Courtesy of Theatre Project.
Mary Jane “Mae” West’s career as a show business entertainer spanned more than seven decades. Her early career performing in vaudeville and theater was based in New York, and a later career followed in Hollywood film and nightclubs in Las Vegas and London. She was an actress, dancer, singer, comedian, book author, playwright, recording artist, and screenwriter. She was one of America’s first “sex symbols,” portraying sexually confident characters.
Throughout her career, West was noted for her opposition to any form of censorship, prejudice, or bigotry. She once served ten days in jail in 1926 for “corrupting the morals of youth” with her performance in the play “Sex” which she also produced, wrote, and directed. She faced being banned several times from radio and television appearances for her witty and risqué sexual references. She also once bought the apartment building in which she lived when the landlord banned African-Americans. Although not an ardent feminist, she supported the Women’s Liberation Movement and gay rights, stating: “I believe that the world owes male and female homosexuals more understanding than we’ve given them. Live and let live is my philosophy on the subject…”
Mae mastered the art of the double entendre, delivered in a deep voice, and enhanced her 5’ height by wearing specially-designed platform shoes causing her unique style of walking. Her figure-hugging floor-length low-cut gowns with “fishtail” trains and feather trimming (to match her on screen persona) enhanced her public image. Although never nominated for any awards, she was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame for her stage work and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her film work. In 1999 the American Film Institute ranked her 15th among the greatest female screen legends of classic American film.
“Mae West: The Comeback Tour” featured actress Wendi Wynazz, directed by Deanna Fleysher and produced by Fail Safe. After a late and somewhat rocky start due to sound system problems with the headset, we were introduced to Mae in 2025 as she reminisced about her career in vaudeville, theater, film, and nightclubs. The show included a lot of audience participation. Various audience members were asked to use a portable spotlight, read cue cards, ask questions, participate in a scene by reading from a script, pour Mae a drink, and take care of a lifelike, long-haired cat doll. The reward for audience participation was the continuous throwing of caramel candies. Ms. Wynazz emphasized Mae’s sexuality throughout the show by her physical actions onstage and off. She danced exuberantly and frenetically from time to time, gyrating hips and rear end in a shimmy-type movement. She climbed over the railing to come face to face with audience members and offered suggestive remarks. Her blond wig, ruby red lipstick, dangling rhinestone earrings, and one piece black costume (similar to a bathing suit) emphasized the character. To highlight Mae’s glamorous side, Ms. Wynazz put a slinky, low-cut, side-split gown over her body suit.
The set was minimal—a dressing table, a coat rack, and a large mattress on the stage floor with a gold lame bedspread and two large, white-feathered fans. There was taped, rock-type music and a narrative occurring at the show’s beginning and end. The music and other modern touches, such as pouring a drink from a soda can, reminded us that we are viewing Mae in the 21st century. This became more evident as the show progressed through Mae’s career. Toward the end of the performance, Ms. Wynazz held up a few green signs stating to the audience that the remainder of the show reflects fantasy, not reality. Mae’s legacy was seen in contemporary singers such as Britney Spears, Cher, and especially Madonna. Ms. Wynazz removed her blond wig to expose very long black curly hair, black cut-off jeans were put over the body suit, and a flimsy, see-through blouse was retrieved from the coat rack. As a Madonna-type character, Ms. Wynazz then performed a rap song (she said in the style of Tupac Shakur) in which she reiterated some of Mae’s humorous and risqué sayings.
Running Time: One hour and 30 minutes with no intermission.
Advisory: Contains humorous sexual content and innuendo. Not suitable for children.
“Mae West: The Comeback Tour” ran September 11-13, 2025, at Theatre Project, 45 West Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. For more information and to purchase tickets for future performances, please call the Box Office at 410-752-8558 or go online.
