Collection Guide
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Kreemah Ritz Papers, [1960s]-2005
GLC 79
GLC 79
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Table of contents
Title: Kreemah Ritz Papers,
Date (inclusive): [1960s]-2005
Date (bulk): 1970-1972
Collection Identifier: GLC 79
Creator:
Ritz, Kreemah, 1947-2005
Physical Description:
5.0 boxes
Contributing Institution:
James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-557-4567
info@sfpl.org
Abstract: The collection contains flyers, posters, scripts, photographs, newspaper clippings, and audio-visual materials that document
the performances of The Cockettes, a San Francisco-based theatrical troupe, and of Sylvester, a singer who performed with
The Cockettes and then pursued a solo career.
Language of Materials: Collection materials are in English.
The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours, with photographs available during Photo Desk
hours. Collections that are stored offsite should be requested 48 hours in advance.
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission
for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.
[Identification of item], Kreemah Ritz Papers (GLC 79), LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library.
Donated by Daryl Simmonds (a.k.a. Kreemah Ritz), August 17, 2004. Purchase from Bolerium, 2022: poster "Hibiscus and Angel
Jack present Femme Fatale: The Shocking Life of Jayne Champagne" (1976). On December 7, 2022, Johnathan Powk donated a Cockettes
poster for the March 1971 "Nocturnal Dream Shows. Palace Theatre (Todd Trexler, artist)."
Researchers are encouraged to see also GLC 78 Peter Mintun Cockettes Collection.
Daryl Simmonds was born September 10, 1947 in England. He was known as Kreemah Ritz during his time performing with the San
Francisco-based theatrical troupe The Cockettes (1970-1972). He helped write and direct over 20 Cockette shows. Ritz is probably
best known for his parody of Richard Nixon in the cult film classic
Tricia's Wedding. He also played Bald-Headed Sally who is eaten by a giant lizard in the film
Elevator Girls in Bondage. Ritz died October 4, 2004.
The collection contains flyers, posters, scripts, correspondence, photographs, newspaper clippings, and audio-visual materials
that document the performances of The Cockettes, a San Francisco-based theatrical troupe, and of Sylvester, a singer who performed
with The Cockettes and then pursued a solo career. The papers are particularly strong in the number of Cockettes posters and
photographs. The show scripts are also of interest.
The collection is arranged into seven series: Series 1. Correspondence; Series 2. Subject Files; Series 3. Shows; Series 4.
Posters and Artwork; Series 5. Publications; Series 6. Audiovidual Materials; and, Series 7. Photographs.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Cockettes (Theatrical troupe).
Ritz, Kreemah, 1947-2005--Archives
Sylvester, 1947-1988
Experimental theater--California--San Francisco.
Hippies--California--San Francisco.