Morrison, Prince, & More Set for 54 Below this Week

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 Mosheris the "54 Piano Bar," a new vocal competition - "The Callback," and more:

Faith Prince, June 3, 5 & 6 at 7PM, June 7 & 8 at 8:30PM:
Tony Award winner Faith Prince dazzles in her latest musical outing. Self-described as a "smorgasbord" of Faith Prince, this new show covers her past, present, and future with her trademark humor and powerhouse vocals. From her memorable Broadway triumphs to tales and songs from early off-Broadway gems as well as her latest Broadway roles, Faith relives a brilliant career as one of Broadway's favorite leading ladies. As Hostess of the evening, Faith Prince guarantees that the best is yet to come! Cover charge $30-40. $15 food & beverage minimum.

Morgan James, June 3 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 CALLBACK- PRELIMINARIES, June 3 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.

Matthew Morrison, June 4 at 7PM:
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 $85 for 6/1 & $55 for 6/2. $25 food & beverage minimum.

LATE NIGHT: BACKSTAGE, June 4 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 The Skivvies (Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley), Gaby Alter (composer of new Off-Broadway Nobody Loves You), Rory O'Malley (Book of Mormon, Nobody Loves You), Bob Stillman (Grey Gardens, Dirty Blonde, Kiss of the Spider Woman), Jane Blass (Annie), Michael Winther (Mamma Mia, 33 Variations), The Stone Brothers and Cathy Grier aka NYC subway girl. No cover charge. $20 food & beverage minimum.

LACHANZE SINGS Diana Ross, June 5 & 6 at 9:30PM
Back by popular demand! One of Broadway's most celebrated, powerhouse voices takes to the stage at 54 Below in salute of a woman who broke barriers and challenged stereotypes throughout her legendary career. Love Hangover, Do You Know Where You're Goin' To?, Endless Love and Good Morning, Heartache are just a few of the tunes forever linked with this formidable artist (who won a Tony for 1977's An Evening with Diana Ross). And who better to celebrate this music than another formidable artist? LaChanze, a Tony, Emmy, Obie and Theatre World Award winner, is best known for her show-stopping performances in The Color Purple, Dessa Rose & Once on This Island, among others. Be there! And remember, Ain't No Mountain High Enough! Cover charge $30-40. $25 food & beverage minimum.

LATE NIGHT: THE STUDIO; WRITER'S BLOCK, June 5 at 11PM:
A fun, "coffee house"-style night featuring original work by some of New York's most talented up-and-coming songwriters. Enjoy a drink (or four) off our new late night happy hour menu, and even sign up to perform your own original work on our stage. Hosted by Joe Iconis and this month, featuring Julia Meinwald, Matt Schatz, and Steve Kazee! Want to perform your own original work at 54 Below? Need to try out new songs to get through your own writer's block? Join us on Wednesday for the chance to sign up for one of the open-mic slots! No cover charge. $20 food & beverage minimum.

LATE NIGHT: 54 PIANO BAR, June 6 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.

Norbert Leo Butz, June 7 & 8 at 11PM:
Back by popular demand! 54 Below is delighted to re-welcome two-time Tony winner, Norbert Leo Butz. The star of Wicked, The Last 5 Years, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Thou Shalt Not, Catch Me if You Can and the forthcoming Big Fish, Norbert reprises his dazzling cabaret debut (which went on to be the critically-lauded CD), in an evening featuring re-imagined arrangements from many of his Broadway musicals, as well as contemporary songs that were an intimate part of Norbert's life growing up in rural Missouri, ranging from country and blues to rock 'n roll! Cover charge $30-40. $25 food & beverage minimum.

GREGORY ALLAN BOCK & FRIENDS, June 9 at 5PM:
Back by popular demand for one night only, leave your troubles outside and join Gregory Allan Bock & Friends on a musical thrill-ride where you'll be singing along to the best of Broadway (think The Music Man, Guys & Dolls, and A Chorus Line) and beyond - (think The Beatles & The Four Seasons). You may even be chosen to compete in a Bobby Darin/Frank Sinatra Crooners' "Sing-Off!" Featuring:? Allan Snyder, Ashley Kate Adams, Darren Meyer, Casey Erin Clark, Dana Winkle, Brian Ogilvie, Marissa Rago, Amy Wolk, Meghan Hales,?Yvonne Lorenzo, Thomas Smargiassi, Linda Smargiassi, & Many More Surprises! Cover charge $25-35. $25 food & beverage minimum.

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

To post a comment, you must register and login.