Photos: Norm Lewis Brings SUMMERTIME (Special TONY Edition) to 54 Below

“The Heat is On” at 54 Below with a new show Norm Lewis is performing, called SUMMERTIME (Special TONY Edition). From his dazzling entrance to his beautiful “goodnight,” the evening is wall-to wall Broadway treasure. Yes, summer arrived early last night, and whatever the kinship and connection between the star, his musical director Joseph Joubert and his director Richard Jay-Alexander is, it bathed us in magic with stunning music, beautiful arrangements, humor, glamour, stories and vocals that are, quite honestly, beyond just having a powerful skill set. Norm is a sublime actor who happens to possess a magnificent voice and he uses every dimension of it. 

During the run he will have special guests who are both friends and Broadway royalty. Last night, he “blew up” this concept by introducing us to the legendary TONY winner, Melba Moore. I don’t usually write about specific material, but when your brain can’t comprehend that Miss Moore tore into “Aquarius” and “Let The Sunshine In” from Hair with Mr. Lewis, hearts were jumping and joy exploded in the room, only to be followed by Melba singing “I Got Love” from Purlie (wait for it) in the original key! The three-piece band, led by Joubert, also consisted of Perry Cavari on drums and percussion and Dylan Shamat on both acoustic and electric bass. The sounds they made all night were as versatile as could be accomplished and have become a trademark, of sorts, for Norm. Don’t hesitate to get to 54 Below and start your summer early. This man brings the heat with him onto the stage.  This is a fact and he is a force of nature.

Photo Credit: Stephen Sorokoff