Philadelphians have headed to Mark Bee’s Franky Bradley’s for more than one reason.
The restaurant dates back to 1933 when Frankie Bradley, a South Philadelphia native and former boxer, opened his first restaurant and helmed the establishment for over 50 years, garnering celebrity clientele such as Elizabeth Taylor, Dick Clark and Lucille Ball. It’s nostalgic, it’s fun, it’s upbeat and, normally, there’s burlesque.
Since its inception, Franky Bradley’s has been a hotspot for celebrities, but the space was then converted into a nightclub and event space, favored by locals, tourists and the surrounding LGBTQIA-plus community. And, being right in the heart of the Gayborhood, that ideology still rings true.
COVID-19 knocked down many traditions, but not permanently. For those vaccinated, the show goes on at this Center City hotspot and on Thursday audiences can indulge in a little holiday cheer in the form of an electric show with energetic and well-known performers.
This week Franky Bradley’s is presenting “Naughty Or Nice,” a holiday cabaret fundraiser with an impressive line-up of Philadelphia’s top-notch drag and burlesque artists performing classic holiday hits while benefitting a local youth organization, according to a release.
Hosted by Maria Topcatt and Flirt Vonnegut, “Naughty Or Nice” is an extravagant, holiday-themed cabaret show fit with an ensemble of beloved local performers including Eric Jaffe, Icon Ebony Fierce, Miss V, Sapphira Cristal, HoneyTree EvilEye, Vera Valentinaa and more. In addition to one “fabulously fierce evening of elaborate song and dance,” a raffle will also be held with festive prizes under Franky Bradley’s Christmas tree.
While enjoying the sights and sounds of performances, Philadelphians can also do some good. In the spirit of giving, all proceeds garnered from “Naughty Or Nice” will be donated to the Attic Youth Center, a local organization that creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to develop into healthy, independent and civic-minded adults within a safe and supportive community, while being Philadelphia’s only independent LGBTQ youth center.
Franky Bradley’s (led by General Manager Joe “Joppy” Ferrone) offers an extensive beverage menu, craft cocktails, beer and wine, in addition to an ever-evolving line-up of live events such as burlesque and drag shows — and Philadelphians can indulge in it all. Currently, hours of operation are Wednesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Hours will expand as months go on as well.
The show this Thursday starts at 9 p.m., and tickets, priced at $15 per person, are available online.
For more information on Franky Bradleys (1320 Chancellor St.), visit frankybradleys.com
