THE RUBI GIRLS!

SAT (6/29/19)  at 6:30

Free Admission. Donations for Yellow Springs Pride appreciated.

Documentary.  30 min.  2003

Meet Jonathan McNeal (right), who, by day, is the manager at the Neon Movies, but on special occasions he and other gay men turn into The Rubi Girls. They appear in drag to sold-out crowds and have helped raise over a million dollars for HIV/AIDS and other causes.

In celebration of Gay Pride Week writer, producer and director Jonathan McNeal and some of the key performers from the Rubi Girls will be present to introduce the film, and to answer Q&A after the screening. This is a movie you will not want to miss nor The Rubi Girls live performance at 10 PM this same evening at PEACH’S GRILL here in Yellow Springs!

Who would believe that in the conservative Midwest, a group of gay men in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s attract sold-out crowds to their charity-driven, comedic drag performances? Known throughout Ohio as The Rubi Girls, this dynamic, close-knit troupe of professional men has been performing since the late 1980’s. Comprised of elementary school teachers, a clinical counselor, a filmmaker and business owners, the group began performing for one another in an attic during college. What started on Rubicon Street has grown into a frenzy for seating arrangements upon the announcement of a show.

City Officials have even recognized the Rubis. In 1999, the group was recently honored by the City of Dayton with its honorable Community Service Award. The local press in Dayton has been incredibly supportive, and in November 2012, The Rubi Girls were proud to announce that they have now helped to raise over $1,000,000 for HIV/AIDS and Gay-related causes.

Combining live performance, interview, and archival footage from “the early days”, this documentary not only traces the history of the “Girls” and their madcap antics, but also attempts to redefine the term “family values”.

“After shooting miscellaneous footage while in film school, Jonathan McNeal (the filmmaker) became a member of the Rubi Girls’ extended family and a regular performer. Due in part to his presence, the cameras were able to catch many of the girls in raw form without inhibitions. The piece captures both the charisma of the men and the excitement of their adoring fans. The performance footage has a fresh, vigorous energy with a smart edge, and the film picked up several awards on the  festival circuit. 28 minutes, 2003 ’m guessing, haunt me for years.”—Bob Mondela, NPR