Going to the extreme for Hannah Montana tickets

Sometimes a drag show can be a family affair.And love can look like a 6-foot, 8-inch man in a miniskirt.Early Thursday morning, 15 grown men dressed up as Disney teen television and pop sensation Hannah Montana to score tickets to her sold-out show on Saturday at Allstate Arena.They wore blond wigs, sequined skirts and high heels -- and showed some (hairy) leg.They strutted, sang and signed autographs. They did it for the daughter, niece or granddaughter in their life desperate to see her idol in person.Kumar Murukurthy of Northbrook, did it for his niece. Akhila Lakkamsani, 14, also of Northbrook, has leukemia.Diagnosed a year and a half ago, Akhila has returned to school and re-grown most of the hair she lost during chemotherapy treatments. Still, she is frequently ill and must wear a mask in public because her immune system is compromised."She's very, very tough, but she's having a tough time with it," Murukurthy said. "She and her little sister know every Hannah Montana song and have seen every TV show. They said it would be so cool if we could go."Murukurthy heard about the contest, sponsored by 101.9 The Mix, on the radio Wednesday night.Without broadcasting it to anyone, including his girlfriend, he quietly went about transforming himself into a 14-year-old girl.He went from store to store that night tracking down a blond wig, feathered boa, fuchsia hat and black stockings. He woke up at 4 a.m. Thursday to paint his toenails and fingernails.He applied makeup for the first time in his life. And he shaved off the beard and mustache he'd been growing for a decade.Other men went to similar lengths Thursday.Paul Koyanagi of Mount Prospect rolled up in a limousine to the Prospect Heights Dunkin' Donuts where the contest was being held. Once he entered the building -- with entourage in tow -- he began working the room, shaking hands, signing autographs and posing for promo photos.Koyanagi even hopped up on a table top and belted out a sampling of Montana's greatest hits.He exited stage right, blowing kisses to the patrons at the drive-through window.After the judging, Koyanagi introduced his 4-year-old daughter, Kaiya."She just loves Hannah, and I love her," Koyanagi said. "I'd do almost anything for her."Parents across the country have demonstrated they'll do almost anything for Hannah Montana tickets, which routinely sell out in minutes and can go for hundreds and even thousands of dollars.In St. Louis, more than 150 men donned high heels and dashed 50 yards for tickets.In Grand Rapids, Mich., dads in drag participated in an egg race.In Milwaukee, dads performed some of Montana's greatest hits at a shopping mall, with one lucky winner landing backstage passes to the Chicago concert.And in Tampa, a 35-year-old man held on to a Hannah Montana statue -- almost continuously -- for six straight days to win tickets to a sold-out show.Back in Prospect Heights, a team of undercover judges named Koyanagi the winner.The Montana look-not-much-likes were judged on creativity, authenticity and performance, 101.9 marketing director Dave Karwowski explained.It's possible the burly Murukurthy didn't quite have the authenticity thing down.Some of the contestants had tracked down real Hannah Montana wigs, Murukurthy said. Wig or no, the 6-foot, 8-inch man of Indian descent concedes he'll never resemble the petite blond pop star.Regardless, Murukurthy is a convincing contender for uncle of the year.He was even thinking about doing it all again this morning, at the second Hannah "Man-tana" contest in Homer Glen. "I don't know if I can. I don't even know where Homer Glen is, and it's 5 a.m. #8230; " Murukurthy said Thursday. He continued after a pause, "Well, I guess maybe I'll go. For my niece." 512434Paul Koyanagi of Mount Prospect stands with his 4-year-old daughter, Kaiya. Koyanagi was the winner of the Hannah Man-tana prize.Gilber R. Boucher II | Staff Photographer 512355Men dress up as Hannah Montana to win show tickets for their daughters, nieces, and granddaughters during a promotion by radio station 101.9 The Mix at Dunkin Donuts in Prospect Heights.Gilber R. Boucher II | Staff Photographer 512361Dan Roberts of Downers Grove sings with his 9-year-old daughter, Hanna, left, and her best friend, Madeline Johnson, 10.Gilber R. Boucher II | Staff Photographer 512374Kumar Murukurthy of Northbrook touches up his lipstick. He was trying to win the tickets for his 14-year-old niece, Akhila Lakkamsani, who has leukemia.Gilber R. Boucher II | Staff Photographer