Following so close on the (high) heels of Diamond Head Theatre's successful production of "La Cage aux Folles," one might suspect that another drag show would go down like a second cone of cotton candy — too much fluff and sweetness, too soon.

But "Pageant" plays strongly on its own merits at Manoa Valley Theatre, and without the cloying aftertaste of too much spun sugar. It works largely because we note, but quickly forget, that all the women's roles are played by men.

The 1990 off-Broadway spoof of beauty pageants was first produced by MVT in 1998, directed and choreographed by Andrew Sakaguchi, who also played Miss Texas. Sakaguchi returns as choreographer for this new production, fresh from the same duties on "La Cage," whose leading role was played by Randal Ask, and who directs this time at MVT.

When you consider that Ask played Miss Deep South in the original New York production of "Pageant," you'll find more interlocking threads in this show than in a pair of fishnet stockings.

Suffice it to say that director and choreographer have plenty of credits to prove they know what they're doing and that they do it very well.

So while "Pageant" satirizes all the well-worn stereotypes of beauty contests and the women who populate them, the male actors don't camp through their roles. Instead, they play them, um, straight. Straight, but with all the predictable foibles and failings that have stigmatized a long history of would-be beauty queens.

Miss West Coast (Chad Lovell) is a new-age airhead claiming a collection of previous lives. Miss Great Plains (Christopher Obenchain) is corn-fed and straight-laced to her Iowa roots. Miss Bible Belt (Colin Miyamoto) carries a Bible college double major in business administration and saving souls.

Miss Deep South (Daniel Kunkel) is a velvety magnolia, Miss Texas (Don Richards) is a tough-talking daddy's girl, and Miss Industrial Northeast (Michael Pa'ekukui) is a heavily-accented worker at a women's detention center.

The laughs come as the women compete in requisite competition. Pa'ekukui's character plays the accordion and attempts to jump rope on roller skates. Miyamoto's role has him demonstrating industrial-strength spackle for hiding blemishes and deadpanning lines like, "The Lord created so many cosmetics, it's a downright shame not to wear them."

Keoki Kerr plays the pageant's smarmy host like the only rooster in the hen house, giving his emphasized eyebrows plenty of exercise, but bringing a fine singing voice to appropriate but forgettable show songs like "It's Gotta Be Venus" and "Miss Glamouresse."

Melian Lillios handles musical direction and heads up a trio of musicians. MJ Matsushita designed the remarkably pink set. Cabaret seating means sight lines are sometimes compromised, but that drinks and snacks can be purchased. And for a $100 donation, members of the audience can serve as judges and select a winner.

"Pageant" goes about as deep as a layer of cold cream, but is fun and frothy on a warm summer night.