The performance of “Victor/Victoria” Tuesday at Stephens Auditorium was a hilarious roller coaster ride of drag queens, gangsters, romance and comedy.

The sets conjured up images of a small nightclub in Paris, Toddy’s flat and the Radisine Hotel. The sound of rain was used to represent a foggy and rainy night in Paris added to the musical.

The dancers enlivened the performance with their well-choreographed moves, and they helped to make the musical numbers come to life.

“Victor/Victoria” tells the story of Victoria, an out-of-work opera singer who decides she will be better off posing as a man. When Victoria poses as a man, she winds up getting a job posing as a woman.

Deb Martin shined in a strong performance of Victoria, a woman struggling in a world where being a woman opera singer is not enough. Her portrayal of Victoria touched the heart. When Martin played Victor, however, the performance became awkward and was not nearly as convincing.

Her gaudy costumes with spangles and dangles and deep throaty voice were entertaining, but still could not make the audience believe they were being entertained by a man in women’s clothing.

In addition to proving she is an actress that can play any character in great depth, Martin also showed she is a singer that can hit a high B flat and sing in a low throaty alto. Her singing performance shined in “If I were a Man,” her true brimming soprano voice magnificent to listen to. “Almost A Love Song” and “Le Jazz Hot” were also highlights.

As the count, Martin brought humor to the stage — especially when she did the tango with the gangster King Marchan’s girlfriend, played by Ann Burnette Mathews.

Mathews’ performance made the show truly funny. She played a ditzy blonde that resembled Marilyn Monroe with her tantrums and mixed up words. Not only is she a brilliant and versatile actress but also a wonderful dancer.

Paul Gregory Nelson’s portrayal of King Marchan made an unbelievable role believable. A gangster who falls in love with a man who is really a women playing a man is a hard role for the best of actors.

Marchan goes from being a macho gangster into a man who will love a women at any cost. Nelson’s stunning performance was enhanced by his wonderful voice in “King’s Dilemma” and “Almost a Love Song.”

“Victor/Victoria” is an entertaining musical that raises issues about being a woman, as well as being gay in a confusing world.