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Review

A sly, entertaining mockumentary, Showboy follows a young man's valiant attempt to become a Las Vegas dancer, not allowing age, talent or competition get in the way! Christian Taylor is a self-important British writer on Alan Ball's television series, "Six Feet Under." A BBC documentary crew is sent to interview him about being a successful Brit in Hollywood, but in the midst of filming, Christian is unceremoniously fired from the show. Initially despondent, Christian--a plainly handsome unattached gay man--decides to abandon his writing career to pursue his lifelong ambition: to become a high-kicking, smile-blazing Las Vegas showboy!

With the harried documentary crew in tow, Alan moves to the neon lit desert city. Undeterred by his age (thirty being old in a dancer's world), and less than abundant talent, he gives it his all – through strip-mall dancing and singing lessons to low-end auditions. And all for a chance to hoof it with gusto on the glitzy stage. Filled with great characters and some especially funny cameos by Alan Ball, Whoopi Goldberg and Vegas' royal couple Siegfried and Roy, Showboy is a deliciously wicked and perceptive look at the almighty male ego and the dogged pursuit of romantic dreams and fame.

Raymond Murray