Diamond Lil & The Pansy Craze
A Musical Revue Celebrating the Gay 30s
August 8 to Sept 7, 2019
We first took you to Rush street with “At Mister Kelly”s of the 1950s/60s. Three Cat Productions is going to take you even further back in time to 909 North Rush and the famed “Diamond Lil’s”. The musical revue set in Chicago, 1932 explores the famed Pansy Craze club “Diamond Lil” which was packed so tight with partying boys that people were turned away. Come celebrate Chicago.
directed by Jason Paul Smith
musical direction and arrangements by Roy Freeman
Starring Sam Bowling, Michael Hampton, Lauren Miller, Carolyn Nelson, Orlando Shelly, Maiko Terazawa, and Sophie Vitello.
Reviews Are In:
“You can’t walk away from Diamond Lil without feeling at least a smidge more defiantly hopeful about the future than you did when you walked in. … On the awesome, growling “BD Women Blues,” Carolyn Nelson sounds like she’s got a choir of ancestors holding her up. “The Cabaret Boys” is a sly ode to chorus cuties. Orlando Shelly shows off some formidable clarinet chops on “Downhearted Blues.”
~ Chicago Reader Recommended
“Sam Bowling brings us a coy and demure “He’s So Unusual” as Crane Gilbert, a Chicago society gadfly who made the papers for his dapper dress sense. Carolyn Nelson aims for the rafters with powerful blues numbers as Bessie Jackson, a performer unapologetic for the strength of her masculine energy. And, as Diamond Lil, Michael Hampton does wonders with spoken word numbers like “She’s My Most Intimate Friend” that invite you to listen close for naughty jokes.”
~ Windy City Times
Audiences:
“There was so much energy and fun on this small intimate stage. For the money, it was one of the best evenings I have spent in the Chicago theatre scene. All in all, a terrific night of entertainment. A “don’t miss” show.” ~ David
“This is a fun night out with familiar oldies and an engaging and energetic cast. A little bit of Chicago history presented in a very entertaining, review type format. Definitely worth seeing!” ~ Gary
