Patti LuPone, Matthew Morrison & More Set for 54 Below this Week

Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, the performance venue located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. 54 Below also launched its series of late night events. Joining Tuesday nights' popular "Backstage" with Susie Mosheris the "54 Piano Bar," a new vocal competition - "The Callback," and more:

Matthew Morrison, July 15, 16 & 17 at 7PM & July 16 at 9PM:
Matt's back! Following his recent, totally sold out engagement at 54 Below, which was acclaimed by the New York Post as "effortlessly charming," Emmy, Tony and two-time Golden Globe-nominated star Matthew Morrison returns to 54 Below to play six performances, including a special matinee on July 14. Best known for his performances in Broadway hits Hairspray, South Pacific and The Light in the Piazza, or for his role as Mr. Schuester on the hit television show GLEE, Matthew celebrates the release of his brand new studio album, Where It All Began, at 54 Below! Featured are classic standards, many of which were first made famous in Broadway musicals. To create the twelve songs featured on this exciting new album, Morrison turned to legendary producer Phil Ramone (who produced the likes of Frank Sinatra & Tony Bennett, among MANY others), and Grammy Award-winning producer Gregg Field. The collection marks the first release from 222 Records, the newly formed label from Adam Levine. Cover charge $65-76. $25 food & beverage minimum.

Morgan James, July 15 at 9:30PM:
Currently starring in Broadway's Motown: The Musical as Teena Marie and others, Morgan James brings her smoky and soulful renditions of songs from her debut CD to 54 Below, as well as a sampling of tunes you've not yet heard from her. Her debut recording on Epic Records, Morgan James Live: A Celebration of Nina Simone,offers up a selection of songs that show off her extraordinary voice and exquisite gift for merging soul, jazz, and R&B in a fresh and thrilling new way. She's fast becoming one of the most sought-after multi-genre vocalists in the country. Morgan was recently seen in the Broadway revival of Godspell (who could forget her sultry rendition of Turn Back, O Man?). Come see what led Terry Teachout of The Wall Street Journal to declare Morgan "the most promising young vocalist to come along so far this century." Cover charge $25-45. $25 food & beverage minimum.

LATE NIGHT: THE CALLBACK OPEN CALL, July 15 at 11:00PM
This spring, we were floored by the talent that we saw in The Callback... and we just couldn't wait until the fall to see more! For two weeks only, we are reuniting our favorite former contestants and opening up our stage to new singers to show us what they've got at "The Callback: Open Call." Open Call will be completely non-competitive and all performances will be filmed for contestant's use. Videos for those who have not already competed will be able to be used as their audition video for future installations of The Callback! Featuring: Janelle Rintrona, Bruce Landry, Ashley Greer, Lynsey Buckelew, Ashley Rozanski, Jon Viktor Corpuz, Victoria Huston-Elem, and more. No Cover charge. $20 food & beverage minimum.

LATE NIGHT: BACKSTAGE, July 16 at 10:30PM:
Each week, Broadway cast members and audiences alike gather to mix and mingle at 54 Below, Broadway's most intimate haunt, located in the heart of the theatre district. Musical Director Brad Simmons keeps the house jumping from the piano, while host Susie Mosher (the love child of Joanne Worley & Paul Lynde) guides the crowd through an evening of music, mayhem and full throttle belting, with special guests from Broadway and beyond dropping in to perform. NPR had this to say: "The best thing happening right now might just be the weekly Backstage. Hosted by the ridiculously funny Susie Mosher and pianist Brad Simmons who clearly is the man, it's two feel-good hours among New York's theater people, who seem like they're having a really fine time. Can't recommend it highly enough!" At this week's Backstage is Jackie Arnold (Priscilla Queen of the Desert), Anya Marina (recording artist), ?Celisse Henderson (Godspell, In Transit), JAmes Brown-Orleans (The Lion King), The Stone Brothers, and Kate Shindle (Wonderland, Legally Blonde). No cover charge. $20 food & beverage minimum.

Mimi Hines: THE 80TH BIRTHDAY CONCERT, July 17 at 9:30PM:
It's been more than a decade since Broadway's second and longest-running Funny Girl appeared in a New York cabaret and on the very night of her 80th birthday, she returns for one show only to celebrate in what is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime event. Come celebrate with this legendary star and see why a recent review called her the "living embodiment of show business." Cover charge $35-45. $25 food & beverage minimum.

LATE NIGHT: THE STUDIO: WRITER'S BLOCK WITH Joe Iconis, July 17 at 11:30PM:
It's that time again.... WRITER'S BLOCK at 54 Below! This month, featuring original work by some of New York's most talented up-and-coming songwriters. Enjoy a drink (or four) off our new late night happy hour menu, or even sign up to perform your own original work on our stage. WRITER'S BLOCK is the new home for New York City's next generation of songwriters. Want to perform your own original work at 54 Below? Need to try out new songs to get through your own writer's block? Join us on Wednesday for the chance to sign up for one of the open-mic slots. No Cover charge. $20 food & beverage minimum.

LATE NIGHT: 15:54, July 18 at 11PM:
In the future, everyone will be famous for 15 minutes." Re-inventing the magic on the site of the original Studio 54, Thursday's 15:54 party at 54 Below will unlock it's doors to cutting edge Performance Artists and DJs. This week (July 18) The Haus of Mimosa will host Slanty Eyed Mama, Big Christmas (mixtape release), Que Linda, Varsity Interpretive Dance Squad, Lance Horne, DJ Lord Easy and more. $15 cover charge includes your first drink (well, wine, or beer) 11pm.

Patti LuPone, July 18 at 7PM, July 18 at 9:30PM, July 19 & 20 at 8PM & July 20 at 11PM:
54 Below is delighted to welcome back "our girl singer," two-time Tony winner Patti LuPone. Join Patti for a rare NY performance of her critically acclaimed show,Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda..... played that part. She'll perform songs from roles she coulda played, woulda played, if someone had just asked her or shoulda played, except she's not a boy. Patti will sing treasures from such classic Broadway musicals as Hair, Bye Bye Birdie, Funny Girl, West Side Story, Kiss Me Kate and Peter Pan. Sondheim will be sprinkled in as well as some surprises you'd never expect her to sing because she'd never be cast in the part. Whether she's belting out those pesky high D's in Evita or caressing us with a love song, an evening at 54 Below with Patti is an experience never to be forgotten. Cover charge $85-95. $30 food & beverage minimum.

Sam Davis FEATURING David Hyde Pierce, Liz Callaway & Charles Busch, July 21 at 7PM:
Featuring special performances from Broadway legends David Hyde Pierce, Liz Callaway, and more, Jonathan Larson Award-winning composer Sam Davis makes his 54 Below debut with a concert of new songs celebrating the release of the original cast album of his hit Off-Broadway musical comedy, Bunnicula. Featuring performances by the original company as well as the show's book writer, the irrepressible Charles Busch, this special evening is directed by Bunnicula lyricist Mark Waldrop. You don't want to miss this incredible evening of music with a stellar lineup of talent. www.samdavismusic.com. $30-40 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.

Jackie Hoffman, July 21 at 9:30PM:
Broadway's bitter favorite Jackie Hoffman's "Old Woman, New Material" will leave you in stitches! Slip into some summer snark and catch the hilarious and always edgy and wrong Jackie as she debuts some new original songs and rips some Broadway standards to shreds. Directed by Michael Schiralli; Musical Direction by Will Van Dyke. $30-40 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (866) 468-7619.

Photo by Walter McBride