Amy Spanger, Kacie Sheik & More to Perform Michael Kimmel & Lauren Pritchard's SONGBIRD At 54 Below

54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, will present Songbird in Concert featuring Amy Spanger (Rock of Ages, Reefer Madness), Kacie Sheik (Hair) and more on June 30th at 9:30pm.

Written by Michael Kimmel (The Last Goodbye) with music and lyrics by Lauren Pritchard (Spring Awakening), and based on Chekhov's The Seagull, Songbird is a heart-driven and heartbreaking look at the whiskey-soaked nights and hung-over dreams of Nashville's contemporary country music scene. It's the story of a community of musicians fueled by talent, promise, and booze. In anticipation of this new musical's upcoming New York premiere, the concert on June 30th will be a one-night only event celebrating the music of Songbird, as well as the songs that inspired it. A cast composed of both Broadway's veterans and its newest stars will perform selections from the show, "bonus tracks" of never-performed material, and some of the classic country western tunes that define Nashville. It promises to be a raucous and soulful shindig, offering a glimpse into the raw, acoustic world of Songbird.

In addition to Spanger and Sheik, Songbird will feature Ephie Aardema (Bridges of Madison County), Adam Cochran (The Last Goodbye), Drew McVety (The Last Ship), Eric William Morris (Coram Boy), Jaz Sealey (Aladdin), and Andy Taylor (On the Twentieth Century), with a special guest appearance by Brandon Ellis (Once). Additional casting to be announced. The evening is directed by JV Mercanti and produced by Allison Bressi.

Songbird in Concert plays 54 Below (254 West 54th Street) on June 30, 2015 at 9:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25 and there is a $25 food and beverage minimum. Tickets and information are available at www.54Below.com. Tickets on the day of performance after 4pm are only available by calling (646) 476-3551.

MICHAEL KIMMEL (Author) is the creator and adaptor of The Last Goodbye, a musical adaptation of Romeo and Juliet with music and lyrics by famed singer/songwriter Jeff Buckley. TLG had its world premiere at The Williamstown Theater Festival where it went on to break box office records for WTF's Nikos Stage. Recently TLG had an acclaimed production at The Old Globe Theater, San Diego, CA, helmed by two-time Tony nominee Alex Timbers. Other projects include #untitledpopmusical with Drew Gasparini (LPR, 2013) and a musical adaptation of Henry James' Turn of The Screw (Concert at Lincoln Center, 2012) also with Gasparini. Forthcoming: Wildwood, a new musical created by Kimmel, and Todd and Mitzy, a new play, both debuting in 2015.

LAUREN PRITCHARD (Music and Lyrics) was born and raised in the small town of Jackson, Tennessee, which most people know only as a Johnny Cash lyric. It's also the home of Carl Perkins and is located 120 miles from Nashville, where Songbird takes place. Lauren has lived in 31 apartments, 2 countries and 4 major cities since leaving her down-home roots 12 years ago. She originated the role of Ilse in the off-Broadway and Broadway productions of Spring Awakening, was signed as a songwriter by Sony/ATV Music Publishing, and then in 2010 released her debut album titled "Wasted In Jackson" on Island Records to critical acclaim. As a solo artist known as LOLO, she can be heard singing on the radio with bands like Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco, and Lemaitre, as well as artists like Matt Nathanson. Her new EP titled "Comeback Queen" will be released in 2015. LOLO is currently signed to DCD2 Records and spends her time touring and performing live with her band.

JV MERCANTI (Director) most recently directed the premier of World Famous at Theater for a New City. He served as the Associate Director/Casting Director on Romeo & Juliet starring Orlando Bloom and Condola Rashad. Numerous regional and university credits. MFA from Rutgers University. JV spent two years teaching Acting and Directing at the University of Miami and currently serves as the Director of Acting for the Musical Theater Program at PACE University. His monologue book series, IN PERFORMANCE, is published by APPLAUSE BOOKS. www.jvmercanti.com

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos

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