Randy Graff, Dominic Chianese & More Set for 54 Below this Week

By: Oct. 20, 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.

BLOODSONG OF LOVE, BY JOE ICONIS IN CONCERT, October 20 at 7PM & 9:30PM:

BLOODSONG OF LOVE Live in Concert. Before Django got Unchained... Before there were a Million Ways To Die in the West... There was The Musician singing his Bloodsong of Love. Joe Iconis's Bloodsong of Love premiered in a workshop production at Ars Nova in 2010, played for four weeks, got nominated for three Drama Desk Awards, and rode off towards the sunset. But now it's back and ready to cause a ruckus right in the heart of Times Square. This immersive, concert-staging will give the audience a chance to experience the piece in a dynamic and intimate setting, and offer a glimpse into its future. Bloodsong of Love is a musical interpretation of a Spaghetti Western film. A dizzying work of high-octane rock and roll, it's story spins out in a breathless series of chapters that both embrace and shatter the conventions of classic musical theater. With unforgettable characters, tuneful songs, intense action and buckets of heart, the show is about staying true to what you believe in and never giving up. Stephen Sondheim meets Quentin Tarantino in Bloodsong of Love: a raging battle cry for those who believe in art and love and the sticking together! "Bloodsong of Love is that rare show that looks, sounds, and acts as though it's setting a trend, rather than just following one." -Matthew Murray, Talkin' Broadway. Starring: Katrina Rose Dideriksen (Hairspray, Jerry Springer The Opera), Eric William Morris (The Last Goodbye, Mamma Mia!), Jeremy Morse (Drama Desk nominee for Bloodsong of Love), Lance Rubin (Billy Witch, The Opposite of Sex), Phillipa Soo (Natasha, Pierre, And The Great Comet Of 1812) and Jason SweetTooth Williams (The Disappearing Man, Things To Ruin). $35-45 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.

RANDY GRAFF, October 21 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 21 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.

DONNY MOST, October 22 at 7PM:

Donny Most, best known as "Ralph Malph" from the long running hit television show Happy Days, and his 7 piece band, bring the songs of Sinatra, Darin, Martin, and more to life through his interpretations and creative arrangements. The swing era and 50's cool are fused together in one very unique show as Donny shares stories from Happy Days and beyond. Recently, Donny was seen in a recurring role on the hit TV show Glee, as well as a starring role in the indie film The Yankles. Join him at 54 Below for his NYC solo concert debut! $30-40 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.

SETH SIKES, October 22 at 9:30PM:

Seth Sikes makes his concert debut at 54 Below in an evening of Judy Garland's most celebrated songs-some of them in her key. Mostly known in the theater as an Assistant Director (for shows like The Nance, Tribes, and Pageant), Sikes gets on the stage this time with a band to recount how Garland captivated him as a young boy in Paris, TX, and to sing her greatest hits. Surprise special guests may also appear. $25-35 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.

BROADWAY BALLYHOO, October 23 at 7PM:

Scott Siegel's critically acclaimed Broadway Ballyhoo, which regularly features great Broadway and nightclub stars in New York City, plays this fall at 54 Below. This ever-changing musical variety show, soon to begin its third year of performances, will light up 54 Below this summer with all-star casts. For this show in its new home, Scott Siegel, best known as the creator/writer/host of Town Hall's signature series, Broadway by the Year (in its 14th season), welcomes to the stage Amanda Green, Karen Akers, and more on October 23. $25-35 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.

CAROLE J. BUFFORD, October 23 at 9:30PM:

The universally acclaimed nightclub star, Carole J. Bufford, returns to 54 Below for one night only on Thursday, October 23rd at 9:30 PM in a brand new show provocatively titled Boulevard of Broken Dreams. Compared by critics on both sides of the Atlantic to iconic stars as diverse as Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, and Ethel Merman, Ms. Bufford is ultimately her own unique creation of deep passion coupled with vocal ferocity. In this special concert performance she will be performing songs written by composers as diverse as Rodgers & Hart, Kander & Ebb, and Randy Newman. From tender to torrid, her performance of the songs in this new show will continue to build upon the raves she has received from critics at the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and dozens of other publications. This will be the only chance to see her in this new show before she begins her West Coast tour. "The real thing: you know it when you see it...The way her voice, with its blues inflections, cut a swath, leaving nothing standing, tempts me to describe her with groveling hyperbole as an earthier, more acerbic 21st-century Barbra Streisand. " -Stephen Holden, The New York Times. $25-35 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.

DOMINIC CHIANESE, October 24 at 7PM:

Actor and singer Dominic Chianese, known mostly for his starring role as Corrado "Junior" Soprano in HBO's The Sopranos, and for his role as Johnny Ola in The Godfather II, makes his 54 Below debut! Dominic has lived in New York City all his life, and worked in theatre- Broadway (The Rose Tattoo, Requiem for a Heavyweight), Off Broadway (Still Life, Much Ado About Nothing at the Delacorte) and in regional theatres all over the country. Since 1952 when he toured with the America Savoyards Gilbert and Sullivan company, Dominic has been regaling with song as well. (Not many folks know that Junior from The Sopranos made his Broadway debut in Oliver!) Dominic will be sharing "Neapolitan Songs Grandfather Taught Me" a selection of classic songs of Naples, including Dicitenciello Vuie, O Sole Mio, Marechiare, A Vucchella, and more. About his recent engagement at the Cafe Carlyle, Theater Pizzazz said "He holds the audience in the palm of his hand." $35-45 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.

COVEN- THE MUSIC OF STEVIE NICKS & FLEETWOOD MAC, October 24 at 9:30PM:

There is a Coven in Connecticut. And these Seven Wonders will usher in the Halloween season by singing the witchy songbook of Stevie Nicks, The High Priestess of Rock & Roll. Expect to hear her hit songs "Dreams", "Rhiannon", "Stand Back" and many more mystical solo and Fleetwood Mac masterpieces. Broadway and 54 Below's own Musical Director Brad Simmons proudly presents his favorite artist's catalog to NYC's nightlife audience, after the recent Junior Fellows' hit show performance at The O'Neill Theater Center's Cabaret & Performance Conference. Cast: Katie Emery, Laura Spineti, Jake Poulios, Braiden Sunshine, Nick Kellogg, Madeleine Carney and Abby Xenelis. Band: Brad Simmons (Piano), Dave Anderson (Bass), Alex Rubin (Guitars) and Mike Lunoe (Drums & Percussion). $25-35 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.

MUSEMATCH 3.0, October 24 at 11:30PM:

MuseMatch is a Musical Theater Blind Date Collaboration, where composers are paired with singers they don't know and are asked to share their deepest, personal joys and fears; and make a song together. All for charity. MuseMatch 3.0 is a benefit for The Trevor Project. Featured Composers: Timothy Huang, Mary Liz McNamara, Greg Edwards and Paul Libman, Kellen Blair and Joe Kinosian, Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson, Alex Rubin and Trevor Bachman, Michael Roberts, Jonathan Monro, Zack Zadek, Drew Overcash, Douglas Lyons and Ethan Pakchar, Aaron Accurso and Adam Overett, Will Reynolds, David Levinson, John McMahon and Jay Jeffries, and Trevor Bachman. Featured Singers: Tiffan Borelli, Greg Maheu, James Donegan, Patricia Noonan, Daniel Rowan, Allan K. Washington, Hanley Smith, Emilie Battl, Ariel Dobshinsky, Hansel Tan, Trista Moldovan, Jeremy Morse, Marty Thomas, Abbie Getty and Whitney Winfield. $20 cover charge. $20 food & beverage minimum or two drinks.

DEBORAH SILVER AND SPECIAL GUESTS INCLUDING TOM WOPAT, October 25 at 8PM:

Deborah Silver headlines this unique benefit concert in which 100% of the proceeds will go directly to "The Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook." Silver is currently at work on a new CD, produced by Steve Tyrell with musical arrangements by Alan Broadbent, and will be performing this fall at the 25th Annual Mabel Mercer Foundation's Cabaret Convention at Jazz at Lincoln Center. She has been seen coast to coast in a variety of performances including the role of Diana Morales in A Chorus Line, hosted for Showtime Network, and appeared in many soap operas including, "The Young and the Restless," "Days of Our Lives" and "Santa Barbara." Whether she is mesmerizing her audiences with a sultry, slow ballad, or belting out a vocal range that defies the small package it's coming from, Deborah Silver intends to leave you "Silverized"! Please join Deborah Silver, Marilyn Maye and Tom Wopat and help keep the Great American Songbook alive! Please visit www.deborah-silver.com. $30-40 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.

SAM FAZIO, October 25 at 11PM:

Chicago-based vocalist Sam Fazio returns to Manhattan for a special evening this fall. Sam's repertoire includes a unique mix of American standards, swing tunes and pop classics. His heartfelt interpretations bring new life to the standards and showcase his current, yet classic style. Sam's phrasing and storytelling is said to be reminiscent of the great Sinatra at his best-although Sam is definitely his own man. In this show, Autumn in New York, Sam will pay tribute to the singers and songs that have influenced him musically-like Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, and Michael Feinstein. Besides playful renditions of American standards like You Make Me feel So Young, Sam will also share his reinterpretation of pop classics like Time After Time. In addition, Sam will deliver an unforgettable medley of Broadway favorites. You won't want to miss this show as Sam makes his way from Chicago to Manhattan for this very special evening. Sam can be seen regularly at many venues throughout the Chicagoland area, including the Coq d'Or at the historic Drake Hotel where he holds residence every Friday night. In summer 2012, Sam performed for a full house at Feinstein's at the Loews Regency NYC. Musical direction by Chris White. To learn more about Sam and to listen to his music, visit www.samfaziomusic.com. $30-40 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.

SONDHEIM UNPLUGGED, October 26 at 7PM:

A celebrated New York event since 2010, the Bistro Award-winning series Sondheim Unplugged features some of Broadway and cabaret's most dynamic voices, accompanied by piano only. Expect tunes from A Little Night Music, Company, Into the Woods, Follies, Passion, Dick Tracy and more. Past special guests have included original Sondheim cast members such as Len Cariou, Victoria Mallory, Donna McKechnie & Chip Zien - so you never know who might drop in. Sondheim Unplugged is hosted by series creator Phil Geoffrey Bond, who will fill the audience in on Sondheimien facts, history & assorted tidbits of theatrical lore! Come join the party! SPECIAL GUESTS: Dee Hoty (Phyllis, Paper Mill Playhouse's Follies), Piper Laurie (Madame Armfeldt, Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara), Pamela Myers (Company's original Marta) and Sarah Rice (Sweeney Todd's original Johanna). FEATURING: Jim Brochu, Jessica Hendy, Maree Johnson, Kelli Rabke, Vale Rideout, Anne Runolfsson, Lucia Spina and Thom Christopher Warren. $30-40 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.

ASPECTS OF ANDREW: LLOYD WEBBER @ 54, October 26 at 9:30PM:

Cats. The Phantom of the Opera. Evita. Jesus Christ Superstar. Starlight Express. Sunset Boulevard. Aspects of Love. Song & Dance... the list goes on. 54 Below is delighted to tip our hat to the artistry of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, the celebrated composer who has left an indelible mark on Broadway, the West End & popular music. Featuring a rotating cast of some of Broadway and cabaret's best, Aspects of Andrew runs the gamut from the humor of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and By Jeeves, to the high-flying (adored) diva tunes that populate some of the most beloved musicals of the past half century. Turbans, masked deformity, roller skates, singing felines, love-starved hat designers, Mary Magdalene... expect it all at Aspects of Andrew. "Jellicle cats come out tonight!" Guests: Lennie Watts, Lina Koutrakos, Terese Genecco, Brian Charles Rooney, Lorinda Lisitza, Gabrielle Stravelli, Christina Bianco. $30-40 cover charge. $25 food & beverage minimum.



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