GRANDE DAME

"Not your mamma's Broadway show!"

What could make this gladiatorial display of musical theatre singing chops better? Philadelphia drag queen and diva, Cleo Phatra. I recently became acquainted with Cleo and liked her instantly. For one hour each week, Cleo and her weekly guests transform the Ascend Lounge at Tavern on Camac into a delightful and intimate cabaret theater. Ranging from the Golden Age of Broadway to the hit musicals of today, Cleo Phatra has all the bases covered and amply so. From the thrilling lyrics of Sondheim to the gritty rawness of Jason Robert Brown's melodies, the local talent accompanying Cleo creates a spectacle like no other. Accompanying the event are the incomparable cocktails of Vince Dean, Tavern's premiere mixologist, who acclimates Cleo's guests to the mood of the evening through liquid effervescence, and generously poured well drinks.Irreverent, funny, endearing, and dramatic, Gabyill ushers out the grind of the work week with song and dance and is the perfect complement for any night on the town. You can also catch Cleo some weeks at the Drag Diva Brunch at Cibo's. 

And here's a great shot of Cleo after a recent show I met her at. No one in Philly works a discomono like Cleo Phatra!!!!