Featured Characters

Kristen McCabe

Helen Gould Beck
(a.k.a. Sally Rand)
"Lady Lane"

The vivacious burlesque sensation and Fan Dancer “Sally Rand” dazzled the American Vaudeville scene with unmatched and provocative, avant-garde stage performances—the most famous: her revolutionary “fan dance”. Praised early by directors Cecil B. DeMille and Max Sennett, Sally’s dreams of becoming a silent movie star, nevertheless, ended with the advent of talkies.

Fortuitously, Sally Rand’s circuitous road to fame began in Chicago where she debuted her fan dance at the Paramount Club, a nightclub heavily frequented by gangsters. Sally’s seductive and playful showcase captivated onlookers—luring crowds. Swooping and twirling on stage, Sally manipulated her body behind two very large and heavy feathered ostrich fans while playing peek-a-boo.

Sally popularly presented her now iconic fan dance at the Chicago World’s Fair (1933-1934) performing for thousands—whereupon this feathered-fan prop became synonymous with the world of burlesque—making her one of the most sought-after burlesque stars of the era. Ironically, her elegant acts, combined with enchanting costumes, pushed the bounds of decency; performing in silhouette while seemingly nude, Sally was once arrested four times in one day—for indecent exposure—including once while riding a white horse down Market Street in Chicago—the nudity only an illusion.

Nicknamed “America’s Sweetheart” by adoring fans, Sally Rand never teased nor stripped in over four decades of appearances yet, was one of the most arrested performers of her time. Independent and tough, Sally swore like a sailor and often flew an airplane to gigs. Her love for people as well as passion on stage attracted stars too, becoming friends with Debby Reynolds, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr.

Describing her 40-year career, Rand quipped, “I haven’t been out of work since the day I took my pants off.”

Billy Doody

Charles Arthur Floyd
"Jewel Baron"

Overtaking the title as Public Enemy No. 1 following the death of John Dillinger, the popularly elusive Charles Arthur “Pretty Boy” Floyd became a household-famed figure as a serial bank robber, cop killer and national fugitive all before his 30th birthday.

Described as the “Robin Hood” in published accolades, Floyd was born out of the trials of being a poor farmer in the times of the Great Depression. Floyd’s road to fame began at the age of 18 after stealing $350 from a local post office. By 1932 he had robbed so many banks in Oklahoma that the bank insurance rates doubled. Armed with a submachine gun and wearing a bullet proof vest, Floyd stole more than just money; he allegedly destroyed the records of mortgages to local farms, once stating “I have robbed no-one but the moneyed men.”

The flamboyant Ruby Rascal, renowned as the “Jewel Baron,” pirouettes through the art of thievery at the Catlow Theater, capturing the deceptive finesse of the notorious Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd.

Draped in an oversized cravat, this audacious jewelry maestro twirls through the underworld with a touch of felonious debonair. Fresh off a daring heist on the unfortunate “Jewelry Shopkeeper,” the Baron must outsmart roughnecks, town floozies, and the corrupt “Constable” as he awaits the high noon exchange for a suitcase brimming with cash.

In a ballet of clandestine errors for the ages, the Baron must deftly charm his way through a labyrinth of suspicion and Catlow disguises to retrieve the misplaced jewels. Amidst a deluge of dancing showgirls lining Catlow Square, the Baron discovers their true mettle — clad in sequins and ambition, these vivacious vixens are formidable adversaries, determined to seize the glittering spoils for themselves.

Kristen Theilen O’Neill

Belle Livingstone
"Speakeasy Sallie"

Known for her hourglass curves, a journalist once deemed Miss Livingstone “the most dangerous woman in Europe.” Born Isabel Graham in rural Kansas around 1875, Belle Livingstone was found abandoned as an infant and adopted by foster parents in Chicago. In the 1890s, defying her father’s objections to joining a theater company, Belle pursued her passion for the stage. Soon, her talents catapulted her into the limelight as a renowned Broadway performer, captivating audiences in America and abroad.

In 1927, Belle returned to New York during Prohibition, immersing herself in the speakeasy scene. Inspired by a gathering hosted by Texas Guinan, Belle envisioned a “super-speakeasy” for New York’s elite. Successfully opening speakeasies, Belle drew a clientele as diverse as celebrities, financial barons, and notorious gangsters like Al Capone and Owney Madden. Despite financial challenges and federal raids, she persisted, opening opulent venues such as the Fifth-Eighth Street Country Club.

During one particularly daring raid, Belle attempted a dramatic rooftop escape in red pajamas, solidifying her fearless reputation in the clandestine world of speakeasies. “Speakeasy Sallie” takes her cues from Livingstone’s spirited mischief at the Catlow Theater.

Speakeasy Sallie (Kristen Theilen O’Neill) is owner and operater of the Catlow Speakeasy, a place the “girls” call home. Only two weeks into her new venture and the Catlow Speakeasy is thriving! Sallie is busy training new showgirls while supervising the speakeasy’s hidden entryway (an alleyway thru which gentlemen may only gain access with a ticket).

To pacify local ordinances, Sallie flirts with the corrupt “Constable” unaware of an undercover investigation to identify a jewel thief. But after discovering a suitcase full of handcuffs, Sallie suspects her new business acquaintance, Izzy, may be a cop in disguise.

Christopher W. Paschal

Bass Reeves
"Lone Rider"

Bass Reeves’ legacy is truly extraordinary. Born in 1838, Reeves fled bondage during the Civil War, seeking refuge among the Cherokee, Creeks, and Seminoles. He immersed himself in their cultures, learning their languages, until the Thirteenth Amendment emancipated him in 1865. Subsequently, Reeves dedicated 32 years of his life as a federal peace officer in the Indian Territory, tirelessly pursuing and apprehending some of the most notorious fugitives of the era. Remarkably, Bass emerged unscathed despite having his hat and belt shot off on separate occasions.

In addition to his prowess as a marksman with both rifle and revolver, Reeves honed exceptional detective skills over his extensive career. By the time of his retirement in 1907, he boasted a record of over 3,000 felony arrests and had taken down 14 outlaws in defense of his life.

The “Lone Rider” is based on Reeves’ clandestine operations at the Catlow Theater.

Deputy U.S. Marshal Elias “Lone Rider” Mercer is working undercover in hopes of tracking down the elusive “Commodore.” Posing as an upper-class businessman with a briefcase in tow, Mercer’s attention is momentarily diverted in the direction of the Pretty Lady. Caught between romantic courtship and fulfilling his duties as a Marshal in disguise, Mercer inadvertently finds himself drawn into the middle of yet another progressing investigative pursuit to secure the cash suitcase from the slippery “Jewel Baron.”

Julie Beal

Mary Texas Guinean "The Temptress"

Prior to becoming the first female Western movie star and gun-slinging, bareback-riding cowgirl, Mary ‘Texas’ Guinean was a once-prominent Vaudeville performer. As the hostess and mistress of ceremonies at Fay’s El Fey club, a famed illegal speakeasy in New York, Guinean not only entertained but also pioneered a live bantering routine that became a hallmark for the establishment.

Mary was known for her spirited greeting to patrons, famously saying, “Hello, suckers!” Among her esteemed guests were iconic figures such as Babe Ruth, Charles Lindbergh, Charles Chaplin, Rudolph Valentino, Gloria Swanson, and Edward, Prince of Wales. It was during this vibrant era that Mary Texas Guinean forged a close friendship with the renowned speakeasy owner Belle Livingstone, and together, they navigated the tumultuous world of Prohibition-era nightlife in New York City.

Norma, “The Temptress,” channels the vivacious spirit of Mary ‘Texas’ Guinean’s amorous and seductive escapades at the Catlow Theater.

Once a prominent Vaudeville performer, Norma now takes to the streets, portraying the town drunk and floozy. Yet, behind this facade lies a cunning act. With a mischievous glint in her eye, Norma intentionally orchestrates mishaps, leaving behind a decoy ‘cash suitcase’ to create chaos for the undercover agents investigating the Catlow Speakeasy. In this Prohibition-era dance of deception, Norma’s role as “The Temptress” adds a touch of lively charm and unpredictability to the unfolding drama.

Tia Howell

Ida Bailey Allen
"Rolling Pin Dougherty"

Once popularly known as “The Nation’s Homemaker”, Ida Cogswell Bailey Allen was an American icon who spent a lifetime authoring more than 50 cookbooks and selling over 20 million copies. Described as “the original domestic goddess,” Allen built a lasting legacy around her lectures on household management–including writing newspaper columns and airing radio broadcasts–prior to becoming television’s first female food host on “Mrs. Allen and the Chef.”

Throughout the depression, Ida became a food authority on hand to provide assistance to homemakers and by 1933, it was noted, that after only two years of broadcasting over the Columbia network, nearly two million women listeners had written to her.

Mrs. Allen maintained that good home cooking was an antidote to a rising divorce rate. She deplored American food wastage, and declared that during World War II the Russian people lived on less food than was wasted here. Ida’s culinary teachings left a lasting impression of both delightful discoveries and heartfelt wisdom, forever reminding her listeners: “Etiquette is not about rules, but about treating others with kindness and respect.”

Ida “Rolling Pin” Dougherty, a no-nonsense baking virtuoso inspired by Ida Cogswell Bailey Allen’s colossal cooking mishaps at the Catlow Theater, finds herself exasperated by a pesky bread thief (a.k.a. “The Hustler”) pilfering her prized loaves.

Taking it upon herself to report the crime, Ida shakes her trusty rolling pin in the air, revealing her usually dexterous and tough nature. However, Ida is met only by sneers from a giggling street Constable. Amidst taking kickbacks from “Speakeasy Sallie” while purporting to be a trusted officer of the law, the Constable is also an artist… and his churlish caricature of the Baker may become his jailhouse masterpiece.

Marcus Pallan

Isadore Izzy Einstein
"The Ringleader"

During the first five years of Prohibition in New York, there was one name that struck fear in the hearts of every bootlegger: Isadore “Izzy” Einstein. A 1922 edition of The Literary Digest noted Izzy a “master hooch-hound, alongside whom all the rest of the pack are but pups.”

Designated Prohibition Agent No. 1, Izzy Einstein—alongside Moe Smith—would become the Bureau’s most famous and successful duo arresting 4,932 bartenders, bootleggers and speakeasy owners, while confiscating 5 million gallons of liquor worth an estimated $15 million. Izzy developed what he called the “Einstein Theory of Rum Snooping;” due to their non-threatening appearances, they did not carry weapons and made arrests while unarmed. One Sunday, accompanied by a swarm of eager reporters, the duo established a record by making seventy-one raids in a little more than twelve hours.

The “funniest and most effective team” claimed to have used more than 100 disguises including appearing as a “streetcar conductor, gravedigger, fisherman, iceman, and opera singer.” Sacked for becoming “too vaudevillian,” Izzy Einstein published his book in 1932 dedicated to the 4,932 persons he arrested, “Hoping they bear me no grudge for having done my duty.”

In homage to Izzy Einstein’s flamboyant criminal capers at the Catlow Theater in the mid-20s, step into the scene with Benny “The Ringleader” Spectacle. Taking a cue from Izzy’s audacious attire, Benny finds himself uncomfortably squeezed into a pint-sized circus showman’s outfit, a riot of colors and discomfort befitting the roaring twenties.

This undercover virtuoso of law enforcement, reminiscent of Izzy’s outrageous disguises, wields a clipboard and a petition as authentic as the exaggerated smiles he distributes. The Ringleader’s aim is to resurrect the old “Catlow Playhouse,” but the only show that captivates him is the one where he brings down the curtain on the joint. In a final stroke of cunning, Benny corrals all the unwitting performers and patrons who signed his fabricated petition, not only cuffing the culprits but also holding the key to revealing the secret stage’s frequent visitors.

Maria-del-Mar Evelyne Myatt Wikkeling

Josephine Baker "Musical Enchantress"

Born into poverty in St. Louis on June 3, 1906, Josephine Baker rose from humble beginnings to become one of the earliest Black entertainers on the world stage. Infamous for her daring ‘danse sauvage’ at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees in Paris, Josephine captivated audiences with risqué performances, including her iconic banana skirt ensemble.

Her meteoric rise to fame led her to a pivotal role during World War II when, as an ‘honorable correspondent’ for the French military, Baker utilized her celebrity and societal connections to gather intelligence on enemy activity.

After the war, Josephine emerged as a prominent voice in the civil rights movement, steadfastly declining to entertain segregated audiences in the United States. Josephine further solidified her commitment by actively participating in demonstrations, notably standing shoulder to shoulder with Martin Luther King, Jr. during the 1963 March on Washington. In 1968, Coretta Scott King extended to her unofficial leadership in the movement following Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. And on November 30, 2021, Baker etched her name in history as the first black woman inducted into the Panthéon in Paris, receiving one of France’s highest honors.

Introducing Josephine, the “Musical Enchantress,” inspired by Baker’s dazzling performances at the Catlow Theater.

Newly gracing the stage as the enchanting showgirl at the Catlow Speakeasy, Josephine, played by Maria-del-Mar Evelyne Myatt Wikkeling, wields her captivating charm to entice patrons into the hidden world of the Catlow Speakeasy.

Intrigue ensues as Josephine crosses paths with Moe Smith, “The Sheriff,” a federal prohibition agent working undercover. Is the Musical Enchantress genuinely drawn to this dashing agent, or will Moe become the latest victim to succumb to love, falling prey to Josephine’s mesmerizing allure just like those who came before him?

Nancy Hays

Anne Tracy Morgan "Couture Maven"

An avant-garde pioneer in her own right, Anne Tracy Morgan dedicated herself to advancing women’s rights in New York City, paving the new standard of femininity in a post world I era. Daughter to John Pierpont Morgan, the most powerful financier in America’s history, Anne thrived throughout the early 1900s as an avid suffragist and philanthropist.

By 1910, New York City had become a hotbed of dissension and revolt by women fighting for better wages. Having joined the American Woman’s Association, Anne Morgan formed a committee to protect strikers from hired thugs and police berating workers along picket lines. With the help of Mary Dreier, Alva Belmont and Elisabeth Marbury, the “Mink Brigade” as they were mockingly called, walked the picket lines themselves, believing police were less likely to beat women laborers with members of high society among them.

Some of Anne’s most important work took place in France throughout World War I and II overseeing relief efforts to the frontlines. Morgan founded the American Friends for Devastated France, which worked to provide health services, housing, and food to soldiers and refugees displaced by occupation and evacuation. For her lifetime work advocating Women Suffrage, Anne received numerous medals, awards and recognitions, stating in 1927 that women “will take their places beside men as partners, unafraid, useful, successful, and free.”

Outside the lively bustle of the Catlow Speakeasy, “The Couture Maven,” Lila Baroness, takes center stage—a character set ablaze by the sizzling glamour of Anne Tracy Morgan and her swanky affairs at the Catlow Theater.

Fueled by a tenacious suffragist spirit and grit, The Couture Maven finds herself embroiled in a stylish skirmish with none other than The Hustler. This mischievous character has been pilfering bread from the unsuspecting baker and swiping treasures from Lila’s wardrobe, including an audacious mink scarf. With her sights set on putting the Constable’s shady business in the spotlight, The Couture Maven kicks off a wild goose chase.

As chaos erupts, motives of a whirlwind of characters unravel, each driven by their own selfish gigs. While the law chases down the crooks, The Couture Maven squares off for the Baker, unjustly ribbed by the quick-witted Constable. In the ongoing dance of intrigue, Lila slickly unmasks the Constable, revealing Higgins as the real phony he is.

Gary Peterson

Roy Olmstead
"The Constable"

Renowned as “King of the Puget Sound Bootleggers,” the industrious Roy Olmstead–former lieutenant of the Seattle Police Department–would become the biggest bootlegger in Pacific Northwest history controlling a fleet of vessels, warehouses, accountants, salesmen, legal counsel and messengers at the height of prohibition.

Roy fastidiously grew a distribution network importing good liquor from British Colombia. By 1924, Roy’s operation was delivering 200 cases of Canadian liquor to the Seattle area daily, grossing $200,000 a month.

On January 19, 1925, a Federal Grand Jury returned a two-count indictment against Roy Olmstead and 89 other defendants in what would prove to be the biggest trial in the country’s history under the Eighteenth Amendment.

At McNeil Island Federal Penitentiary, Roy converted to the Christian Science faith and became an active practitioner while attempting to rehabilitate inmates—dedicated to the belief that liquor is destructive to man and society.

Introducing “The Constable,” a character steeped in the apt crookedness inspired by Omstead’s smuggling operations outside the Catlow Theater. Constable Clyde ‘Gigglin’ Higgins is a dapper officer with a nose for trouble and a chuckle for every caper. Dressed in his finest threads and armed with a trusty truncheon, Officer Higgins seamlessly blends mischief with lawfulness, while commanding attention he doesn’t quite deserve.

Amidst tumult brewing within the alleyways of the Catlow, Constable Higgins dismisses “The Baker’s” stolen bread woes with a laugh, deeming them trivial. Meanwhile, the sultry showgirls, led by Speakeasy Sallie, use their charm to flirt with Clyde, diverting his attention from tracking the Jewel Baron’s whereabouts. But as chaos unfolds and criminal elements scramble to get their hands on the jewelry suitcase…, a suitcase full of cash emerges as a tempting escape. With the Rich Lady on a mission to expose Constable Higgins, the stage is set for a showdown, unraveling the threads of deception in the comedic chaos of the Catlow Speakeasy.

Leikyn Bravo

Clara Gordon Bow "Vivian Starlight"

Affectionately known as the “It Girl,” Clara Gordon Bow was an American actress and one of the biggest film stars of the 1920s. Bow represented the spirit of the Roaring Twenties with her bobbed hair, flapper style and expressive acting. Appearing in over 50 silent films, including the first Academy Aware for Best Picture “Wings” (1927), Bow would become one of the highest-paid actresses of her time and a leading symbol of the liberated, modern woman.

With the advent of talkies by 1929, Bow kept her position as a top box office draw. Though not a fan of her own voice, fans commended Bow as a reasonably accomplished singer when called upon for vocal performances in films like “True to the Navy” (1930). “I hate talkies,” Bow later admitted. “They’re stiff and limiting. You lose a lot of your cuteness, because there’s no chance for action, and action is the most important thing to me.”

By 1931, the pressures of fame, public scandals, and overwork, took their toll on Bow’s fragile emotional health. Of her career in the limelight, Bow commented, “All the time the flapper is laughing and dancing, there’s a feeling of tragedy underneath. She’s unhappy and disillusioned, and that’s what people sense.”

Enter Vivian Noir, the sensational songstress and showstopper known as “Vivian Starlight,” where the radiant spirit of Clara Bow’s performances at the Catlow comes alive in the effervescent Twenties. Oblivious to the unfolding drama, Vivian’s prim and proper attire conceals a suitcase, mistakenly believed to be the coveted “cash suitcase.”

Meanwhile, operating in haste to avoid being detected by “The Constable,” the “Jewel Baron” cozies up to Vivian, aka “The Pretty Lady,” hoping to kindle some magic. The unsolicited attention she draws only earns contempt from the prying eyes of Catlow’s Speakeasy showgirls hoping to entice paying customers inside.

As the Jewel Baron tries to kindle magic, and “The Businessman”—swayed by Vivian’s charm—loses focus on his mission to track the Commodore, the two personas of Vivian (‘Starlight’ and ‘The Pretty Lady’) become unwitting pawns in the Catlow Theater’s intricate dance of mystery.

JOHNNY SIMMS

Samuel J. Battle
"Ironclad Steele "

Donning badge number 782, Samuel Jesse Battle became Greater New York’s first African-American cop in June of 1911… “You will have some difficulties, but I know you will overcome them,” said Police Commissioner Rhinelander Waldo. Thus began Battle’s four-decade-long career. Battle faced discrimination and threats even before taking the civil service exam, and Battle’s first day at the Twenty-Eighth Precinct was no different. He was greeted with silence, disdain, and a cot in the precinct’s flag storage loft instead of the dormitory.

Navigating the murky waters of Tammany Hall politics, Samuel played a vital role in desegregating the NYPD, rising through the ranks first as sergeant (1926) and then lieutenant (1935). Battle advocated for equality within civil services and later became a founding citizen of Black Harlem, initiating rehabilitation programs for young offenders to reintegrate into society.

With his outsized-winning personality, Battle became well-known to the rich and famous travelers who passed through the station. By then, James counted among his friends: First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, boxing great Sugar Ray Robinson and tap-dance legend Bill (Bojangles) Robinson. Battle’s story, recounted in “One Righteous Man,” highlights his resilience, determination, and pivotal contribution to the advancement of civil rights in America, placing Samuel Battle in the pantheon of American civil rights pioneers.

Jesse “Ironclad Steele,” drawing inspiration from the unyielding Samuel Jesse Battle, epitomizes the tenacity and resolve of a seasoned lawman. Possessing a commanding presence and an unwavering demeanor, Ironclad Steele forges an alliance with “The Ringleader” and “The Marshall” to penetrate the clandestine realm of the Catlow Speakeasy. However, tensions escalate as the trio close in on the “Constable,” and Ironclad Steele finds himself ensnared in the alluring charm of Josephine, the “Musical Enchantress.”

Artemisia Omani

May Wirth
"Twistin' Tease"

May Wirth, the “Mighty Mite” of the circus world, defied gravity and captured hearts with her dazzling equestrian skills. Recognized as an acrobatic prodigy by the age of 8, May’s gravity-defying tricks included leaping and somersaulting atop galloping horses while captivating audiences throughout Australia, Europe and North America.

Born in Bundaberg, Australia, May’s journey from the family circus to international fame soon caught the attention of circus impresario Charles Ringling, who in 1908, asked May to join the Barnum and Bailey circus, the world’s largest and most renowned circus. Touring extensively across the United States, May frequently performed to the delight of audiences in Chicago, contributing to its vibrant circus scene.

May leaped from the circus ring to the grand stage of Chicago’s Civic Opera House in 1932. Cast in the operetta “The Blue Mask,” a delightful adaptation of the renowned “Circus Princess” by Hungarian composer Imre Kálmán, May added a touch of genuine circus magic. With her equestrian troupe, May turned the opera’s circus scene into an authentic spectacle, where her two majestic steeds gracefully pranced with padded hoofs, bringing the true spirit of the circus arena to life.

Introducing Tessa the “Twistin’ Tease,” a dazzling dynamo inspired by May Wirth’s gravity-defying antics at the Catlow Theater.

In the lively world of flapper mischief, Vaudeville Swindler’s acrobatic showgirl transforms into the Twistin’ Tease, portrayed by the enchanting Artemisia Omani. Under the employ of the audacious Speakeasy Sallie (Kristen Theilen O’Neill), The Twistin’ Tease weaves a seductive web, drawing unsuspecting patrons into the glimmering Catlow Speakeasy. With a blend of charisma and acrobatic allure, Tessa entrances jovial young gents, creating the perfect smokescreen for an impending jewel heist.

Emmitt Beecham

Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson
"The Hustler"

One of the most prominent crime bosses in U.S. history, Ellsworth ‘Bumpy’ Johnson ruled the streets of Harlem during Prohibition. Born in 1906, Bumpy was known for his flashy style and dapper look, operating as a pimp, a thief and a burglar.

Cunning and fearsome in his own right, Bumpy orchestrated bootlegging operations, speakeasies, and illegal gambling dens throughout the 20s and 30s–amassing both wealth and power–whilst rubbing elbows with Harlem luminaires such as Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Ethel Waters, Billie Holiday, and Sugar Ray Robinson. Nicknamed “Black Caesar” and “Harlem Godfather,” Ellsworth also endeared himself to the community, protecting residents from rival influences while impressing his own brand of justice. Despite his notorious deeds, the Robin-Hood-like kingpin contributed heavily: providing cash and gifts to families in need, sponsoring youth programs and establishing educational and housing initiatives.

Bumpy’s four-decade-long rule and undying imprint on the Harlem Renaissance is directly attributed to his arrangement with Charles “Lucky” Luciano in exchange for protection by the mob. In 1952, after Johnson’s larger-than-life bookmaking prowess was reported in the celebrity section of Jet magazine, he was indicted in NY and sentenced to 15 years in prison (10 served in Alcatraz), where he developed an affinity for reading and writing poetry.

In the shadow of Ellsworth ‘Bumpy’ Johnson’s bootlegging operations around the Catlow Theater, we find “The Hustler,” known by the street name Monty. With a penchant for the flashy and a dapper look that catches every eye, Monty’s enigmatic persona is the perfect cover for his daring thieving exploits. As Monty lurks in the shadows of Catlow Square—where a cash drop is set for noon—The Hustler engages in a lively game of cat-and-mouse, snatching bread from the Baker, perpetually a step ahead of “Rolling Pin Dougherty” and “Constable ‘Gigglin’ Higgins.”

In the midst of the uproar—with the Constable swept up in his attempts to charm Speakeasy Sallie and the girls hot on the trail of the jewels—Monty spies a golden opportunity. Can he seize the cash in between The Marshal and The Enforcer making their rounds, or will he fumble and find himself in the clink?

Clarice Lafayette

Miriam Haskell
"Jewelry Artisan"

Born in 1899 in the small town of Tell City, Indiana, Miriam Haskell made her mark in the world of costume jewelry, etching her legacy during the Roaring Twenties. In the midst of Prohibition, armed with only $500, Miriam ventured to New York City, inaugurating a jewelry boutique in the historic McAlpin Hotel by 1926, swiftly followed by another outlet on West 57th Street.

Haskell’s budget-friendly art glass, strass, and gold-plate parures appealed to a diverse clientele, enduring through the Depression years and finding homes in prestigious locations such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Burdine’s. Over time, Haskell’s jewelry became the choice of style icons, with luminaries like Joan Crawford, Lucille Ball, Gloria Vanderbilt, and the Duchess of Windsor adorning her creations.

Known for her charitable spirit, Haskell gave generously to the war effort during World War II, although the horrors of the conflict took a toll on her health. In 1950, she lost control of her company, “Miriam Haskell Jewelry,” to her brothers. As one historian reminisces, “It was a man’s world. Designers were men. The owners of companies were men. The staff was men. The salesmen were men. It was all men. And then you had Coco Chanel, who just jumped right out there, and a couple of other women who carved out their own niche in the world. Haskell did that, too.”

Madeline Gemsworth, the illustrious “Jewelry Artisan,” draws inspiration from Miriam Haskell’s resilience and artistic flair amid the Roaring Twenties.

Nestled in historic Catlow Square, Madeline’s boutique brims with exquisite art and jewelry. However, a twist of misfortune befalls her shop as the elusive “Jewel Baron” steals a suitcase full of jewels. With her only clue being the Baron’s backside, the Jewelry Artisan finds herself in a string of amusing encounters with the corrupt “Constable.” Determined to unmask the Baron before he vanishes with the cash, Miss Gemsworth threads through Catlow’s kaleidoscope of eccentric characters, hoping to retrieve the lost jewels before time runs out.

JOHN COSSIO

Enrico Caruso
"The Velvet Tenor"

Enrico Caruso, the legendary Italian operatic tenor, enchanted the world with his celestial voice, born on February 25, 1873, in Naples. Emerging from humble beginnings, Caruso became one of the first singing talents ever recorded commercially, capturing hearts across Europe and the Americas. With 247 recordings from 1902 to 1920, he transcended the operatic stage, becoming an international entertainment sensation during the Roaring Twenties.

Raised in a large family, Caruso’s talent emerged amid economic struggles. Working as a street singer in Naples, he used earnings to buy his first pair of shoes at 18. Encouraged by his mother, he pursued music, making his debut at Teatro Nuovo in 1895.

In 1902, Caruso’s enchanting voice reached the British audience at Covent Garden, setting the stage for his 1903 Metropolitan Opera debut in New York. His journey through provincial opera houses had honed his skills, setting the stage for collaborations with luminaries like Antonio Scotti and Pasquale Amato.

As the Jazz Age dawned, Caruso dazzled vaudeville circuits in the United States, earning the moniker “The Great Caruso.” Beyond the spotlight, he lived the era’s extravagance, attending glamorous soirees while navigating controversies and rumors of elicit affairs.

Introducing Vincent “The Velvet” Tenor, a man of refined stature and gentle charisma reminiscent of Enrico Caruso’s legendary performances at the Catlow Theater. Initially reserved, V discovers a newfound appreciation for the wild spectacle of the speakeasy after an encounter with the vivacious Dancing Showgirl. But soon he becomes entangled in the game as criminal elements catch up to his past, and like the others, The Velvet Tenor finds himself on the run from the cops.