Lithium Injection | Athena Performs Her Hit Dance Track at Señor Frogs’ Drag Brunch

By Tom Corliss

By the time Athena Ripka was 10 years old, she had sung at the Met, danced with the NYC Ballet and had two principle roles on Broadway. She’s appeared in film (Robert DeNiro’s “The Good Shepherd”) and on TV (NBC’s “Law and Order,” “30 Rock” and “Royal Pains”). Now, with the release of “Lithium,” the triple threat is ready to fulfill her ambition of being a pop/dance recording artist. See and hear her live when she returns to Times Square to perform Brandon Voss’ Drag Brunch at Señor Frogs on April 3.

First of all, happy spring! Is there any place better than springtime in NYC?
I don’t think so, but I wouldn’t mind traveling to Paris in spring, just to confirm!

It’s always fun talking to artists when they’re at the top of the music charts, because they’re in a strange but magical mental state.  How has chart success changed you?
It still hasn’t sunk in. It is surreal to get Billboard magazine and see my name printed in it. Chart success has proven that perseverance pays off and has fueled me to keep writing and working in hopes that more of my songs will resonate with people.

You have a strong work ethic for someone just out of high school.
I’m still in high school!

Seriously?
I’m a senior and super busy juggling my music, acting, academics and friends.

When did you sign your first record deal?
About a year and a half ago.

Were you signed based on your looks, the strength of your singing, songwriting or what?
I don’t think it was based on one thing. I sing, dance, act, play guitar and write my own music. In today’s world, to be competitive, you have to bring more to the table than one thing.

What’s the hardest part about chasing pop stardom?
There is tons of competition in today’s digital age. There is always pressure to come up with new and original ideas that no one has ever heard of before and ideas that resonate with people.

Do you dig the over-the-top outfits you get to wear as a performer?
I love dressing up on stage. It’s so fun to wear things out of the ordinary and let loose.

You’re performing the Drag Brunch party at Señor Frogs on April 3.   How will you compete against all the over-the-top queens that will be brunching?
I’m just going to be myself, and make sure I have some hot dancers with me!

Have you had much experience around drag queens?
Not so much in person, but doesn’t everyone love “RuPaul’s Drag Race”?

What are you working on for summer ’16?
I’m working on an album and making plans to tour this summer.

For more information, visit athenaripka.com

Señor Frogs’ Drag Brunch takes place Sunday, April 3, at Señor Frogs in Times Square.  Performances by Athena Ripka and drag queens Sugga Pie Koko, Epiphany, Bootsie LeFaris and more.  $45 includes brunch and unlimited cocktails from 12-4pm.