FREEZE FRAME: Jenifer Lewis & Marc Shaiman Play 54 Below!
By: Walter McBride Jul. 23, 2012
Following a twenty year absence from the New York cabaret scene, Jenifer Lewis returns to the Big Apple for seven performances only at 54 Below. From Broadway's Eubie to Hairspray, television's Jackie's Back to Strong Medicine, and film's What's Love Got to Do With It, Beaches, Cars and The Princess and the Frog, Jenifer Lewis, one of Bette Midler's most infamous Harlettes, is a force of nature whose voice is as distinctive as her take no prisoners sense of humor.
Earlier today, Lewis and Shaiman met the press, and you can check out a photo preview from the festivities below. Be sure to check back later for full coverage!
54 BELOW, Broadway's nightclub is the new performance venue in the grand tradition of New York City nightlife. 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. In their description of 54 BELOW, The New York Times writes "the club has the intimacy of a large living room with unimpeded views and impeccable sound; there is not a bad seat. Its sultry after-hours ambience is enhanced by brocade-patterned wall panels planted with orange-shaded lanterns. And the atmosphere is warmer and sexier than in Manhattan's other major supper clubs."
Designed by Tony Award winner John Lee Beatty and architect Richard Lewis, lit by Tony Award winner Ken Billington, and with sound by Tony Award nominee Peter Hylenski, 54 BELOW features an in-your-living-room intimate relationship between its performers and audiences. Tony Award winner Scott Wittman serves as creative consultant and MAC Award Winner Phil Geoffrey Bond serves as director of programming. André J. Marrero is the Executive Chef of the new venue, which 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. Bringing together his love of the arts with his passion for cooking and hospitality, Chef André has created a market driven contemporary bistro menu that includes ingredients sourced from all over the world.
54 BELOW is managed by Tony Award winning producers Tom Viertel, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel, and Steven Baruch. 54 BELOW features up to three shows nightly and has audio and video recording capabilities. The cover charge ranges from $5-$85. 54 BELOW is located at 254 West 54th Street. Tickets and information are available at www.54Below.com.
Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.
Jennifer Lewis with Marc Shaiman at Piano
Jennifer Lewis with Marc Shaiman at Piano
Jennifer Lewis with Marc Shaiman
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