New York, NY – – Originally staged on Broadway in 1928, “Diamond Lil” written by and starring Mae West remained popular onstage until its final performances in 1951. The 3-hour drama set on the Bowery during the 1890s has been adapted into an 85-minute version by L’Idea Magazine’s English Section Director, playwright LindaAnn Loschiavo, whose work “Courting Mae West” was last seen in Melbourne, Australia. Actress Darlene Violette stars as the irresistible diamond-draped Queen of the Bowery and is supported by a fine cast featuring Sidney Myer, Anthony DiCarlo, Joanna Bonaro, Gary Napoli, Juan Sebastian Cortes, Kimmy Foskett, Jim Gallagher with live music by Brian McInnis.
When Paramount Pictures transformed Mae West’s three-hour classic into a 66-minute screen version starring Mae West and Cary Grant, the studio moguls whitewashed most of the play’s darker aspects, such as its sexuality, violence, and underworld hijinks. In August you will see a franker version, much closer to the original, with all of the zest and none of the censorship.
Join them for a daring look back at “Suicide Hall,” a unique presentation created to commemorate the 120th birthday of Mae West, born in Brooklyn, NY on August 17, 1893.
When: On August 12th, August 17th, and August 18th
What: three events timed to celebrate the 120th birthday of Mae West
– When: Monday, August 12, 2013 from 4:00pm — 5:45pm [Seating from 3:45pm]
– Where: Hudson Branch Library, 66 Leroy St., NYC 10014; not accessible to wheelchairs
– Who + What: “Diamond Lil” by Mae West as a Reader’s Theatre Experience with words and period songs and live music — a unique and unforgettable presentation
– Cast: Costumed in 1890s Bowery style, actress Darlene Violette and actor Sidney Myer present the 1932 novel “Diamond Lil” written by Mae West in Mae’s words — enhanced with period songs and live music by Brian McInnis. At intervals, historian and playwright LindaAnn Loschiavo leads an “Armchair Tour” through the boisterous Bowery and Chinatown of the 1890s with rare vintage images you have never seen before.
– August 12th Admission and Mae West Raffle Tickets: Free.
– RSVP by Email: [email protected]
– The public is invited (suitable for age 18 and over). All of the zest and none of the censorship . . .
– Closest MTA subway stations: Christopher St. or West Fourth St.; or the M7 bus
– Closest PATH station: Christopher St.
The novel “Diamond Lil” closely follows the 3-hour production Mae performed onstage from 1928 — 1951, and it is much more exciting than the family-friendly screen version. Playwright LindaAnn Loschiavo massaged Mae’s classic opus into an 85-minute adaptation featuring all of the sexiness and none of the censorship. No intermission.
– There will be two stagings of “Diamond Lil” on August 17th and August 18th in NYC.
– Cast: Starring Darlene Violette as Diamond Lil, Queen of the Bowery and also featuring Sidney Myer, Anthony DiCarlo, Joanna Bonaro, Gary Napoli, Juan Sebastian Cortes, Kimmy Foskett, Jim Gallagher and live music by Brian McInnis
– The public is invited (suitable for age 18 and over)
On Saturday, 17 August 2013 at 7:30pm on West 38th St.
– Where: John Strasberg Studios, 555 8th Avenue, Suite 2310, New York, NY 10018; accessible to wheelchairs
Admission: $10 — must be pre-paid! Raffle tickets are free.
– RSVP: Advance sale tickets: you must email MaeWestDiamondLil (at) gmail (dot) com
– Closest MTA subway stations: 42nd St./ Times Sq. via A, C, E, 1, 2, 3
On Sunday, 18 August 2013 at 7:00pm on West 46th St.
-Where: Don’t Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC 10036; T. (212) 757-0788
– RSVP: August 18th Admission: $15.00 cover charge plus a two drink minimum; raffle tickets are free.
– Reservations: www.donttellmamanyc.com
– Join them as they turn the iconic NYC nightspot Don’t Tell Mama into Gus Jordan’s “Suicide Hall”!
– Updates: facebook.com/MaeWestDiamondLil
Closest MTA subway stations: 42nd St./ Times Sq. via A, C, E, 1, 2, 3
FYI: “Courting Mae West” received a six-page spread in the July-August 2013 issue of THE DRAMATIST.
Contact Information: Mae Westside
maewest.blogspot.com
