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 Mosher is a new vocal competition - "The Callback," and more:
WHEN I GROW UP, July 29 at 7PM:
Featuring the next generation of Broadway talent from shows such as A Christmas Story, Mary Poppins, Bonnie & Clyde, and Evita, this special, one night only engagement features a cast that's all under the age of 17! But When I Grow Up is not your typical kid's cabaret: you won't hear these talented youngsters singing the songs they perform on Broadway. Instead, you'll hear tunes from shows such as Avenue Q, Once On This Island, Next to Normal, [title of show], Company, Into The Woods, and more! Cast includes, Emily Rosenfeld: Annie; Ethan Haberfield: Mary Poppins; Matthew Schechter: Waiting for Godot, Mary Poppins, Elf, Newsies;?Isabela Moner: Evita; ?Caleb McLaughlin: The Lion King; Matthew Gumley: Beauty & the Beast, Mary Poppins, Addams Family, Elf; Rozi Baker: Shrek, Mary Poppins, Bonnie & Clyde; ?Kelsey Fowler: Grey Gardens, Sunday in the Park with George, Mary Poppins, Bonnie & Clyde; Grace Capeless: A Christmas Story;Zoe Considine: A Christmas Story; and Neil McCaffrey: Mary Poppins, Billy Elliott. Cover charge $35-45. $25 food & beverage minimum.
Morgan James, July 29 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 $25-35. $25 food & beverage minimum.
LATE NIGHT: THE CAST OF AMERICAN IDIOT, July 29 at 11:30PM
On July 29th, past and present Idiots invite you to experience what things are like off the big stage as they enjoy the night as one big family. Catch this fierce, young cast in a one-night-only event before the current Idiots ship off for their Asia tour, and celebrate bringing old and new American Idiot families together! $15 Cover charge. Two drink minimum.
WGBO JAZZ SERIES: PETER & WILL ANDERSON WITH WYCLIFFE GORDON PRESENT MUSIC OF THE DORSEY BROTHERS, July 30 at 7PM & 9PM
On this special evening, saxophonists and clarinetists Peter and Will Anderson will celebrate the music made popular by swing era legends Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, featuring songs to be selected from I'm Getting Sentimental Over You, Marie, Opus One, Sunny Side of the Street, Swanee River, Green Eyes, I Cried for You, and Tangerine. Joining them will be world class trombonist Wycliffe Gordon along with pianist Ehud Asherie, bassist David Wong, and drummer Phil Stewart. Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, sons of Irish immigrants, grew up in the coal mining town of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania during the depression years. They were taught music by their father, Thomas, a music teacher and bandleader. Less than 2 years apart, Tommy and Jimmy co-lead the Dorsey Brothers band, a very successful recording band which lasted 7 years. In 1935 the brothers had a bitter argument which split them up for 10 years before they were reunited, but gave them the opportunity to lead their own bands, which were both very successful. Tommy and Jimmy, perhaps the most prolific and influential brothers in big band jazz, both excelled as individuals and as a team, and their music is forever a staple of American culture. Peter Anderson, tenor saxophone & clarinet; ?Will Anderson, alto saxophone & clarinet; ?Wycliffe Gordon, trombone; ?Ehud Asherie, piano; ?David Wong, bass; ?and Phillip Stewart, drums. $25-35 cover charge. $15 food & beverage minimum.
LATE NIGHT: BACKSTAGE, July 30 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 Alice Ripley (Tony Winner Next to Normal), Kate Shindle (Wonderland, Legally Blonde), ?Donna Vivino (Wicked), Joe Iconis (composer/ "Smash"), Holly Butler (Flashdance), andScott Coulter (five time Bistro and MAC Award Winner). No cover charge. $20 food & beverage minimum.
Terri White, July 31 at 7PM:
From Blues to Broadway... This Follies star has seen it all and lived to tell the tales! For one night only at 54 Below, Broadway's own Terri White, also a New York piano bar legend, brings her special brand of charm, humor and powerhouse vocals to our stage for a night of mischief. In addition to her highly acclaimed work in cabaret, the Great White Way has embraced Terri in roles ranging from Barnum, Ain't Misbehavin', Welcome to the Club, Chicago, Finian's Rainbow and, of course, the recent revival of Follies, where she co-starred as Stella Deems! Cover charge $45-55. $25 food & beverage minimum.
JANINE DITIVA, July 31 at 9:30PM:
Seen recently on Broadway in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Anything Goes and as Rizzo in the last incarnation of Grease, Janine DiVita is now taking the 54 Below stage by storm in her new show: Blonde Ammunition. Expect country, jazz, standards and more as Janine explores tackling life with dreams of peroxide and a stellar set of pipes. Cover charge $30-40. $25 food & beverage minimum.
LATE NIGHT: THE STUDIO: REBECCA VIGIL AND THE VIGILANTE, July 31 at 11:30PM:
Returning after appearing in "The Callback: Finals" this past June, Rebecca Vigil brings her stellar IMPROVISED BAND to 54 Below! Rebecca Vigil and The Vigilante is a New York-based comedy band, and according to their mothers, "the next big thing." Showcasing a blend of written and completely improvised songs with a broad range of musical genres, the band creates a show unlike any other in the city. This evening will feature some of the band's favorite Broadway and Top 40 hits performed with a Vigilante twist, as well as improvised songs inspired by you! Come experience one of the most unique shows in town. $5 cover charge. 2 drink minimum.
ERIC Michael GillETT, August 1 at 7PM:
Broadway knows him from Kiss Me, Kate, Sweet Smell of Success, The Frogs & others, but this summer, the MAC & Bistro Award-winning vocalist Eric Michael Gillett takes a wry and moving look at the intricate ways of the heart. Gillett's repertoire includes an eclectic array of material, from Sondheim to Jim Brickman, Bob Dylan to The Backstreet Boys, Madonna... and beyond. Cover charge $30-40. $25 food & beverage minimum.
TALES OF JONI, August 1 at 9:30PM:
EXTENDED! 54 Below is delighted to tip our hat to the brilliance of eight time Grammy winner Joni Mitchell. Whether it's Both Sides Now, Chelsea Morning, The Circle Game, Big Yellow Taxi or A Case of You, the work of Mitchell, one of the world's most embraced, lauded & prolific singer-songwriters, continues to inspire and delight generations of listeners. At 54 Below, look for a cast of Broadway and cabaret luminaries singing the praises of all things Mitchell, including: Lisa Asher (MAC, Bistro & Nightlife Award winner), Heather MacRae (Broadway's Hair, Falsettos, A Catered Affair), Julie Reyburn (MAC, Bistro, Nightlife Award winner), Nic Rodriguez (Broadway'sTarzan, Helen Hayes Award winner) & Gabrielle Stravelli (celebrated NYC jazz vocalist). Upon presenting her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002, the Grammy's called Joni's music "a powerful influence on all artists who embrace diversity, imagination and integrity." For three special performances only at 54 Below, come see why! $25-35 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.
LATE NIGHT: 15:54, August 1 at 11PM:
"In the future, everyone will be famous for 15 minutes." 15:54 unlocks the doors on a weekly Thursday Party at 54 Below featuring the best of New York City's cutting edge nightlife. Reinventing the magic of Studio 54, resident artists, performers, and DJ's will serve you 15 minute sets at 54 Below. This week's host, Bridget Everett, welcomes Haus of Mimosa, Noah Stewart, Amy G., Adjoa Skinner, Lance Horne, and Errickson Wilcox. $15 cover includes your first drink (well, wine, or beer).
Jane Monheit, August 2 at 8PM:
54 Below is delighted to welcome one of New York's most dynamic vocalists for a one night only mid-summer event, featuring Jane Monheit accompanied by pianist Michael Kanan in a special duo performance. Audiences will be delighted by this traditional jazz piano program with some lovely cabaret moments featuring hits from Jane Monheit's recordings including her current release, The Heart of the Matter. This supremely gifted singer is capable of tremendous vocal flights, dips, turns and extensions, but she doesn't grandstand or hold a note simply to show off. Her goal is to convey a story, and she does so with grace. Cover charge $30-40. $25 food & beverage minimum.
SUBMISSIONS ONLY, August 2 at 11PM:
Everyone's favorite comedy web series about the Broadway casting and audition process comes to 54 Below for an exclusive SNEAK PEEK of Submissions Only: Season 3! Join Co-Creators Kate Wetherhead (Legally Blonde) and Andrew Keenan-Bolger (Newsies), along with series regulars Colin Hanlon (Rent), Donna Vivino (Wicked), Santino Fontana (Cinderella) and more in watching the very FIRST episode of the highly anticipated third season! The screening will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with the cast and creative team. If you're going through Submissions Only withdrawal, we've got your fix! Don't miss this special one night only Broadway event! www.submissionsonly.com. $15-25 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.
Alice Ripley, August 3 at 8PM:
ony winner Alice Ripley presents a brand new evening of your favorite music when she makes her official 54 Below debut in Ripley Reflects. Expect a carefully crafted sampling of songs from shows in which she was an original Broadway cast member, as well as a healthy serving of melodies that cover a wide range of genres, including her own original tunes! Ripley's recent award-winning turn in Next to Normal (Best Actress in a Musical) took place long after Broadway had already fallen in love with Alice in shows such as Side Show (Tony and Drama Desk nominations),Sunset Boulevard, The Rocky Horror Show and The Who's Tommy. Ripley Reflects will be captured on a new recording, to be released November 2013! $30-40 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.
WBGO JAZZ SERIES: CHICO PINHEIRO AND THE BRAZILIAN DREAM BAND WITH CESAR CAMARGO MARIANO & LUCIANA ALVES, August 4 at 7PM & 9PM:
One of the major creative forces in modern Brazilian music, the brilliant guitarist/singer/composer/arranger Chico Pinheiro entrances audiences all over the world with his intensely lyrical and rhythmically exciting mixture of samba, swing, Carnaval and contemporary jazz. For his debut performances at 54 Below, Chico will be featuring the extraordinary young vocalist Luciana Alves. Cover charge $25-35. $15 food & beverage minimum.
To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (866) 468-7619.
Photo Credit: Walter McBride
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