Photos: Norm Lewis Concludes SUMMERTIME (Special Tony Edition) at 54 Below

In all my years of going to shows, whether theatre, concerts, clubs, cabaret, etc., I have never done what I did this past week and I’m not sure I can even explain. I went to see Norm Lewis at 54 Below on June 6th and didn’t just love it, I was somehow hypnotized by the man and the material.

That night, Miss Melba Moore was his Special Guest and was invited to share the stage and something magical happened. The program was all showtunes and treasures from Broadway-current, past and even a little in between, with one brilliant piece of Off-Broadway gold, "Try to Remember," dedicated to the memory of the late, great Jerry Orbach.

Then, upon finding out the Guest List for the entire seven shows, we just decided we wanted to be there and it was the right decision. Night after night, songs were added and/or subtracted to adapt to the desired length of the show. Every night, Norm’s longtime friend and trusted Director, Richard Jay-Alexander was on the scene, along with Musical Director/Arranger Joseph Joubert on keys, Perry Cavari on drums and percussion and a very cool Dylan Shamat on both electric and acoustic bass. Each night a different kind of magic and, lucky me, living so nearby, I was able to capture all the award-winning guests and high-profile friends.

So, here's to Norm Lewis, who brought summer early to all of us at 54 Below, is a scrapbook of his seven nights and special guests, both on stage and off. Now that the run is over, what will Eda and I do tonight? Bravo! 

Photo Credit: Stephen Sorokoff