Speakeasy Wows Audiences at Performing Arts San Antonio

Are you ready to take a fun, trip back to the Roaring Twenties and spend an evening in a gin joint during the prohibition era? If so, Speakeasy is the play for you. From start to finish, I was riveted. Most of the play is set during one eventful night in a bookstore by day and an afterhours gin joint run by the powerful, loving, and wild lady named Texas. There is singing, dancing, drinking, and mobsters.

Texas, played by the fantastic Candace Cole, is a talented, beautiful, sultry singer who oversees the establishment with her partner, Clarence. Clarence, played by the engaging Macaulay Hammond, is quiet, pensive, thoughtful and quite the opposite of Texas. In a bid to help the club, they both make choices that upset the partnership and result in a crazy night of mobsters and a wacky heiress. Texas is the headliner who's acquired a charming, crass family of misfits who are as talented as they are beautiful. Lucie, Gert, and Samantha are three very different ladies who sing, dance, and bicker lovingly with each other. Lucie, played spectacularly by newcomer Michelle Vogel, is a spunky, small town girl who moved to Chicago with big dreams. She's an engaging, talkative bartender yearning for her chance to sing and dance with the others. Gert, played by the amazing Lauren Campion, is a German songstress, who is as naughty as she is nice. She sings, dances, and seduces everyone with her tough girl exterior hiding a heart of gold. Samantha, as played by the powerful Iyana Colby is a force of nature. She's reminiscent of the fabulous torch singers of old, such as Etta James.

The show features famous songs and dances of the roaring 20s that will get your feet tapping while you hum along. The dancing is amazing and if you dress like a flapper, you could end up on stage doing the Charleston with the cast.

As expected with the boot legging business, there are shady characters who darken the steps of the Speakeasy to collect money owed to the mob boss. Vince, played by the beautiful bass, Stephan Lemmer, is clearly the mob enforcer. He's unflappable and focused, but surprisingly not above singing, dancing, and fun. Jake, as played by the skillful Ramsey Marion Sweatmon, is a fun loving, guy smitten by one of the ladies. He listens to his heart and struggles with his role the family business.

The heiress, Helen King, is spunkily played by the wonderful Wendy McNiel. Just when you think she won't join in the fun, she surprises you.

It's an immersive experience as the characters interact and engage with the audience in a fun, conspiratorial way. It's a perfect time to get the girls together, reserve a bistro table or a regular seat, and kick up your heels with this fun, raucous crew. The entertainment doesn't stop during this trip back to the Roaring Twenties.

Two weekends left to book your trip:

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2714655

· Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1 at 8:00 pm

· Sunday, Aril 2 at 3:00 pm

· Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8 at 8:00 pm

· Sunday, April 9 at 3:00 pm

 

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