• • But prior to the Broadway premiere of "Catherine Was Great" on 2 August 1944 at the Shubert Theatre, the Empress of Sex ran into many other over-heated complications during the month of July.
• • If you've ever produced a play or sat in to observe rehearsals, you are aware that a large cast takes up space and costs money to costume (which includes the wigs, make-up, hats, crowns, props, etc.).
• • Always trying to keep actors employed, Mae West usually went overboard when hiring. In 1944, the main cast numbered around three dozen — — in addition to the barge-load of individuals hired to portray the empress's six ladies-in-waiting, nine soldiers, two ushers, six councillors, six guards, henchmen, peasants, waiters, and even a chimney sweep.
• • According to an article in Billboard Magazine [The Billboard, 12 August 1944], Mike Todd and Mae West shared the financial burden of mounting this costume drama — — $150,000, not an inconsiderable sum during the World War II era. And though she often hired inexperienced actors and actresses for the minor roles, Mae West sought out the best costume people and set designers. Despite the savage reviews that would greet the star's own efforts, the critics heaped praise on the production itself, calling the scenery "as beautiful as Howard Bay's best" and rhapsodizing over lavish details such as the fireplace set in Count Mirovich's apartment and the decor of the ghoulish "secret room" of Ivan VI where a murder occurs.
• • During the month of July — — when Catherine II began her reign as Empress of Russia on 9 July 1762 — — there would have been a lot of ceremonial fuss, sewing, hand beading, and dress rehearsals going on between July 9th and the mid-September coronation. Could Catherine the Great's court been as large as Mae West's retinue, you may wonder.
• • Imagine the crowds that gathered during July 1944 in front of the Shubert Theatre [225 West 44th Street], trying to buy tickets to opening night for Wednesday 2 August 1944 as the carpenters and lighting designers readied these elaborate sets. Imagine the critics sharpening their pencils. Imagine Mae West and Mike Todd . . . warming to a discussion about the budget. Hot times.
• • • • West 47th Street on 14 August 2010 • • • •
• • This summer join the Mae-mavens in the theatre district next month. The live entertainment will be hot and especially exciting on Saturday, 14 August 2010 when two swell broads head back to Broadway — — Sophie Tucker along with Mae West.
• • Continuing her custom of commemorating the birthday of Mae West, playwright LindaAnn Loschiavo has a most exciting late-night treat in store this year: The Gaudy Girls, two talented beauties who perform the best-loved songs made famous by Sophie Tucker and Mae West. As part of their repertoire, the ladies will spotlight a tribute to the NYC-based composers and lyricists who created popular numbers such as "My Yiddishe Momme," "Red Hot Mama," "Everybody Shimmies Now," "My Old Flame," "Baby, It's Cold Outside," and more.
• • It's one night only so plan to come up and see Mae — — and Sophie. Details below.
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• • WHERE: ACTORS TEMPLE, 339 West 47th Street, New York, NY 10036 [where SOPHIE TUCKER was one of their first vaudeville members in 1923]
• • WHO: MAE WEST [Anne Marie Finnie], SOPHIE TUCKER [Maggie Worsdale], presented and introduced by playwright LindaAnn Loschiavo
• • WHAT ELSE: Shimmy lessons, raffle prizes, goodies, and a chance to win deluxe European scarves featuring MAE WEST’s quotes.
• • SUBWAYS: IND: C, E to West 50th Street station; BMT: N, R, W to West 49th Street station — — exit on the West 47th Street side.
• • GENERAL ADMISSION: $15. VIP service and Group Sales available.
• • URL: TheGaudyGirls.com
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• • Tell them you heard about it on the MAE WEST BLOG.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
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• • Photo: • • Mae West • • 1944 • •
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