NYC's "delightful drag diva," Ruby Powers, has announced encore performance dates at Pangea for "At the Baths," an evening celebrating the spirit of the Continental Baths, the gay bathhouse in the basement of The Ansonia Hotel.
Running from 1968-1975, the Continental Baths famously featured live entertainment from Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, Barbara Cook, Melba Moore, Mimi Hines, and Roslyn Kind-to name a few.
This exuberant "herstory" lesson returns to the alt cabaret supper-club August 4, October 4, and November 8, featuring sassy shenanigans and hit songs including "Do You Wanna Dance?," "I Feel the Earth Move," "Big Yellow Taxi," "Friends," and more.
"Ruby Powers has a heart of gold and a voice to go with it" says ThisbroadSway. Pianist/MD Yasuhiko "Yaz" Fukuoka and percussionist Bill Solomon are "hot and steamy," in their (theme) white bathrobes, together making "one delicious trio."
QLife magazine calls the show "sweet," "funny," "scandalous," and "hopeful." "Believe me, you ain't lived till you've seen a drag queen blowing a melodica!"
"I'm so proud to bring the show back to Pangea," says Brent Lomas, the man behind Ruby Powers. "I was always mesmerized by stories of wild nights at the Baths. Now that I've done the show live, I get that titillating taste of freedom and fun that was so thrilling to research. When I first envisioned the piece, I wanted to help preserve an important, explosive period in queer history. The joy factor became the easy part."
Midler has always been a heroine for Lomas, though he notes "At the Baths" is not a tribute show. "I adored 'The Rose' as a kid and just thought Bette was fearless. My show will celebrate many of the artists who performed at the Baths, but Bette obviously shines bright as a reference point and inspiration-especially since you can see a 1971 black and white version of her full set with Barry Manilow on youtube!"
"At the Baths" debuted as part of Pangea's Pride 2017 lineup, which also featured Flotilla DeBarge, Salty Brine, Jeremy Lawrence, among others. Ruby will be joined by music director Yasuhiko "Yaz" Fukuoka at the piano, as well as Bill Solomon on the drums.
Ruby Powers performs regularly around New York City in cabaret and yes, (gasp!) gay bars. Often appearing at Symphony Space's Bar Thalia, some favorite shows include STRUT INTO SPRING, A STAR SPANGLED RUBY POWERS, and her LOVE, RUBY series where she raises money for causes ranging from The Elton John AIDS Foundation to the ACLU. Ruby Powers is a former Miss Stonewall Inn Fan Favorite, and has performed at the Metropolitan Room, The Duplex, Urban Stages, and 54 Below/Feinstein's, among others.
Downtown's intimate supper-club Pangea is the ultimate in alt, playing home to some of the best in alt cabaret. The New York Times recently called it "a bohemian oasis not unlike the fabled Max's Kansas City from days gone by."
Seating at Pangea is communal. Other guests may be seated at the table. There is a $20 per person food or beverage minimum at the tables. DINNER SEATING BEGINS AT 6:30PM.
Please arrive one half hour prior to the show and allow additional time if you are planning to have a dinner. Late arrivals will be seated at management's discretion.
Tickets are available for $20 via BrownPaperTickets.com. $25 at the door. Pangea Restaurant and Bar is located at 178 2nd Ave, NYC, 10003. Phone: 212-995-0900.
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