Matthew Morrison, Cast of CHICAGO, & 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 Mosher is the "54 Piano Bar," a new vocal competition - "The Callback," and more:

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.

LATE NIGHT: BACKSTAGE, May 28 at 11PM:

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 Nikki M. James (Tony Award winner, Book of Mormon), Betty (legendary rock trio), Rashidra Scott (Sister Act), Kevin Meaney (Broadway's favorite comedian), Emily McNamara (NEWSical), Michelle Dowdy (Hairspray), and Jessica Vosk (West Side Story). No cover charge. $20 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 Allergist's 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) is 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.

LATE NIGHT: THE STUDIO; LIFE IS NOT A MUSICAL, May 29 at 11PM:

Sometimes you've got to keep the candle lit, and sometimes you've got to burn the house down; either way, Karl Michael Johnson and Victoria Bennett love playing with fire, and they have some torch songs to show for it. In Life is Not a Musical, these two relive foibles with old flames and use them as sparks for a Happy Hour of emotional fireworks with the help of their pyromaniac friends: Breanna Noel Winslow (Body Stories; cello), Mike Sayre (Muncie Symphony Orchestra; French horn), Michael Morales (EndAnd, Generator Ohm, Scottish Octopus; drums), Daniel Shuman (Sabbath Assembly, Monocle, Amy Miles; bass), and Ryan Kerr (woodwinds), with special guest Nick Cearley (All Shook Up, The Skivvies; vocals and ukulele). With original songs by Karl Michael Johnson as well as some standards. No cover charge. $20 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.

John Bucchino, May 30 at 9:30PM:

The composer of Broadway's A Catered Affair is also one of New York's most prolific singer/songwriters. Join John Bucchino as he shares an intimate night of his own tunes. Music lovers around the world fell in love with John when his acclaimed CD, Grateful: The Songs on John Bucchino was released, featuring the likes of Patti LuPone, Liza Minnelli, Judy Collins and Art Garfunkel. Now, for one night only, 54 Below is honored to welcome John to our stage. With special guest Corey Cott from Newsies. Cover charge $25. $25 food & beverage minimum.

LATE NIGHT: 54 PIANO BAR, May 30 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.

Rebecca Luker, May 31 at 8PM:

EXTENDED BY POPULAR DEMAND! Broadway audiences fell in love with Rebecca Luker when she created the role of Lily in The Secret Garden. Since then, she's delighted New York with Tony nominated roles in The Music Man, Showboat, and Mary Poppins, as well as her acclaimed performances in Nine and The Sound of Music. Her solo CD's, Greenwich Time and Leaving Home, are available on PS Classics. A long time champion of new composers, Rebecca has trumpeted new works in her appearances at Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, and on her recordings. This May, 54 Below is thrilled to present Rebecca in a reprise engagement of her brilliant evening of music, all penned by the singular Jerome Kern. Cover charge $45-55. $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 andZero Hour. Cover charge $25-35. $25 food & beverage minimum.

Matthew Morrison, June 1 at 8PM & June 2 at 9:30PM:

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.

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 for Adam 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. Also featuring Ryan Lowe, Raymond Bokhour, Amra-Faye Wright, Michael Cuzumano, Cristy Candler, Angel Reda and Nathan Madden. Cover charge $25-35. $25 food & beverage minimum.

LACHANZE SINGS Diana Ross, June 2 at 7PM

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.

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.

In their description of 54 BELOW, The New York Times writes "the club has the intimacy of a large living room with unimpeded views and impeccable sound; there is not a bad seat. Its sultry after-hours ambience is enhanced by brocade-patterned wall panels planted with orange-shaded lanterns. And the atmosphere is warmer and sexier than in Manhattan's other major supper clubs." The New York Post calls the venue "a gorgeous new cabaret space. With its heavy lineup of moonlighting Broadway stars, 54 Below has the congenial feel of a theater hangout where stars go to unwind and sing the songs that really matter to them. It's a pleasure to share their joy."

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. André J. Marrero is the Executive Chef of the new venue, which 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. Bringing together his love of the arts with his passion for cooking and hospitality, Chef André has created a market driven contemporary bistro menu that includes ingredients sourced from all over the world.

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.