Rebecca Luker to Perform at 54 Below, 7/6 & 7

Next week, for two performances only on July 6 and 7 at 8PM, 54 Below will present Tony Award nominee Rebecca Luker in an evening of Jerome Kern music. "Rebecca Luker Sing Jerome Kern" is the perfect marriage of one Broadway's most glorious voices with one of Broadway's greatest composers. Luker covers 30 years of songs including "Can't Help Lovin' That Man," "The Folks Who Live on the Hill," "The Song is You," "BIll" and many others.

Broadway audiences fell in love with Rebecca Luker when she created the role of Lily in The Secret Garden. Since then, she's delighted New York with Tony nominated roles in The Music Man, Showboat and Mary Poppins, as well as her acclaimed performances in Nine and The Sound of Music. Her solo CD's, Greenwich Time and Leaving Home, are available on PS Classics. A long time champion of new composers, Rebecca has trumpeted new works in her appearances at Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center and on her recordings.

Audiences have only five more chances left to see Tony Award nominee Brian d’Arcy James (NBC’s “Smash,” Next to Normal, Shrek The Musical, Titanic) in his New York City solo concert debut with his show “Under The Influence” at 54 Below. D’Arcy James opened at 54 Below on Tuesday night garnering rave reviews with Stephen Holden of The New York Times saying “Inside many male Broadway singers is a barely suppressed rock ’n’ roll wild man who dreams of exploding before thousands of screaming fans. …Brian d’Arcy James seized his opportunity to detonate at 54 Below.” Frank Scheck from The New York Post calls the show “A cool blast of pop nostalgia. Brian d’Arcy James’ enthusiasm is contagious,” and Brian Scott Lipton from TheaterMania raves “Utterly infectious!. One might find oneself permanently under the influence of Brian d’Arcy James’ vibrant show. So go to 54 Below, and c'mon, get happy.”

In his description of his show, Brian d’Arcy James says “this is something that I’ve never done on stage. I am singing the pop songs I grew up with, that live inside me and that I love to sing. There is some Steve Winwood, Billy Joel, Squeeze and Genesis. This doesn’t mean that I don’t acknowledge the music that is happening now. There is an Adele cover and I include a few I've written. I hope I can pass on the joy I feel from this music to the people that hear them. This music is where my heart is, so I am taking the liberty of singing these songs for my week at 54 Below.”

“Under The Influence” is directed by Carl Forsman and features musical direction and arrangements by Dan Lipton. D’Arcy James is backed by Dan Lipton at the piano; Damien Bassman on drums; Greg Joseph on percussion; Nicholas D’Amato on bass; Erik Della Penna on guitar; Paul Vercesi - saxophone; Bob Millikan on trumpet; and Clarke Thorell and Haven Burton on vocals.

LISTINGS INFORMATION: Brian d’Arcy James – “Under The Influence” plays at 54 Below, located just below legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street, June 28, 29 and 30 at 8PM (doors open at 6PM) with late shoes on June 29 and 30 at 11PM (doors open at 10PM). Rebecca Luker plays at 54 Below, 254 West 54th Street, July 6 and 7 at 8PM (doors open at 6PM). For both shows, cover charge is $30 - $40. Food and beverege minimum $25. To purchase tickets, visit www.54Below.com or call (866) 468-7619.

MORE ABOUT 54 BELOW

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.” The New York Post calls the venue "a gorgeous new cabaret space. With its heavy lineup of moonlighting Broadway stars, 54 Below has the congenial feel of a theater hangout where stars go to unwind and sing the songs that really matter to them. It’s a pleasure to share their joy."

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.