Metropolitan Room to Present THE SOPHISTICATES, Beg. 8/10

New York's intimate concert venue will become even more intimate beginning Friday August 10. On that historic night the Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, adds a daring ingredient to its programming mix when it introduces one of Gotham's most talked-about burlesque revues, the sly and spry THE SOPHISTICATES. Starring master of ceremonies Bastard Keith and burlesque headliner Madame Rosebud, and featuring a rotating constellation of guest stars, the 11:30pm late shows play the second and fourth Friday of the month.

"The Sophisticates" has the distinction of being the only show to have been evicted from the Plaza Hotel. Specializing in classic burlesque, "The Sophisticates," is a retroglam ride into a thrilling nightclub reality that nods to the past while winking to the present.

Each night features a new line-up of four highly distinguished striptease artists performing two numbers each throughout the evening. (That's more strips in one show than can be counted on one hand.) Keeping the festivities inching along at an appropriately brisk pace is Bastard Keith, a showman with a soft spot for tradition combined with a yen for brainy postmodern conceptual humor. Called "a variety favorite" by Time Out NY he's MC'd for Revealed Burlesque (entire run), Floating Kabarette, Rhinestone Follies, Pink Room Burlesque, D20 Burlesque, the Slipper Room, Wasabassco, Burlesque Nouveau, and Le Scandal Cabaret.

Madame Rosebud has performed coast to coast and overseas with stops at the London Burlesque Festival, the New York Burlesque Festival, and competing at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend. The flowers blooming with Rosebud on August 10, 24 and September 14 will include none other than Bea B. Heart, JubiLee Diamond, Dirty Martini, Perle Noire, Tansy, Bettina May, Maine Attraction and Kristina Nekyia

"The Sophisticates" plays the second and fourth Friday of the month, all at 11:30pm, until more shows need to be added. The entertainment cover charge is $30, plus a two-drink minimum. Rated "Best of New York" by New York Magazine, the Nightlife and Bistro Award-winning Metropolitan Room is at 34 West 22nd Street. For reservations call 212/206-0440, or to order online in advance go to www.metropolitanroom.com