Photos: Norm Lewis Plays Feinstein's/54 Below

Director Richard Jay-Alexander joins Norm on stage.

By: Stephen Sorokoff Dec. 17, 2021

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It is no accident that Norm Lewis is in his 7th year, as a holiday headliner at FEINSTEIN'S 54 BELOW. He skipped a year due to the pandemic, and filmed last year's Christmas Special in the club, garnering an EMMY nomination, but the man was back in full force Thursday night, playing to a crowd that couldn't be happier to see him and be in the presence of the magnetic star and that sterling voice.

Check out photos below!

Norm Lewis's show is full of fun, frolic and solid musicianship. It is directed by his longtime friend and collaborator, Richard Jay-Alexander, with musical direction and arrangements by the equally gifted Joseph Joubert. The band is top-notch, with Michael Olatuja on electric and acoustic bass and the very imaginative, "toy-carrying' (as Norm told us) Perry Cavari, on percussion.

Emotions ran high and truth rang deep as we witnessed him communicate with the audience, as song after song just illuminated and displayed the magical gifts this actor/singer possesses. Whether it was the "opener" claiming he was "HOME" or bringing new life to "SOMEWHERE" and even catching us up on a job he lost, doing 42nd Street for the Chicago Lyric Opera (and in Paris), which he "righted" by asking for a volunteer, dressing them as Peggy Sawyer and doing the big number, to stop her from going back to "Allentown." Too many highlights to write about, but hearing him soar through Maltby & Shire's "STARTING HERE, STARTING NOW" was the greatest gift he could have given us. Another emotional moment was when Norm called Richard Jay-Alexander up to the stage and Richard got emotional talking about Norm and his talents and getting through the pandemic (which we all acknowledged is not over yet). There wasn't a dry eye in the house when the two bonded to lead us to light, and into the future ahead with "GET HAPPY/HAPPY DAYS." Lewis has invited different guests on various nights of the run.

A house full of fans from all over the map were in the house, as were conductor, Steve Reineke & husband Eric Gabbard and equally of note, Richard Weitz from WME with his daughter, Demi, both of whom founded QUARANTUNES, during the pandemic. I must admit, it was also quite humbling to get a shout out, from the stage, along with my wife, Eda. We are avid music lovers and attend many, many shows, so it was truly a surprise and holiday blessing to receive in such a warm room.

This engagement is not to be missed and resumes Sunday night through December 24th (Christmas Eve).

For more information visit: https://54below.com/

Photos: Norm Lewis Plays Feinstein's/54 Below
Norm Lewis

Photos: Norm Lewis Plays Feinstein's/54 Below
Feinstein's/54 Below

Photos: Norm Lewis Plays Feinstein's/54 Below
Norm Lewis

Photos: Norm Lewis Plays Feinstein's/54 Below
Joseph Joubert, music director & Norm Lewis

Photos: Norm Lewis Plays Feinstein's/54 Below
Norm Lewis

Photos: Norm Lewis Plays Feinstein's/54 Below
Richard Jay-Alexander & Norm Lewis

Photos: Norm Lewis Plays Feinstein's/54 Below
Richard Jay-Alexander

Photos: Norm Lewis Plays Feinstein's/54 Below
Richard Jay-Alexander & Norm Lewis

Photos: Norm Lewis Plays Feinstein's/54 Below
Norm Lewis

Photos: Norm Lewis Plays Feinstein's/54 Below

Photos: Norm Lewis Plays Feinstein's/54 Below
Norm Lewis & Audience member

Photos: Norm Lewis Plays Feinstein's/54 Below

Photos: Norm Lewis Plays Feinstein's/54 Below
Feinstein's 54/Below

Photos: Norm Lewis Plays Feinstein's/54 Below

Photos: Norm Lewis Plays Feinstein's/54 Below
Richard Jay-Alexander, Norm Lewis, Demi Weitz, Richard Weitz, WME

Photos: Norm Lewis Plays Feinstein's/54 Below
Eda Sorokoff, Stephen Sorokoff, Steven Reineke, Music Director/Conductor The New York Pops, Eric Gabbard

Photos: Norm Lewis Plays Feinstein's/54 Below
Eric Gabbard & Eda Sorokoff

Photos: Norm Lewis Plays Feinstein's/54 Below
Norm Lewis

Photos: Norm Lewis Plays Feinstein's/54 Below
Norm Lewis Holiday Cocktail

From This Author - Stephen Sorokoff

Stephen is also the cabaret/ music and co-theatre editor of the Times Square Chronicles. He studied at the Manhattan School of Music. Besides being a pianist, Stephen’s business career was in th... Stephen Sorokoff">(read more about this author)