Laura Benanti, Frances Ruffelle and More Set for 54 Below, Now thru 6/1

Coming up at 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 the "54 Piano Bar," a new vocal competition - "The Callback," and more, including: stage and television star Laura Benanti, High Fidelity in Concert, WGBO Jazz Series: Karrin Allyson Quartet, Tony winner Frances Ruffelle, Charlie Rosen's Broadway Big Band, Sondheim Unplugged and Simply Streisand.

Laura Benanti, May 20, 22, 23 at 7PM, May 23 at 9:30PM, May 24, 25 at 8:30PM & May 25 at 11PM:

Following the tremendous success of her first solo show, which played sold out venues across the country, stage and television star Laura Benanti brings you a brand new piece, "In Constant Search of the Right Kind of Attention." Fusing theatre standards with pop music and original songs, Ms. Benanti's unique blend of humor and vocal nuance promises to deliver an unforgettable evening. Come see the performer critics call "brilliantly funny" with an "exquisite voice," and whose mother calls "very very good," in a night that she desperately hopes brings her the right kind of attention. Musical Direction and Arrangements by Todd Almond. Cover charge $50-60 (11PM Shows: $35). $30 food & beverage minimum.

HIGH FIDELITY IN CONCERT, May 20 at 9:30PM:

For two nights only, the Broadway show that lives in the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to have seen it makes a triumphant return to the theatre district. Join show creators Tom Kitt and Amanda Green and a cast that includes original cast members Will Chaseand Jenn Colella, along with new additions Adam Chanler Berat, Mario Cantone, Ana Gasteyer, Mitch Jarvis, Van Hughes, and Alison Case, when 54 Below proudly presents a special concert version of this much loved musical. Directed by Leigh Silverman, it's a Broadway event not to be missed! Cover charge $35-45. $25 food & beverage minimum.

LATE NIGHT: THE CALLBACK- Preliminaries, May 20 at 11PM:

At The Callback on Monday nights, contestants perform for a chance to win their own cabaret show at 54 Below. Contestants are chosen by video audition, their performances recorded and uploaded to 54 Below's Facebook and Youtube page, and each week, a winner is determined by audience vote to progress to the next round. "The Callback" contestants may also have the chance to sing in front of industry executives and Broadway celebrity guest judges as they move forward in the competition. For more information on "The Callback" rules or how to submit an audition video, please visit www.54Below.com. No cover charge. $20 food & beverage minimum.

WBGO JAZZ SERIES: KARRIN ALLYSON QUARTET, May 21 at 7PM & 9PM:

Karrin Allyson's voice is pure ambrosia for the heart, mind, and soul, with a remarkable and unique style that can make the beat sing, melody swing and lovers cling like there might be no tomorrow. Singer and pianist Karrin Allyson is one of the most truly inspirational virtuosos in the jazz world, equally at home creatively interpreting the Great American Songbook of George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Harold Arlen, introducing wonderful new lyrics to modern jazz classics by MiLes Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Wayne Shorter, and bringing swingingly fresh perspective as well to musical treasures from Brazil, France, and all around the planet. Karrin's stunning group of musical storytellers includes drummer Todd Strait, guitarist Steve Cardenas, and bassist Ed Howard. Cover charge $25-35. $15 food & beverage minimum.

LATE NIGHT: BACKSTAGE, May 21 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 Paul Vogt (Hairspray, "MAD TV"), Jonathan Rayson (Little Shop of Horrors, Legally Blonde), Karmine Alers (Rent),Yassmin Alers (Rent, Rocky Horror Show, Across the Universe), Ryan Scott Oliver (Composer), Alex Brightman (Big Fish, Wicked),Craig Pomranz (celebrated cabaret performer), Julia Mattison (Godspell), and Jim Brochu (Zero Hour, The Big Voice, God or Merman).No cover charge. $20 food & beverage minimum.

Frances Ruffelle, May 22 at 9:30PM:

Tony winner Frances Ruffelle burst into the public consciousness in 1985 when she created the role of Eponine in LES MISERABLES for the RSC, taking the role to London's West End and then to Broadway where, in addition to the Tony, she was awarded the Helen Hayes Award, Theatre World Award, and Outer Circle Critics Award for her performance. Now, in a rare NYC appearance, she presents Beneath the Dress, in which Frances brings you an evening that's all her, celebrating "women who love to entertain," via the music from the stage and beyond that made them great. Having released four acclaimed solo albums, Frances' many stage appearances include Dinah in Trevor Nunn's Starlight Express, creating the role of Yonah in the original West End production of Children of Eden, Roxie Hart in Chicago, and, most recently, the title role in Piaf. Further, Frances can be seen in a fun cameo in the recent LES MISERABLES film. Cover charge $30-40. $25 food & beverage minimum.

LATE NIGHT: THE STUDIO; 22 AT 54: NYU GRADUATE MT WRITING PROGRAM, May 22 at 11PM:

A concert featuring original work from NYU's Graduate MT Writing Program Cycle 22 to benefit ASTEP: Artists Striving To End Poverty. Joe Iconis ("Smash") hosts the event, which features performances by Benjamin Eakeley (On a Clear Day..., Sweeney Todd), Jenny Fellner (Wicked, Pal Joey), Jason Gotay (F$%King Up Everything, Bring It On), Sara Jean Ford (How to Succeed..., Phantom of the Opera), Karl Josef Co (Allegiance), Megan McGinnis (Les Miserables, Little Women), Curtis Wiley (Jersey Boys, national tour), Jason "Sweettooth" Williams (Joe Iconis & Family) and Remy Zaken (Spring Awakening). THE STUDIO series at 54 Below is the place to see up-and-coming New York talent. You don't want to miss this exciting evening. No cover charge. $20 food & beverage minimum.

LATE NIGHT: 54 PIANO BAR, May 23 at 11PM:

On Thursdays at 11 pm, pick a song and join extraordinary pianist and host Brian Nash as you take your turn on the stage at 54 Piano Bar. See new Broadway talent perform on a whim, and perhaps take part in the ever-popular (and inevitable) audience sing along. No cover charge. $20 food & beverage minimum.

Charlie Rosen'S BROADWAY BIG BAND, May 24 at 11PM:

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! A full sized jazz orchestra composed of seventeen musicians all play bandleader Charlie Rosen's re-imagined arrangements of an eclectic mix of tunes from Broadway's past, present and beyond! Both modern and classic showtunes are on display in this hugely unique and winning evening, sung by the best and brightest of Broadway's young generation of leading performers in the timeless tradition of a big band. Guest vocalists include: Nick Blaemire (Godspell, Dogfight), Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown (The Last Five Years, Parade), Ariana DeBose (Bring It On, Motown), Tony Award nominee Santino Fontana (Cinderella), Zak Resnick (Mamma Mia!), and the band's resident vocalist, Monet Julia Sabel. Cover charge $20-30. $25 food & beverage minimum.

SONDHEIM UNPLUGGED, May 26 at 7PM:

A celebrated New York event since 2010, the Bistro Award-winning series Sondheim Unplugged features some of Broadway and cabaret's most dynamic voices, accompanied by piano only. Expect tunes from A Little Night Music, Company, Into the Woods, Follies, Passion, Dick Tracy and more. Past special guests have included original Sondheim cast members such as Len Cariou, Victoria Mallory & Donna McKechnie. Special guests include: Joy Franz (Into the Woods' original Stepmother), Hunter Herdlicka (Henrik in the 2009 A Little Night Music revival), Ann Morrison (Merrily We Roll Along's original Mary), and Sarah Rice (Sweeney Todd's original Johanna). Also featuringJim Brochu (Drama Desk Winner, Zero Hour), Vivian Reed (Bubbling Brown Sugar), Julie Reyburn (MAC, Bistro & Nightlife Award winner) and Lucia Spina (Kinky Boots). Sondheim Unplugged is hosted by series creator Phil Geoffrey Bond, who will fill the audience in on Sondheimien facts, history & assorted tidbits of theatrical lore! Cover charge $20-30. $25 food & beverage minimum.

SIMPLY STREISAND, May 26 at 9:30PM:

In this celebration of all things Babs, some of Broadway and cabaret's finest voices celebrate the music of a legend. From Funny Girl to The Way We Were to little gems from A Star is Born, Yentl, and her more than 45 best-selling albums, Barbra Streisand has stood the test of time like no other artist. At Simply Streisand, you'll hear an array of music from her catalogue, accompanied by a three piece band with narration from 54 Below's own Director of Programming (and host of the popular Sondheim Unplugged), Phil Geoffrey Bond, who will fill the audience in on special bits of Streisand lore, history, assorted tales, and out and out gossip (from her penchant for perfection to her affair with Don Johnson). From her humble beginnings in the cabarets of Greenwich Village straight through to her mega-stardom, Simply Streisand covers it all! Cover charge $20-30. $25 food & beverage minimum.

THE FOLLOWING SHOWS HAVE BEEN ADDED:

WBGO JAZZ SERIES: Benny Goodman & OTHER JOYS, May 28 at 7PM & 9PM:

A quick return by popular demand of the thrilling Benny Goodman tribute concert these jazz masters performed at 54 Below earlier this month. Don't miss this fabulous exhibition of virtuoso musicianship honoring the music of Benny Goodman. A thrilling introduction for those who haven't yet experienced the wonders of the 54 Below/WBGO Jazz Series and a not to be missed event for jazz fans. Featuring jazz masters Ken Peplowski, Bucky Pizzarelli, Jay Leonhart, Ehud Asherie, and Willie Jones III. Cover charge $25-35. $15 food & beverage minimum.

Charles Busch, May 29 at 9:30PM:

Charles Busch makes a triumphant return to 54 Below! Whether he's playing a Westchester housewife who's preparing her cabaret tribute to Edith Piaf, Cinderella's much maligned stepmother in the style of MildrEd Pierce, or the tough but warm-hearted owner of a speakeasy, performance legend Charles Busch continues to delight and re-define his craft as a master humorist, illusionist and camp icon. The author of dozens of hit plays (Tale of the Allergists Wife, Red Scare on Sunset, Flipping My Wig, Times Square Angel, Our Leading Lady, The Third Story, Die! Mommie! Die!, Psycho Beach Party, The Divine Sister & Vampire Lesbians of Sodom to name but a few) Back by popular demand for one more special performance, joined by Musical Director Tom Judson. Expect laughter, music, tears and sequins. But no boas.Cover charge $30-40. $25 food & beverage minimum.

Isabel Rose, May 30 at 7PM:

With arrangements that match Michael Bublé's for their lush, imaginative interpretation of standards and contemporary fare alike, Isabel Rose delivers a high-energy, toe-tapping evening of crowd-pleasing favorites. Compared to Ann-Margret by Jazz Times, Isabel is more Vegas than cabaret, though her roots lie squarely in the Great American Songbook. 60′s favorites like Reflections and Peter Gunn share the bill with That's All and This Could Be The Start of Something Big. Sure to be a night of glamorous, cheeky and hard swinging fun! Cover charge $30-40. $25 food & beverage minimum.

Nick Blaemire & THE HUSTLE, May 31 at 11PM:

Born out of the hi-fi's in their parents' suburban living rooms, this seven piece band blends their love for the surprising time and harmony changes of r&b, funk and jazz with infectious pop melodies to create their very own brand of "nerd soul." After releasing their debut EP last year, they've been selling out shows around the country. The Hustle came to be as a product of the Broadway community - Nick and keyboardist/arranger Jesse Vargas met while working on Broadway's short lived Glory Days, amassing their band from some of the most talented and sought after musicians in New York. Nick himself has appeared on the Great White Way in shows such as Godspell and Cry-Baby, off-Broadway in Dogfight and The Black Suits, and on television in The Big C, Law & Order and Zero Hour. Cover charge $25-35. $25 food & beverage minimum.

Matthew Morrison, June 1 at 8PM:

Emmy, Tony, and two-time Golden Globe-nominated star Matthew Morrison may be best known for his performances in hit Broadway shows such as Hairspray, South Pacific and The Light in the Piazza, or for his role as Mr. Schuester on the hit television show, GLEE. Now, join Matthew as he celebrates the release of his brand new studio album, Where It All Began (released on June 4!). Featured on the recording are a collection of classic standards, many of which were first made famous in Broadway musicals. To create the twelve songs featured on this exciting new album, Morrison turned to legendary producer Phil Ramone (who produced the likes of Frank Sinatra & Tony Bennett, among MANY others), and Grammy Award-winning producer Gregg Field. The collection marks the first release from 222 Records, the newly formed label from Adam Levine. You can place your pre-order now on Amazon. Cover charge $75. $25 food & beverage minimum.

THE CAST OF CHICAGO, June 1 at 11PM:

Get up close and personal with the cast of Chicago, both past and present, as they celebrate 16 razzle dazzle years on Broadway. Look forAdam Pascal, Christine Pedi, Paige Davis and a host of others belting out some of their favorite tunes, ranging from Broadway favorites to pop hits, and all that jazz. A portion of the proceeds will benefit U.S. Veterans in honor of Memorial Day. Additional cast members TBA.Cover charge $25-35. $25 food & beverage minimum.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (866) 468-7619.

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.

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.

54 BELOW is owned and operated 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 $15-$115.

54 BELOW is located at 254 West 54th Street. Tickets and information are available at www.54Below.com.

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