Breaking News: Cabaret Giant Michael Feinstein Partners with 54 Below; Venue Gets New Name!

Acclaimed singer and pianist Michael Feinstein is adding his moniker to Manhattan's 54 Below, which will now be called Feinstein's/54 Below.

BroadwayWorld has just learned that the cabaret bigwig, known for his interpretations of the Great American Songbook, is partnering with "Broadway's Supper Club", returning to the city after his original NYC hub, Feinstein's at Loews Regency, closed in 2012. He will appear twice each year beginning this winter; his first engagement is slated for December 20-30.

Feinstein said in a statement: "In the grand tradition of The Copacabana, Reno Sweeney, The Stork Club and yes, Feinstein at the Regency, I've watched 54 Below light up Times Square as the number one destination for live entertainment and great food. I am thrilled to join the Tony Award winning team behind 54 Below's success and look forward to our new adventure together."

Feinstein's/54 Below will present iconic and rising stars from the worlds of Broadway and popular music. Feinstein will perform engagements at Feinstein's/54 Below throughout the year, as well as present some of his legendary friends.

"Beloved and respected by his audiences and musical artists around the world, Michael Feinstein is a fantastic performer and synonymous with great entertainment," 54 Below proprietor Steve Baruch said in a statement. "My partners, Tom Viertel, Richard Frankel and I are honored to begin this exciting new collaboration with Michael adding additional vision and creative energy to 54 Below. We look forward to a successful, starry alliance together, one that will take our great venue to higher heights."

Feinstein had also been considering the Russian Tea Room and Birdland before settling on 54 Below. Feinstein's at the Nikko, which Feinstein founded in San Francisco after leaving Loews, is still going strong. Another partnership between the San Fran venue and 54 Below could also have stars traveling from the West Coast to the East Coast.

54 Below has been struggling since its opening in 2012, but Richard Frankel, one of the club's producers and owners, told The New York Times, "The situation today is better than it has been. There are times we are profitable and times we are not. We are not contemplating closing in any way shape or form." He added that Feinstein will bring "his reputation and contacts" with him, which should help the numbers.

Feinstein has also been hard at work curating Jazz at Lincoln Center and Standard Time With Michael Feinstein. So what's one more project? If it has Feinstein's name on it, it's likely many of his followers will be hooked!

From his beginnings as Ira Gershwin's assistant to his current standing as the undisputed leading voice of American Popular Song, Feinstein is the rare artist who is an acclaimed performer; a multi-platinum-selling, five-time Grammy-nominated recording artist; author; conductor; artistic director; and impresario. Feinstein has built a dazzling career over the last three decades bringing the music of the Great American songbook to the world. From recordings that have earned him five Grammy Award nominations to his Emmy nominated PBS-TV specials, his acclaimed NPR series and concerts spanning the globe -- in addition to his appearances at iconic venues such as The White House, Buckingham Palace, Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall and Sydney Opera House -- his work as an educator and archivist define Feinstein as one of the most important musical forces of our time.

While 54 Below has become the go-to venue for today's leading stars, emerging stars, and the people who love them, it has expanded the breadth of the audience and the vocabulary of the genre. 54 Below is "Broadway's Supper Club," New York's premiere night spot where great talent performs and celebrity-studded audiences watch, enjoying fine dining and outstanding specialty cocktails.

John Iachetti, formerly General Manager of Feinstein's at the Regency, will join the Feinstein's/54 Below staff as General Manager of the restaurant operation. Iachetti will also add his experience and relationships of many years in booking talent. Jennifer Ashley Tepper will continue as Director of Programming, curating and overseeing the hundreds of celebrated shows at the venue each season. Executive Chef Lynn Bound, who arrived at 54 Below from the Museum of Modern Art one year ago and garnered great acclaim for the supper club's culinary operation, continues as Executive Chef.

A few blocks from the heart of Times Square and just below the legendary Studio 54, 54 Below is a classically designed state-of-the art nightclub in the theatre district that hosts audiences with warmth and style. The venue provides a food and beverage menu from early evening through the wee hours of the morning that is worthy of the world-class entertainment on the stage. Located at 254 West 54th Street. For more information, visit www.54Below.com.