing in a rather simple white evening dress, she performed “The Greatest Love of All” for her hushed admirers. Early in the performance a fan, as so often happens, appeared stageside to offer a tribute, and then another appeared on the other side. Soon people were quietly passing across the stage to pay homage to one of Pittsburgh’s favorite representatives. The occasion was one of the most touching displays of respect witnessed by this writer.The votes were in, counted, and the envelope delivered to the stage. Trophies gleamed in the spotlight and new titles were announced. Second runner-up, Miss Travelers, Cynthia. First runner-up, Rhonda Leigh, Miss Greensburg. And the new Miss Pittsburgh, Sophia. Shimmering in floor length billows of gold lame, Sophia received her crown as she began her year as
Pittsburgh’s most glamorous representative.
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