Carmen Miranda Banana number
TINSEL TARTS in a HOT COMA: The Next Cockettes Musical Unabashed Drag Show. Thrillpeddlers. The Hypnodrome, 57510th St., S.F. (415) 377-4202 or www.brownpaper.com.
Through June1, 2013
TINSEL TARTS IN A HOT COMA is bi-coastal and omni-sexual
If you are not familiar with the original Cockettes you are in for a rollicking treat when you go to see the latest Thrillpeddlers production. It is a belly full of laughs when the 20 member cast cavorts, trip the light fantastic and belt song parodies with sex infused lyrics. Not only are the hilarious costumes covered with glitter, so are the faces and every (and I mean EVERY) exposed body part. Be warned that nudity, especially in the cataclysmic finale, is rampant.
This resurrection of this Cockettes musical had its origins in 1971 when the original show caused a semi-sensation, often for the wrong reasons, when their 1930 musical Tinsel Tarts in a Hot Coma opened in New York for a three-week run. Two of the original cast, Scrumbly Koldewyn and “Sweet Pam” Tent have rewritten the script added 18 (count them) new songs, music and lyrics. Another core member of the Cockettes, Rami Missabu, joins the cast.
The time is the 1930s and Hollywood is the place, filled with egocentric divas, actor wan-a-bees, eccentric directors and gaggles of movie extras. Conflict is as rampant as the songs and dances spill out into the audience. The theatre is a very, very intimate space. Vedda Viper a bitchy news broadcaster ala Walter Winchell is sort of the master of ceremonies as she spreads the gossip “no matter who gets F—-d!”
The irreverent hijinks just keep coming and coming and you will have a tough time if you try to figure out who is who. You’ll meet, Mayor Fiorello Laguardia, Goldie Digger Cow (complete with a two titted udder), Auntie Social, Salvador Deli, Graucho, Chico and Harpo Marx. Then there is the Tender Loin Chorus (you will not have to use your imagination since they leave nothing uncovered), Brunnhilde, Angel Gabrille and finally The Devil in the finale to end all finales.
Scrumbly plays the piano and directs the orchestra (Sax, Bass and drums) from on stage and has his chance to emote and take part in the action. Running time a bit too long but never boring and that is a promise.
(Music and Lyrics by Scrumbly Koldewyn. Book by Pam Tent and Scrumbly Koldewyn. Additional Lyrics by Link Martin,”Sweet Pam” Tent, Martin Worman, Tom Orr)
Kedar K. Adour, MD
Courtesy of www.theatreworldinternetmagazine.com
