Shakespeare In The Spa Returns To Gowanus Bathhouse

GOWANUS, NY — Call it a steamy production.

Shakespeare lovers can soak in scenes and sonnets as they literally soak in a boutique bathhouse come August 9. The second annual "A Midsummer Night's Steam," showing at Gowanus' CityWell, will feature scenes from the event's namesake play "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and a compilation of the Bard of Avon's sonnets for an evening that takes local theater to the next level, said the show's creator.

"I think we’re living through absurd times and to find ways to experience community in a joyful way is really valuable right now," said actress Melody Bates, who put the show together. "This is a kind of antidote to all of the divisiveness in the world, seeing a performance in this rejuvenating space is an ideal way to do that."

The night of nearly nude entertainment is staged at CityWell's outdoor space featuring a cedar sauna, hydrotherapy tub, rain showers, fire pit and a hammock. Spa goers are encouraged to move around during the performance, wether that's transitioning from the tub to the showers or grabbing a cocktail courtesy of Gowanus bar Dirty Precious.

This year's show departs from its predecessor with vocalist Rebecca Hart, who will join the show with a separate acoustic set from her album The Magician's Daughter, and with a greater emphasis on romance.

"Last year we had themes of healing and nature, this year we're focusing on how love can get mixed up and still find its way in the end," said Bates. "But in general, it’s a great space to do fun, funny, sexy material."

The performance isn't the only chance folks have to pair spa time with performance. CityWell also hosts evenings of Steam Soak Live Jazz with the Arthur Askerov Trio.

“I have always seen the space as a ‘stage’ for performance,” said CityWell's owner Liz Tortolani. “Community, relaxation, creativity and joy are a central part of the vision."

The spa-Shakespeare deal will cost folks $45 in advance. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show gets going at 6:30 p.m. Those interested in partnering with CityWell for a production should email info@citywellbrooklyn.com.

Photo courtesy of Dave Klasko