Charles Busch, Samantha Marie Ware & More Set for 54 Below This Week

This week at 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (646) 476-3551.

EAMONN MCCRYSTAL: FROM BELFAST TO BROADWAY, July 20 at 7PM:

"Eamonn McCrystal is an effortless tenor with a rare ability to deliver modern ballads in a way that's both intimate and dramatic." -Tom Roland, Billboard Magazine. Irish Pop Tenor, Eamonn McCrystal, brings his Emmy-nominated PBS special The Music of Northern Ireland to 54 Below! Led by musical director, Brad Ellis, and featuring special guests from stage and screen, including Heather Spore (Wicked), Eamonn will perform some of the world's greatest hits-all written in Northern Ireland! From classics like "Red Sails In The Sunset," "Moodance," and "South of the Border," to contemporary hits like Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars." McCrystal has collaborated with a broad array of esteemed artists, with some highlights including; touring with Kristin Chenoweth and recording the duet "Someone You Never Knew" with Randy Travis. As a performer, he's garnered national and international acclaim including four Emmy nominations for his PBS TV special The Music of Northern Ireland. Eamonn has been a musical guest on The Rosie Show, appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Network, and performs regularly on the on the Grand Ole Opry. $25-35 cover charge. $60 premium seating. $25 food and beverage minimum.

LADIES OF EVE, FEATURING Daisy Eagan, Ellyn Marie Marsh & MORE, July 20 at 9:30PM:

Ladies of Eve is an evening of music (from both the musical theatre and pop world) and prose - celebrating the feminine spirit and all her glory. Conceived and produced by Megan Minutillo the evening will feature performances by Jessica Vosk (Finding Neverland, Bridges of Madison County), Loni Ackerman (Cats, Evita), Anna Ty Bergman, Melanie Brook, Daisy Eagan (The Secret Garden), Kasie Gasparini (Mamma Mia), Kerri George, Molly Hager (Heathers), Melissa Rose Hirsch (The Bad Years), Jessica Kahkoska, Elyssa Brette Mactas (MEAN The Musical), Ellyn Marie Marsh (Kinky Boots), Ashley Moniz, Monet Julia Sabel, Ariana Sepluveda, Stephanie Turci, Olivia Polci, Maddy Trumble (Newsies), Michelle Ventamilla (The Visit), with additional performers to be announced! Ladies of Eve is a concert in support of EVE in NYC, a dance theatre immersive experience, which opens at The Gym at Judson in September! A portion of Ladies of Eve will go to raise production costs for EVE in NYC, and the other portion will go to benefit The Retreat in Eastern Long Island, a domestic violence service center. The Retreat's mission is to provide safety, shelter and support for victims of domestic abuse and to break the cycle of family violence. In pursuit of our mission, The Retreat annually provides help for thousands of families. $30-40 cover charge. $65 premium seating. $25 food and beverage minimum.

Mara Wilson & Jenny Jaffe PRESENT: SEND IN THE CLOWNS, July 21 at 7PM:

Mara Wilson (@MaraWritesStuff) and Jenny Jaffe (@JennyJaffe) know the secret: most comedians love musical theater and would do anything to be in it. Come see comics talk about- and take on their favorite roles! Cast includes: Anna Rose Roisman, SharRon Paul, Bastard Keith and Fantasy Grandma.$25-35 cover charge. $60 premium seating. $25 food and beverage minimum.

Grace McLean LIVES IN CONCERT, July 21 at 9:30PM:

"The gifted Ms. McLean writes breezy, whip-smart love songs that refresh a subject that you may think has been exhausted." -The New York Times. "This is the future of cabaret." -New York Cabaret Today. Grace McLean Lives in Concert is the interactive theater concert by acclaimed singer/songwriter/actress Grace McLean. Fresh off her sold out no holds barred Lincoln Center American Songbook concert and the world premier of the Michael Mayer helmed Brooklynite at The Vineyard Theatre, Grace brings her "electrifying" presence (Huffington Post), "whip-smart" songwriting (New York Times), and "pathetic" journal entries (Grace's boyfriend) to 54 Below. Join her band Grace McLean & Them Apples for an evening of original music, re-imagined covers, stories about boys, and bubbles. In addition to performing in Off-Broadway hits like Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Brooklynite, and Bedbugs!!!, Grace also makes time for her acclaimed original music. With a sound that combines Regina Spektor's quirkiness, Nellie McKay's jazz sensibilities, Fiona Apple's irreverence, Kimbra's sass and Merrill Garbus of tUnE-yArDs' rhythm, McLean adds up to one beautiful weirdo. In addition to the previously mentioned sold out Lincoln Center American Songbook performance, Grace McLean & Them Apples have just returned from a US State Department tour of Pakistan. In New York, McLean recently performed at the Museum of the American Indian, where she performed as part of a panel discussion on storytelling for The Economist's 2012 Ideas Summit. $25-35 cover charge. $60 premium seating. $25 food and beverage minimum.

RAFFAEL PACITTI, July 22 at 9:30PM:

Raffael is thrilled to be debuting at 54 Below. Following his recent appearances at Etcetera Etcetera's Piano Room and the Metropolitan Room, Raffael debuts at 54 Below with Body & Soul, a Cabaret exploring the crazy lengths we'll go to find physical contentment and spiritual bliss! With music from the worlds of contemporary jazz, musical theatre and classic cabaret. Enjoy the works of such composers as Marc Shaiman, Duke Ellington, Jerry Herman, Andrew Lippa and others (including some unexpected gems). Featuring Eric Maritn (piano), Mary E. Rodriguez (drums), and Max Johnson (bass)...and special guests! Raffael's love affair with music began at a young age, with influences from Italian traditional folk and Neapolitan songs to the world of opera. Upon discovering the worlds of Jazz and Musical Theatre, music became more and more important. A student and practitioner of yoga, his love of music and ongoing quest for physical and spiritual balance are expressed in the songs of Body & Soul, with an emphasis on the humor, love and connection we all seek. As a performer, Raffael recently appeared as Professor Callahan in the first NYC revival of Legally Blonde as well as cabaret performances throughout New York in such venues as the Metropolitan Room and Etcetera Etcetera in Body and Soul, Uninvited, Don't Misunderstand and others. With appearances in classical plays and musicals throughout the US and Canada, Raffael is also a member of Evening Lounge (eveninglounge.com). Favorite roles include The Heiress (NJ's Mill Mountain Playhouse), Macbeth (Canadian Summer Stage) and Count Dracula (Rainbow Stage). Raffael is also a Graphic Designer for such publications as Maxim, Men's Fitness, Shape, Natural Health, Vibe, and The Fight (among others) as well as a fashion stylist whose work has been seen on red carpets for several Broadway openings and events. $25-35 cover charge. $60 premium seating. $25 food and beverage minimum.

Charles Busch, July 23 at 7PM:

The inimitable Charles Busch returns with an all new show. The two-time MAC Award winner, Tony nominee, and drag legend brings to 54 Below an eclectic program of songs both contemporary and from the past. New York Times critic Stephen Holden wrote, "He has the gift of comic gab like few other entertainers. Innately funny, endearing and acutely intelligent, he also has claws. For an audience, the possibility of being scratched, although remote, lends his humor a bracing edge. " Accompanied by his dashing longtime musical director, Tom Judson, Charles combines hilarious personal reminiscence, character sketches and superb storytelling through song into one glittering and glamorous evening in cabaret. $35-45 cover charge. $80 premium seating. $25 food and beverage minimum.

Frank Sinatra CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION, PART 2, July 23 at 9:30PM:

54 Below Celebrates...THE SINATRA CENTURY! Frank Sinatra's Centennial Celebration continues with a second evening of his greatest songs! On July 23 at 9:30 PM, a star-studded cast honors the Chairman of the Board with a brand new concert commemorating Frank Sinatra's Centennial! Performing the hits that made Sinatra the greatest solo artist of his century will be some of New York's most celebrated Broadway and Nightclub stars. Look for a cast chock full of Tony and Nightlife Award winners and nominees singing the songs that made Sinatra a legend in his own lifetime and that continue to burnish his reputation even now, 100 years after his birth. Hear Sinatra standards like as "Chicago," "Time After Time," "One For My Baby," "Strangers in the Night," and so many more! Featuring two-time Tony Nominee Tom Wopat, two-time Tony Nominee Bob Stillman, Broadway star & Concert Artist Sal Viviano, multi-award winning vocalist Jeff Harnar and more to be announced. This special concert will be produced and hosted by the acclaimed creator of the long-running Broadway by the Year series at Town Hall, Scott Siegel. $30-40 cover charge. $75 premium seating. $25 food and beverage minimum.

George Abud, July 24 at 7PM:

"Abud is really delightful... with a winning playfulness." - Michael Giltz, Huffington Post. "George Abud's version of 'Children and Art' moved me to tears" - Stephen Sondheim. Come back with George Abud as he delves into the rich rarities and forgotten triumphs of America's musical, theatrical, and comedic treasure chest. Told all too often that he was born in the wrong era, this Broadway Baby shows you why he is right where (and when) he ought to be. Fresh from his main stem debut in The Visit, George is ready to bring his old soul and fresh outlook to the cabaret stage. Celebrating a dazzling mélange of tunes and talents from days past, this show dives into the lesser known gems of Loesser, Porter, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Comden & Green, Kander & Ebb, and many more interspersed with the snappy, sharp wit of the likes of Jack Benny, George Burns, and the Marx Brothers. George will further explore his own unique Lebanese heritage with original arrangements on the Oud, including his now celebrated version of "Children and Art" about which Sondheim said, "I was moved to tears." Joining him on a swinging song or two will be his dear friends and co-stars from The Visit and Allegro, Tony nominees Mary Beth Peil and Elizabeth A. Davis. $25-35 cover charge. $65 premium seating. $25 food and beverage.

Badia Farha, July 24 at 9:30PM:

Joined by a six-piece band, Badia Farha (aka Lady Rose) brings her original songs and "R&B/Soul +" style to 54 Below. Lady Sings For You, features original songs from Badia's solo album Still Waiting? and newly released radio hit "Don't Know," as well as a tribute to Carmen McCrae and Aretha Franklin, and a bit of bossa nova jazz. As an NYC-based singer, songwriter, and actress, Badia has been seen off-Broadway in Sistas: The Musical and Joe Iconis' Things to Ruin, at A Tribute to Alan Menken at Lincoln Center, as well as in the national and international tours of Little Shop of Horrors and RENT. Badia was also a back up singer for America's Got Talent. www.badiafarha.com. $25-35 cover charge. $65 premium seating. $20 food and beverage minimum or two drinks.

Samantha Marie Ware GUEST STARRING Alex Newell, July 25 at 7PM:

The Los Angeles Daily News has called her "luminous," while the Orange County Register has applauded her "pure, piercing voice". And Los Angeles Times theater critic Charles McNulty hailed her as "a breakout star." After scoring a prominent spot on TV's biggest musical extravaganza, "Glee," Samantha Marie Ware became a breakout star on the 6th and final season along with a few other familiar Broadway faces. Ware makes her debut at 54 Below to share a little about her journey from being a small town girl on her "Little Planet" in Nebraska to landing her first role in The Lion King as Nala... from making her Broadway debut in Matt Stone & Trey Parker's Book of Mormon to packing up & moving to Hollywood for "Glee!" Expect to hear a little of everything, including gospel music, soul, funk and R&B... classic rock, a few sonatas, a few originals... and of course, musical theatre! Featuring special guest star Alex Newell! $30-40 cover charge. $70 premium seating. $25 food and beverage minimum.

Marcus Goldhaber, July 25 at 9:30PM:

Exciting. Fresh. Tasteful. Hip! Picture a street lamp dimly lit...an empty block during the smallest hours of post-evening mist...an endless cycle of songs groovin' along and half a moon to help guide the way...that's Swing Street. Hangin' his hat at 54 Below for an evening, Marcus Goldhaber takes a stroll through a captivating collection of re-imagined jazz standards and new originals that People Magazine says "will have you giddy one moment, melancholy the next and loving every note." Having shared NYC stages with the legendary Les Paul, Vince Giordano, and Bono, Goldhaber's artistic journey has seen him evolve from a "wonderfully imaginative" (JazzTimes) jazz interpreter to a wistfully undeniable composer and lyricist of modern standards, who shines with an intuition for telling the story. "A lot of these songs have been inspired by moments in my life," says Goldhaber. "That's really where the joy lies for me. That's the real passion that I have. It's not about simply writing a song or hearing something that swings. It's really about the connection." Marcus has 4 acclaimed CD's out on Fallen Apple Records and has performed at many of NYC's top venue's including Birdland, Kitano, Iridium and The Metropolitan Room. His latest CD, A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening, has been featured by Jonathan Schwartz on WNYC and Sirius XM saying, "Goldhaber is excellent...[he's] filled with ideas!" $25-35 cover charge. $65 premium seating. $25 food and beverage minimum.

Blake Pfeil: THE BBC, 1970, July 25 at 11:30PM:

On October 9, 1970, the BBC aired Joni Mitchell in Concert, an intimate and acoustic portrait that spotlighted several of her career-defining songs, including "Chelsea Morning," "Big Yellow Taxi," and "Both Sides Now." In his 54 Below debut, up-and-coming singer/songwriter Blake Pfeil set up a challenge for himself: to pen and perform a new song as a mirrored response to each of the songs sung by Ms. Mitchell during the famed BBC broadcast. An eclectic walk between the realms of folk and pop, Mr. Pfeil's theatrically-charged melodic and poetic sensibilities weave a modern tapestry that examines humanity's continued search for joy. The evening is co-conceived and directed by Ms. Sharone Halevy, in her subsequent 54 Below debut. $10 cover charge. $30 premium seating. $20 food and beverage minimum or two drinks.

Rachel Resheff, July 26 at 7PM:

Rachel Resheff is a Broadway veteran...at the ripe old age of 15! With five Broadway shows (Fish In The Dark, The People In The Picture, Shrek, Billy Elliot, Mary Poppins) under her belt...where does she go from here? How did it all happen? And how does she navigate the journey from "child actress" to leading lady...ALL while getting her homework done as a high school freshman striving towards getting into a good college? ALL questions will (hopefully, for Rachel's peace of mind) be answered in her night of songs and anecdotes (her 54 below debut)! $25-35 cover charge. $60 premium seating. $25 food and beverage minimum.

UNCHARTED: THE SONGS OF Sara Bareilles, July 26 at 9:30PM:

Sara Bareilles is the voice of the city. Nominated for five Grammys, including Best Album, Bareilles's lyrics and music take you to a different place and time and flood you with emotions. It's no wonder she's been named one of the Top 100 Women in Music of All Time by VH1. Come see some of your favorite Broadway performers and new talent perform some of your favorite "Uncharted" Sara Bareilles songs, from "Gravity" to "Love On The Rocks." From mash ups to new arrangements, it's a night you won't want to miss! Featuring: Allie Trimm (Bye Bye Birdie, 13 The Musical), Ariana DeBose (Hamilton, Motown), Brittnie Price (Hair National Tour), Charlie Franklin (The Book of Mormon), Chris McCarrell (Les Miserables, "Peter Pan Live"), Drew Gasparini (Smash, Make Me Bad), Emily Padgett (Side Show), Emily Rogers (Unlock'd), Hannah Elless (Godspell), Jessica Crouch (We Will Rock You), Julia Mattison (Godspell), Jessica Vosk (The Bridges of Madison County), Kerri George, Krista Pioppi (Spring Awakening National Tour), Lauren Marcus (Rewrite, The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks), Max Chernin (Brooklynite), Mike Schwitter (Pippin, The Book of Mormon National Tour) and Monet Sabel (Wendy's Shadow at NYMF, 6 at NYMF). $25-35 cover charge. $65 premium seating. $25 food and beverage minimum.

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