Ever wonder what it was like to sip cocktails at a bar or nightclub during the 1920s Prohibition era? Every big city has a secret past with speakeasies. Often hidden behind unmarked doors or disguised as everyday shops, they offered fun seekers a thrilling escape from the law.
The Cleopatra’s Women Ensemble, a 20-woman choir in its debut performance, has revived a clandestine gin joint. Walk Like an Egyptian encourages everyone to step back and experience the fun and frivolity of the Roaring Twenties.
The speakeasy style event takes place Saturday, Feb. 15. In keeping with 1920s secrecy, the party takes place at an undisclosed location known only to ticket holders.
However, artist director Criselda Mierau has scattered a couple of semi-obscure clues - “the venue stands united,” and “pray you find us on the trail.”
“You need a password to get in and it will be printed on the ticket. From the moment you step inside, it will feel as if you’ve stepped back into the 1920s. When the door opens, you have to climb some stairs that go into a dimly lit hall. The decorating style will be Prohibition era with feathers, velvet, gold, brocade, strands of pearls and palm trees – like the Great Gatsby,” said Mierau.
In the middle of gangsters wearing pinstripe suits and flappers attired in tassel dresses, a potential club takeover is in the making. As club owner Katia Mieranski scopes her nightly crowd, Ann Moore is Doll, the owner of a different joint checking out the speakeasy. And Josephine Hebert Goon is the third wheel, a low-life of questionable character.
The Cleopatras have four 15-minute sets booked performing songs ranging from Patsy Cline’s Crazy and Van Morrison’s Moon Dance to Marilyn Monroe’s Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend and The Andrew’s Sisters’ Shoo, Shoo Baby.
“They sound amazing. Their harmonies are tight, and they understand the groove. They are brilliant,” Mierau said.
Backing them is a live four-piece with Keat Machtemes (piano), Kevin Andrews (drums), Mike Wurtz (guitar/bass) and Bart Bradley (Aerophone). An Aerophone allows a musician to play notes that sound like a variety of musical instruments.
Finger food is available, and cigarette girls, holding a tray around their neck, will saunter throughout the club selling candy cigarettes and raffle tickets.
And while bootleg gin is off the menu, St. Albert’s District Distilleries is keeping the raucous party mood going with home-made gin and vodka.
Mierau also encourages everyone to dress in a swinging 1920’s outfit. Two prizes will be awarded for the Best Dressed Prohibition costumes.
“People have had a hard time lately and this is a way you can step back in time and enjoy all kinds of unexpected delights from a simpler era.”
The 18 plus party is Saturday, Feb. 15. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person. Call Verla, 780-238-5617.
