Bette Bathhouse and Beyond: Live from Fire Island

Even the most casual fan of Bette Midler knows that she got her start singing in New York City’s Continental Baths in 1971. Barry Manilow was her accompanist. All the men watching were wrapped in towels (what else would you wear?). Amber Martin and Daniel Nardicio teamed up to offer their version of what one of those nights might have been like in Bette Bathhouse and Beyond.

Alan Cumming and his nightclub Club Cumming will stream a performance of the show filmed live from Fire Island where the guests also were only wearing towels. Bette Bathhouse and Beyond will stream twice. The first streaming will be on October 22nd at 8:00 PM EDT/5:00 PM PDT. The second streaming will be on October 28th at 8:00 PM EDT/5:00 PM PDT.

Midler got the nickname “Bathhouse Betty” from her performances at the Baths. Other artists who performed there included the New York Dolls and Andy Kaufman. But if something made the Continental Baths well-known beyond the opportunities it gave its attendees, it was Midler and the launch of her nearly 50-year career.

In Bobby Patrick‘s review for Broadway World, he said, “Amber Martin’s show is equal parts Divine tribute and edgy rock concert. La Martin does NOT ‘play’ Bette in her show, unlike her spot-on Reba, or her Brenda Snell and Daydra Bottums characters. On the F’ING contrary, she is so much herself, she is so much out there, she is so incredibly fierce AND fearless that Bette would be proud to call this lady ‘sister.’ She would be elated that this powerhouse of talent was performing music with which Midler made magic many and many a year ago at the Continental Baths.”

This clip is from a performance Martin gave at Joe’s Pub in New York.

Drew Brody plays Barry Manilow in the show.

Tickets for either date for Bette Bathhouse and Beyond can be purchased here.

Photo: Amber Martin (Photo by Koitz/Courtesy Club Cumming)