Ruby Powers to Present Drag Homage to Bette Midler in 'AT THE BATHS' at Pangea

By: Jun. 01, 2017
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Ruby Powers, New York City's most joyous drag queen, makes her Pangea solo debut June 20th at 7:30pm in 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 will feature sassy shenanigans and hit songs including "Do You Wanna Dance?," "I Feel the Earth Move," "I'll Never Fall in Love Again," "Friends," and more.

"I've always been fascinated by the gentrification of the gay community, especially in New York City. People flocked to specific neighborhoods in droves, searching for belonging. Now, more often than not, queer people find themselves priced out of the areas they first made fabulous," says Brent Lomas, the man behind Ruby Powers. "But I believe that that indelible spirit never disappears. Maybe we're moving to other neighborhoods, or finding each other on tumblr or Instagram, but that celebration of our Otherness is not going anywhere. That's why I wanted to visit this explosive time in history for a modern audience."

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" is part of Pangea's Pride lineup, also featuring 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. Guest artists and other percussive and melodic surprises to be announced (Ruby recently obtained a melodica, and she's not afraid to use it.)

About Ruby Powers
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.

About Pangea
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.



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