'THE CANDY CLUB'
WELCOME TO
THE CANDY CLUB is a new piece of musical theatre, where you are carried back in time to an extraordinary era of entertainment that existed in the bigger night clubs of New York, better known as "Speakeasies" in the 1920's. The show is dedicated to the songwriters, singers, musicians, comedians and dancers, from the "Jazz Era" (as F. Scott Fitzgerald called it) .
New York at this time has been likened to Florence during the Renaissance period, as being the centre of a new 'movement' of freedom of thought, women's lib, new musical genres, art, architecture, dance styles, clothes design, hair styles, and many other facets of life. The effects of this new movement reverberated throughout the U.S.A., the U.K., Europe, and Australasia (and many other countries) over the following decade.
The larger clubs had seating for over five hundred people (more in some cases), a large proscenium-style stage for the band (often 12 or more members), and an expansive dance floor that was used not only for dancing by the patrons, but for Floor Shows and Reviews which incorporated well-known professional singers, dancers and comedians of the era.
They were called 'Speakeasies' as you had to speak very quietly to be allowed entrance, or show a membership card. This was the era of 'Prohibition'. (see below- 'A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY' ).
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY...
'Prohibition' made the selling of alcohol illegal in the U.S. This came about when the U.S. Federal government passed an amendment to the Constitution in 1919 (the infamous 18th Amendment) prohibiting the sale of alcohol in public places. It was impossible to enforce this law, and it was repealed in 1933 (the 21st amendment). Although the larger clubs were often raided by Federal Marshals and their teams, they were rarely prosecuted as the law was very unpopular and many senior police officials, famous actors, singers, writers, comedians and song-writers (and even royalty) were very often seen having a great time in these clubs. It was one of the many reasons for the extraordinary popularity of the more famous 'Speakeasies' in New York. Most, but not all, closed down after Prohibition was repealed.
'Prohibition' made the selling of alcohol illegal in the U.S. This came about when the U.S. Federal government passed an amendment to the Constitution in 1919 (the infamous 18th Amendment) prohibiting the sale of alcohol in public places. It was impossible to enforce this law, and it was repealed in 1933 (the 21st amendment). Although the larger clubs were often raided by Federal Marshals and their teams, they were rarely prosecuted as the law was very unpopular and many senior police officials, famous actors, singers, writers, comedians and song-writers (and even royalty) were very often seen having a great time in these clubs. It was one of the many reasons for the extraordinary popularity of the more famous 'Speakeasies' in New York. Most, but not all, closed down after Prohibition was repealed.