Photo Coverage: Evan Ruggiero Previews THE ONE-LEGGED SONG AND DANCE MAN at 54 Below
By: Walter McBride Aug. 11, 2015
"The One Legged Song and Dance Man is Back! After a sold out show back in February, Evan Ruggiero will return to 54 Below on August 14. Joining him for this night of music will be Broadway Veteran Jackie Burns (If/Then, Wicked, Hair), Olivia Polci (Foolerie, 54 Below Solo Show, Bergen PAC Soloist), and Kyle Wilder (Black Out w/ Savion Glover, New Jersey Tap Ensemble, JUBA Masters of Tap and Percussive Dance). Evan's band feature's long standing members Ray Carega, Justin Garcia, and Brendan Daily, and introducing Will Dougherty, Joe Gullace, Frank Scillieri, and Rich Cush. Not only will Evan sing his favorite rock and musical theatre songs, but he will be debuting some of his own songs from his new original musical he has been working on called "My Champagne Year."
Evan Ruggiero began dancing at the age of 5 in his hometown studio and by age 10, he was accepted into the famed New Jersey Tap Ensemble, under the direction of Ms. Deborah Mitchell. He soon graced the stages of Lincoln Center, The Shomberg Museum of Harlem and The New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, among others. Upon entering his sophomore year at Montclair State University while pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, Evan was suddenly diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer of the right leg. Enduring nine surgeries in a six-month period in an effort to save the leg, the cancer returned more aggressively than the original diagnosis. He was faced with the ultimate decision of amputation in order to stop the cancer and save his life, as well as undergoing chemotherapy for 16 months. In spite of the physical setback, Evan held close to the dream of dancing and learned of the famed Clayton "Peg Leg" Bates, a legendary African-American entertainer who taught himself to tap dance after losing a leg in a cotton gin accident at the age of 12. Bates performed twice for the King and Queen of England and became a regular on The Ed Sullivan Show appearing a record 58 times. Inspired by his story, Evan aspired to passing on his legacy. Within eighteen months after the amputation, and only two days after receiving his "peg-leg," Evan was tapping again. He has appeared with the St. Louis Tap Festival, LA Tap Festival, Jersey Tap Festival, Princeton Symphony Orchestra, on American Idol, has been a guest on The Ellen Show, on Telemundo's Un Nuevo Dia, and most recently made his first international appearance on Italy's hit television show Quelli Che il Calcio.
54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, 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. The venue 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. Located at 254 West 54th Street, 54 BELOW features up to three shows nightly with cover charges ranging from $15-$105.
Photo Credit: Walter McBride
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Evan Ruggiero performs a preview of 'The One-Legged Song and Dance Man, Vol.3' at the 54 Below Press Preview at 54 Below on August 4, 2015 in New York City.
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