Drag queens getting into 'Boardwalk Empire' spirit

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) -- How big is "Boardwalk Empire," the HBO hit series about Prohibition-era Atlantic City?

Even the drag queens are getting in on the act.

The Miss'd America Pageant, an annual drag show that used to be held the day after the Miss America Pageant was held in Atlantic City, is adopting the HBO show's theme for this year, in which it will seek to crown a new "Boardwalk Empress."

Last year, a Marilyn Monroe buff in a dress made of 30,000 rhinestones won the pageant. That winner, Scott Cooper, will be a co-host along with Carson Kressley, host of ABC's "True Beauty" and Bravo's "Queer Eye For The Straight Guy," and Robert "Sandy Beach" Hitchen.

The pageant will be held at Boardwalk Hall on Jan. 16.

Last year, seven contestants competed in evening wear, talent and interviews.

This year's show will feature set details and production numbers to mimic a 1920s Atlantic City speakeasy in keeping with the "Boardwalk Empire" theme.

Judges will include Michael Musto, a Village Voice reporter; Vicki Gold Levi, an Atlantic City historian and author; Diane Mitchell, a WAYV radio personality, and Mark Segal, editor of the Philadelphia Gay News.

Contestants are being sought for the pageant. They must be 21 or older, and, according to pageant rules, "be 100 percent male with no breast enhancements or hormones."

Entry forms are available at the Greater Atlantic City GLBT Alliance Web site, www.acglbt.org.