Billy Porter, Matt Doyle & More Set for WILL VAN DYKE AND FRIENDS at 54 Below Today

The music of composer Will Van Dyke -- currently serving as associate music director of KINKY BOOTS on Broadway -- will take center stage when Tony Award-winner Billy Porter and other Broadway stars perform the one-night-only concert Will Van Dyke AND FRIENDS tonight, Monday, October 14 at 9:30 p.m. at 54 Below (254 W. 54 St.) in Manhattan.

The concert features Mr. Porter -- along with Annaleigh Ashford (Tony nominee, KINKY BOOTS), Tamika Lawrence (MATILDA, THE BOOK OF MORMON), Mike Wartella (WICKED), Alex Brightman, Jason Gotay (BRING IT ON), Randy Blair, Matt Doyle (BOOK OF MORMON, War Horse), Katie Gassert, Preston Sadleir (NEXT TO NORMAL), Ben Crawford (SHREK), David Josefsberg (THE WEDDING SINGER) and Sally Wilfert -- as they perform songs written by Mr. Van Dyke, including selections from his newest recording "Writing Kevin Taylor." A concept album set for digital release on October 15 (available on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon and wherever digital music is sold), "Writing Kevin Taylor" has music and lyrics by Will Van Dyke, with book and lyrics by Josh Halloway. "Writing Kevin Taylor" is a three-person musical comedy about the unlikely friendships and unexpected moments that bring us together. It's a show about how much you can get out of life, when you let someone in.

Other musical numbers to be presented in Will Van Dyke AND FRIENDS include songs written by Mr. Van Dyke in collaboration with Rick Elice and Matt Doyle, as well as selections from the composer's 2010 recording "Chasing the Day: The Music of Will Van Dyke."

Will Van Dyke AND FRIENDS is directed by DB Bonds and will be performed by an eight-piece band led by Mr. Van Dyke at the piano.

In addition to his work on Broadway with KINKY BOOTS, Will Van Dyke's theatre credits include having served as musical director for the Off-Broadway Revival of RENT and in the orchestra for THE ADDAMS FAMILY. Will is also the composer of PAGES
(Cap 21), WINNIE THE POOH, KIDS! (Disney) and THE GIRLS I'VE LIKE LIKED (Ars Nova). His songs have been performed at venues all over the country including Joe's Pub and Lincoln Center. Upcoming works include MAGNIFICENT CLIMB (with Rick Elice). Will's debut album CHASING THE DAY is available though Sh-K-Boom records or on iTunes. With Matt Doyle, Will co-wrote and produced his albums DAYLIGHT and CONSTANT.

Admission to Will Van Dyke AND FRIENDS is $25 and $35 (plus an additional $25 food/drink minimum). Reservations can be made by calling 866 468 7619 or online atwww.ticketweb.com.

Hard copies of "Writing Kevin Taylor" will be available for purchase at the 54 Below concert.

A concept recording with music and lyrics by Will Van Dyke, book and lyrics by Josh Halloway, "Writing Kevin Taylor" features Ben Crawford, Lisa Howard and Preston Sadleir. The album is produced by Derik Lee and Will Van Dyke, and was recorded at

Downtown Music Studios, NYC. Casting by: Andrew Femenella, C.S.A.

"Writing Kevin Taylor" has arrangements and orchestrations by Will Van Dyke, with

additional orchestrations by August Eriksmoen and Brian Usifer. The band features

Alec Berlin (Guitar), Steve Gilewsi (Bass), Mason Ingram (Drums), Allison Seidner (Cello), Hiroko Taguchi (Violin), and Will Van Dyke (Piano).

www.willvandyke.com

Photo Credit: Jennifer Broski