The Cockettes’ Pearls Over Shanghai Conquers San Francisco Again

by Chris Narloch

It’s been almost 40 years, but it was worth the wait. Pearls Over Shanghai, the infamous gay musical that debuted in 1970 has returned to San Francisco in an eye-popping production at the Hypnodrome.

As if that weren’t enough, several original members of the Cockettes, the gender-bending theatrical troupe responsible for the wonderfully warped show’s first production, are again involved, both on stage and behind the scenes.

An original musical by Link Martin and Richard “Scrumbly” Koldewyn, Pearls Over Shanghai marks the 40th anniversary of the formation of the Cockettes, who exerted a profound influence on the culture of our times, from the phenomenon of midnight movies to glitter rock stars such as David Bowie and the New York Dolls.

The late, great disco diva Sylvester created the role of Petrushka in the first production of Pearls, a comic mock-operetta involving white slavery, opium dens and miscegenation set in the colorful world of 1937 Shanghai.

How fitting that San Francisco’s edgiest current theatrical troupe, Thrillpeddlers, should take on this iconic show by one of the City’s edgiest troupes from the past. 
Deliriously deranged, Pearls Over Shanghai virtually defies description except to say that it is a crazy, campy classic of queer theater. The fantastic costumes and make-up are alone worth the price of admission.

This is a rare chance to see some of the original Cockettes, including composer Richard “Scrumbly” Koldewyn, who serves as Musical Director and accompanist for the new production.

The cast also includes original Cockette Rumi Missabu, reprising his role as the evil Madame Gin Sling. The costumes are the creations of Tahara, another of the original Cockettes.

I wasn’t old enough to see Pearls the first time so I am overjoyed that the show has returned in triumph for a whole new generation to enjoy.
Gleefully, the production has been extended for the umpteenth time, until April 24. Don’t miss it. Visit www.thrillpeddlers.com.

Photo caption: Kara Emery (as Lottie Wu) and William McDaniel (as Hank) cavort in Thrillpeddlers’ Pearls Over Shanghai. Photo by www.davidallenstudio.com