Laverne Cox Joins ‘The Pansy Craze’ at Minetta Lane
Enjoy 1930s speakeasy cabarets with Jean Malin, Gladys Bentley and a surprise star tonight
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Event Details
Audible’s Minetta Lane Theatre lights up on Saturday, June 28 at 8 p.m. when actor Mason Alexander Park welcomes Emmy nominee Laverne Cox as the first special guest for THE PANSY CRAZE – THE QUEEN OF THE PANSIES & THE KING OF HARLEM edition. Tickets are available through Audible’s website, promising an evening that fuses live performance with drag, music, and historical storytelling.
A Nod To The 1930s Pansies
The Pansy Craze dives into the underground nightlife of 1930s New York. In downtown speakeasies, Jean Malin teased and taunted cabaret patrons so successfully that he became the city’s highest-paid performer. Up in Harlem, Gladys Bentley wore a tuxedo and top hat to belt out risqué parodies celebrating queer desire, turning nightspots into safe havens for LGBTQ expression. Together, their legacy inspires today’s performers to celebrate authenticity rather than conform.
Laverne Cox’s Rsvp
First special guest just announced! On June 28 at 8 p.m., Laverne Cox joins Mason Alexander Park for an unforgettable tribute to these trailblazers. Cox, who rose to fame on Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black and made history as the first openly transgender person nominated for a Primetime Emmy in an acting category, brings her own brand of charisma to the stage. Her recent Instagram announcement teased fans with the promise of “an unforgettable evening” at Audible’s Minetta Lane.
Beyond her screen credits, Cox is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights. Earlier this spring, she used Instagram to denounce gender-affirming care bans, writing, “We should leave healthcare decisions to doctors, not politicians.” This blend of artistry and activism makes her an ideal partner for a show that honors queer pioneers.
What To Expect
Audience members can anticipate a mix of archival audio, live vocals, and theatrical flair. Park, known for his Tony-nominated turn in & Juliet, will guide the evening through reenactments of Malin’s sultry numbers and Bentley’s bold parodies. Cox’s special guest segment is expected to include both performance and commentary, offering modern insights into how far LGBTQ visibility has come – and how these 1930s icons laid the groundwork.
Continuing The Conversation
The Pansy Craze isn’t just a trip down memory lane. By spotlighting queer performers who dared to defy social norms, the show echoes today’s push for inclusivity in entertainment. Cox herself has helped expand representation, producing documentaries like I Am Enough and starring in recent series such as Clean Slate on Prime Video. Her presence underscores the ongoing importance of celebrating diverse voices.
From Malin’s downtown theatrics to Bentley’s Harlem reign, and now through Park and Cox’s modern revival, THE PANSY CRAZE invites audiences to embrace the past as a catalyst for today’s cultural conversations.
Whether you’re a history buff, a drag aficionado, or a devoted fan of Cox, this June 28 showcase promises to be as smoky, scintillating, and socially resonant as the original 1930s clubs it honors.
Audible’s Minetta Lane Theatre is located at 18 Minetta Lane in Manhattan. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the performance begins at 8 p.m. Tickets and more information can be found at audible.com/events.
Join in celebrating two generations of queer trailblazers when Laverne Cox steps into THE PANSY CRAZE spotlight this June.
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