The Cockettes Second Cumming at Joe’s Pub reviewed by Jim Catapano

After a Long Time Coming, The Cockettes Return to Conquer

“The Cockettes have withstood the test of time,” declared John Waters many moons ago, but his words are preserved for us today on celluloid. “Their legend is cemented in America’s lunatic history!” And in a time where we need them more than ever, the legendary San Francisco hell-raising, drag-pioneering troupe are back with a vivacious vengeance. 

Taking the stage on a steamy night at a packed Joe’s Pub, the group blew kisses to the past and dazzled everyone present. The night celebrated the work of original Cockette Scrumbly Koldewyn, who was there in the glittery flesh as Musical Director. Scrumbly’s songs, while lively and bawdy, have a lot of astute things to say about life and how to live it, and today’s Cockettes were about to deliver those musical messages with dazzling deftness.

A little time travel interlude: The troupe was founded in 1969 by George Edgerly Harris III, known to all as Hibiscus. (History buffs will also know him as one of the protesters putting flowers into the gun barrels of soldiers at the 1967 March on the Pentagon.) “Why don’t we take Rockettes and just change one letter?” Mr. Koldewyn recalled Hibiscus declaring, and thus the troupe was born. Though Hibiscus passed in 1982, he was there this night—not only in spirit, but in the form of a moving film clip narrated by his sister Mary Lou.

After an introduction by Producer Dan (“DJ Dank”) Karkoska, Scrumbly appeared resplendent in a flower-adorned blue blazer, pink shirt, yellow tie and matching cummerbund. Three Cockettes joined him on stage to get things started while three more emerged from the wings to sashay through the audience.

The multi-talented Ellie Stokes took over on piano while Scrumbly serenaded us regarding “The Perfect Banana,” eventually joined by Matt Bratko and Steven Satyricon wielding two large cardboard simulations of the titular fruit. Ellie returned to regale us with the poignant “Sideshow,” a tribute to the performers who assert who they are and turn it into gold. “Life is short, Life is sweet/No time for sorrow/no time for defeat,” she emoted. “It’s a game, so don’t come unglued/beside there is someone who’s worse off than you.”

Bonni Suval, magnificent in full Marie Antoinette regalia, commanded the stage to declare “Let Them Eat Cock.” Matt and Steven, dressed in chef’s hats, aprons and little else, joyfully simulated that suggestion. The trio reappeared for “Too Decadent,” this time dressed in S&M finery. Bonni wowed us with her powerhouse vocals and outstanding tap dancing. Matt and Steven also serenaded us with an uproarious “Eat Me,” during which they mooned the audience and declared, ‘This is what most politicians are. READ MY LIPS!”

Noah Hayden sang spectacular solos throughout the show, each time in a different colored (but always fabulous) glittering evening gown. “Midnight in Manhattan” was particularly fitting as the subways rumbled under the theatre, symbolizing the Cockettes’ triumphant return after a 52-year absence. In a later heartfelt musical moment, Noah declared “I am you, and this song is all I have ever known.”

Ellie returned for a smoky “late-night at the lounge number” called “Sublimatin’”, where she reminded us to always grab life by the you-know-what’s. “There’ll be plenty of time to lay around when you’re dead!” she reminded (I want that on a T-Shirt.)

Special guests Anthony Wayne and original Cockette pianist Peter Mintun joined the fun to perform “Jaded Lady.” Anthony was majestic in a royal purple robe and dazzled us with miraculous high notes, while Peter tickled the ivories in a smart tan suit and tie. The performance was dedicated to original Cockette Sylvester, subject of Anthony’s “Mighty Real” musical.

The Mega-funny Birdie-Bob Watt (Assistant Director) took the stage to tell us “A Crab on Uranus Means You’re in Love,” dressed hilariously as the crustacean of the moment. He also lamented the lives of emotionally endangered feces on a hysterical “Just a Lonely Little Turd.” Sang Birdie, “Will we simply be squeezed out/and them just left to float about?” (A disturbing image indeed!)

The entire company gathered onstage to take us all home with a rendition of the sinfully sly ‘Hades Lowdown,” before encoring most appropriately with “Curtain Call.”

“What are you waiting for?” sang the gang. “There still might be time for rewrites.” And how!

Welcome back to New York, Cockettes. And as Mr. Waters observed, “Cockettes then, Cockettes now, and Cockettes forever!”