Randy Graff, Amanda McBroom & More Set for 54 Below this Week

By: Oct. 06, 2014
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Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (646) 476-3551.

PAMELA BOB, October 6 at 9:30PM:

Pamela Bob, of A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, performs in a theatrical evening featuring the unusual and dynamic songs of Ellen Mandel and Michael Lydon, from jazzy ballads to lyrical settings of modern poetry, with a bit of bluesy funk for good measure. With Ellen Mandel on piano, Michael Lydon on guitar, and Pamela on vocals and ukulele, the group has performed several times downtown in NYC at the Cornelia Street Cafe, and on the New Gallery Concert Series in Boston. The performance will be directed by DJ Salisbury. Ellen Mandel has composed music for over sixty plays for the Mint, Jean Cocteau Rep, Phoenix Theatre Ensemble, and Riverside Shakespeare in New York, and many regionals. She has written five film scores, and recorded four CDs of her "ardent, spiky, and freshly organic songs", according to the New York Times. Michael Lydon, a pioneering rock writer and founding editor of Rolling Stone Magazine, interviewed Janis Joplin, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, B.B. King, and wrote Ray Charles: Man and Music, the definitive biography of the Genius. He is an East Village songwriter, whose forte is writing delicious jazzy tunes that inspire comparisons to classics from the American Songbook. $25-35 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.

RANDY GRAFF, October 7 at 7PM:

Back by popular demand - with new songs! George Gershwin. Carole King. Betty Comden. Harry Nilsson. Barry Manilow. Barbra Whatsername... What do these great writers and artists have in common? They were all born in Brooklyn! Also from the fourth largest city in America is Tony Award winner Randy Graff (City of Angels, Les Miserables), who will sing the music of artists from her hometown, backed up by a slammin' trio of musicians. Made in Brooklyn is the personal and musical story of Randy herself - one more great performer from Canarsie! "Randy Graff is not a showy performer. She simply stands, sings from her big heart and beguiles." - Andrew Gans, Playbill. $35- 45 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.

JOANNA GLEASON WITH WELL-STRUNG, October 7 at 9:30PM:

54 Below is delighted to welcome back Tony Award winner Joanna Gleason! Accompanied by Well Strung, the dazzling modern-day string quartet, Joanna's fantasy and real lives intersect underscored by tunes ranging from Billy Joel to Dave Frishberg to Johnny Mathis, with maybe even a little walk through the woods. Revered by Broadway audiences for her unforgettable (& award-winning) portrayal of The Baker's Wife in the original company of Into the Woods, New York has also embraced Joanna in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Nick and Nora and Sons of The Prophet among others, racking up all of the major theatre awards along the way. This is to say nothing of her film and TV work, which includes Boogie Nights, Crimes & Misdemeanors, The Wedding Planner, the upcoming Last Vegas and a whole host of other projects. It's the cabaret event of the fall as this eloquent, witty and thoroughly delightful star graces our stage. Be there! $45-55 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.

AMANDA MCBROOM & GEORGE BALL, October 8 at 7PM:

Amanda McBroom - American international cabaret performer and writer of the hit song, "The Rose," and her husband, multi-award winning musical theater lion George Ball - present the New York debut of their show, Some Enchanted Evening - Love Songs for Grownups. Some Enchanted Evening takes a deep dive into love with humor and feeling, through songs by such illustrious songwriters as Cole Porter, Jacques Brel, Kurt Weill, Stephen Sondheim, and of course, McBroom herself. The couple met doing Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris and starred in the original off-Broadway production. They have appeared together in Sweeney Todd and other shows in New York, Los Angeles, regionally and internationally. McBroom is a Golden Globe winner lauded for her talent for writing exceptional songs that are witty and profound and flush with feelings. Never over-the-top, her work seethes with a passion that is artfully funneled into music and lyrics revealed so well in her two most popular songs, "The Rose" (from the Bette Midler film of the same name) and "Errol Flynn," which McBroom wrote about her father, the actor David Bruce who worked with Flynn and Gary Cooper. McBroom's songs have been recorded by Leanne Rimes, Barry Manilow, Judy Collins, Barbara Cook, Anne Murray, Harry Belafonte, Betty Buckley, Stephanie Mills and The Manhattan Transfer, among others. George Ball, a star of the Broadway production of Brel, has just released his Debut CD, Think of Me (Gecko/LML), a collection of theater songs, Americana-tinged heartbreakers and story songs. He is a much-lauded actor and the recipient of two Robbies, an L.A. Drama Critics Circle Awards, the Dramalogue Award, and a Rep Award. His bold baritone, often compared to George Hearn and the late John Raitt, is put to use in a more contemporary fashion on Think of Me, with thoughtful, fresh arrangements by Michele Brourman and Stephan Oberhoff. With music by (among others) Bruce Springsteen and Mike Reid, Think of Me is a true surprise! $30-40 charge charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.

54 SINGS SINATRA, October 8 at 9:30PM:

Frank Sinatra is the most beloved and admired singer of our lifetime. He sold 150 million records and won 11 Grammy Awards, but that hardly begins to tell his story. 54 Below will honor Francis Albert Sinatra with an extraordinary evening of his most famous hits from throughout his career. The concert will offer Sinatra's early songs like "All or Nothing at All" and "I'll Never Smile Again," mid-career hits like "In the Wee Small Hours" and "Come Fly With Me," and from there to the classic years with songs like "It Was a Very Good Year," "Strangers in the Night," and "That's Life." Fascinating and little-known Sinatra anecdotes will pepper the evening, but the show will ultimately be all about the music, highlighting his greatest hits. The stars who sing his songs will be among the best and the brightest New York has to offer. And most important, the songs will be performed in the style that made them famous by Sinatra in the first place. Simply put, this will be an unforgettable tribute to America's greatest star. The show's creator and host, Scott Siegel, has written, directed, and produced concerts for Michael Feinstein; created, written and hosted the critically-acclaimed and long-running concert series Broadway by the Year at Town Hall (to begin its 15th season in February); and created and hosted Broadway Unplugged (12th annual edition at Town Hall on Jan. 26, 2015) and more than 100 other major concerts from coast to coast. Starring: Tom Wopat (Tony Nominee, Annie Get Your Gun), Janis Siegel (9 time Grammy Winner, Founding member of Manhattan Transfer), Sal Viviano (Broadway Star and concert artist), Jack Noseworthy (Sweet Smell of Success, movie star), Kendrick Jones (The Scottsboro Boys), Danny Gardner (NY Song & Dance Co.), Douglas Ladnier (Jekyll & Hyde, rare NY appearance!), Todd Murray (critically acclaimed nightclub crooner) and more stars to be announced! Musical Director: Ian Herman. Produced and Hosted by Scott Siegel. $35- 45 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.

QUINN LEMLEY, October 9 at 7PM:

THE HEAT IS ON! A Celebration of the Life of Rita Hayworth starring Quinn Lemley. Written and Directed by Carter Inskeep. Quinn Lemley brings her hit show up close and personal to 54 Below for one night only. Quinn is known for her uncanny resemblance to Rita Hayworth, from her flowing red hair to show stopping performances. The New York Post says, "You don't even have to squint your eyes to see that Rita is in the room." Celebrating the life, loves and career of Hollywood's most electrifying siren Quinn's critically acclaimed tour-de-force performance features a swinging band and the story that reveals an extraordinary life few have known. Rita's stories of Orson Welles, Prince Ali Khan and Columbia's notorious movie mogul, Harry Cohn. Unforgettable hit songs from Hayworth and her co-stars: Sinatra, Astaire, Gene Kelly - Put The Blame On Mame, Bewitched, Lady is a Tramp, I'm Old Fashioned, Long Ago and Far Away, Zip! And MORE! "Spellbinding, drop dead gorgeous...A great performer!" - The Village Voice. $35-45 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.

KELLI RABKE, October 9 at 9:30PM:

After a sold-out NYC cabaret debut at 54 Below this past spring, Kelli Rabke returns by popular demand with "No Place Like Home" - a dynamic show that focuses on the songs and roles that have shaped her career thus far. Her showbiz story is a true fairytale - from her role as 'Dorothy' in Paper Mill's Wizard of Oz to Andrew Lloyd Webber choosing her to star in the revival of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat- and her cabaret debut reveals the stories behind the story. Kelli went on to play Eponine in Les Miserables on Broadway and originate the song "Stranger to the Rain" in the premiere of Children of Eden. Weaving together beloved songs from the worlds of musical theatre and pop, Kelli travels from Broadway star to mom and back again proving there really is no place like home. $30-40 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.

THE NEWTILDAS: PAIGE BRADY, GABRIELLA PIZZOLO, RIPLEY SOBO & AVA ULLOA, October 20 at 7PM & 9:30PM:

Following their triumphant performances as "Matilda" in the Broadway smash Matilda The Musical, come see 11 year old Paige Brady, 11 year old Gabriella Pizzolo, 11 year old Ripley Sobo and 9 year old Ava Ulloa (aka the "Newtildas") perform some of their favorite songs from Broadway and beyond. These 4 pint-sized Broadway leading ladies will blow you away! Michael J. Moritz, Jr. is music directing and Van Dean (of Broadway Records) is producing. Paige, Gabriella and Ava made their Broadway debuts in Matilda. Ripley has been seen previously in Once and in the film Winter's Tale. It's sure to be an unforgettable evening! Paige Brady (age 11) from the Philadelphia area, is elated to be making her Broadway debut! Regional: The Music Man (Walnut Street Theatre). Paige also amuses her creative mind through art, writing, and reading. Special thanks to teachers, mentors and David Doan for their support and guidance. Love to mom, dad, sister Brooke, pug Bijou, family and friends. Gabriella Pizzolo (age 11) Broadway debut for a lifelong Roald Dahl enthusiast. Regional: Young Cosette, Susan Walker, Dagmar Hanson, Marta von Trapp. Everlasting gratitude and love to Dad, Mom, Gillian, family, friends, Orlando's School of Dance, Susan Wright, and the theater community in the capital district of New York. Ripley Sobo (age 11) Broadway: Once (Ivonka). Film: Winter's Tale, Warner Bros. (Abby). Thank you to: Nani/Saperstein Management, James O., Terry O. To her parents, family and friends: thank you for your endless guidance, support and love. Most of all, to her brother "buddy," her biggest fan and best friend. Ava Ulloa (age 9) is thrilled to be making her Broadway debut at the age of nine. Theatre Credits: Numerous community productions. Thanks to all teachers and mentors for their love and support. Special thanks and gratitude to Amelia & BYE and MKS&D. Big Hugs and lots of love to Friends, Family, Mom, Dad and Scarlette. $30-40 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.

PUNK GOES BELOW, October 10 at 11:30PM:

Take that studded belt out of storage and get ready for a night of pop, punk, and fun. "Punk Goes Below" will feature some of musical theatre's finest performing the songs of Fall Out Boy, Blink 182, Paramore, Panic! At The Disco, Yellowcard, My Chemical Romance, 5 Seconds Of Summer, and more, as well as wicked sick Pop-Punk vocalists covering Broadway classics and new musical theatre favorites. A portion of the proceeds from this concert will be benefiting "To Write Love On Her Arms", a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. Featuring Alexis Acar (PANIC! The Musical, Washington National Opera), Liz Byrne (Baby It's You), Seth Coggeshall** (His Dream Of Lions), Evan Ruggiero ("American Idol," "Ellen DeGeneres Show," PANIC! The Musical), Chris Gornes, Brady Loomer (PANIC! The Musical), Kera Lalli, Zakk Manella, Frankie Moschetto** (Dear Luna), Jimmy Mura** (Harborland), Natalie Ortega, Lyndsi Skewes, Rachel Sophia (PANIC! The Musical), Ashley Tobias (American Idiot Nat'l Tour), and Colby Witko** (Challenger, His Dream Of Lions). **Pop-Punk Vocalists. $20 cover charge. $20 food & beverage minimum or two drinks.

LESLI MARGHERITA- ALL HAIL THE QUEEN, October 11 at 11:30PM:

An evening of sheer entertainment, All Hail the Queen is totally more than a cabaret. It's a Vegas-style nightclub act. Olivier Award winner Lesli Margherita (Matilda, Zorro) takes the "reigns" from the likes of Bette Midler and Liza Minnelli. Commanding the room with sass and bawdiness - plus some self-deprecating humor for good measure - Miss Margherita sings and struts her way through the 70-minute set, which includes twists on old songs and new favorites (courtesy of musical director/arranger Brett Ryback). With hilarious storytelling and showstopping numbers, the evening offers something for everyone. There will be feathers. There will be sparkles. And you better believe there will be worshipping. ALL HAIL THE QUEEN! All Hail the Queen, written and conceived by Margherita, will be directed by Lauren Bass with musical direction & arrangements by Brett Ryback (Murder for Two) and produced by Jordan Bass & Lauren Bass. $25-35 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.

54 SINGS KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, October 12 at 7PM & 9:30PM:

Get caught in the web when 54 Below tips our white fedora to the infectious music of Kander and Ebb's celebrated 1993 Broadway score. The winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Spider Woman inflicts her venom on 54 Below audiences for one night only, featuring a special, rotating cast of Aurora's! On October 12, 54 Below should be Where You Are, or you'll regret it The Day After That! Starring Anthony Crivello, the Tony Award winning star of the original Broadway Production. Also starring: two time Helen Hayes Award winner Natascia Diaz, Cheryl Freeman, and Nicolas Rodriguez. With: Graham Bailey, Stephen Orr, Paul Pontrelli and Michael Romeo Ruocco. $40-50 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.



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