RANSVESTIA

"Yes," Nadine Boorman was crowing. "We're going to reverse all the roles tonight. It'll be the biggest thing along the block in years!"

As she spoke, another woman came into the room- a woman, at least, at first glance-but David recognized Marty with a second look. It was hardly the Marty Salter whom he knew. Marty's hair was long and styled in feminine fashion about his bejewelled ears. His face was made up, too, his cheeks rouged, his nose powdered, his eyes mascara'd, his lips glossed. He wore a two-piece suit, green, with a pleated skirt. A soft green, silk blouse complimented his outfit as did the dark stockings and green high heels. A faint smile, appre- hensive, played across his pink lips.

"Marty, is that you?" Farrell Prior mimicked in a high, unnatural voice. He flipped a wrist limply at the feminine figure. Marty blushed and bit at his lip. He was forced to look down, showing the blue eyeshadow on the back of his eyelids. The other guys also looked away, embarassed both by Marty's appearance and by Farrell's remarks.

"Farrell!" Nadine was enraged. For a moment, it appeared that she might attack the black actor-dancer, who for the first time, looked a little abashed. With an effort, Nadine regained her self-control. "Millie," she said curtly, turning to the smug dresser. "Help the girls," she snapped the word out, "into dresses for their first number. Those that aren't dressed and on the set in twenty minutes can leave right away-without pay!"

As soon as Nadine had left, Millie's face broke out in a big smile. "O.K., girlies," she snickered. "Into your panties first!" She held up a pair of red, bikini briefs.

"Give 'em to Marty," said Farrell savagely. "You're not gonna get the rest of us into them!"

Millie was somewhat taken aback. Marty sat down daintily on the chair in front of his mirror. He took off his jacket showing a surprising- ly feminine bust through his soft, silk blouse.

"I'm not gettin' tarted up like her!" In moments of stress, Ace re- verted to an English, working class accent, though he hadn't seen London since he was a child.