By Cris Franco
For Info, Streaming Link & Tickets Log Onto: https://54below.org
Mariachi Real de Mexico: Viva El Cinco de Mayo!
Sunday, May 5,2024 at 9:30AM
Whether you’re a Latine, Latinx, Latino/a – or just a good old Mexican-American who finds themselves in Manhattan this May – you’re in luck! 54 Below, NYC’s best theater supper club, is presenting a cultural fiesta that will have you singing, “Yo amo Nueva York!” The month of diversity starts on the May 5th, when the world-renowned Mariachi Real De Mexico de Ramon Ponce will fill the papel picado decorated venue with an unforgettable evening of musica! Donned in full mariachi regalia (just how big can those sombreros get?) the soul-stirring trumpets, violins and guitarrónes will have you getting your Mexican on, throwing gritos to all your mariachi faves. (Y yolver, volver, volver …) Well-renowned guest cantantes will lend their voices to iconic canciones in breathtaking performances that showcase the richness of Mexican culture, making this a Cinco de Mayo to remember — even if you do get a little borracho. And the cherry on your flan will be the club’s elite kitchen’s special menu serving up tacos, enchiladas, 54 Below’s classic guacamole and more!
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54 Sing Broadway’s Greatest Hits!
Tuesday, May 7 at 9:30PM and Saturday, May 25 at 9:30PM
If you want a thrilling night of the songs that made the Great White Way great — you must catch 54 Sings Broadway’s Greatest Hits. Perhaps the most successful series of cabaret shows of the 21st century (every show sells-out, FYI) creator Scott Siegel perfectly casts Broadway’s best actor-singers to deliver a well-thought-out roster of musical theater gems. Every selection is a highlight in this exquisite night of sung comedy, tragedy and every emotion in-between. How Broadway is that?! The May 7th performance will feature the talents of Elisa Galindez (Real Women Have Curves, The Musical) whose dynamic vocals have made her a talent to watch!
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54 Sings Taylor Swift The ERAS Tour (Leg 2)
Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 9:30PM – ET – (Live streamed)
Calling all Swifties! Tonight 54 Below will bring you highlights from Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour and more! From the hottest tour of the season by the most globally streamed artist of all time, a night of Swiftastic excellence awaits. As a genre-blurring artist, Swift has gone from country, pop, alternative, folk and electronic musical styles to being a culturally impactful mega-star and one of the highest selling musical artist of all time.
In typical 54 Below tradition, a host of Broadway and cabaret talent will be on hand to tailor the night to Swiftian heights. Just a few of those performing her platinum hits at this “Enchanted” evening will be Peyton Ávila Herzog, Haley Seda and Claire Valdez. Please note that Taylor Swift herself will not be performing at this event – although she will be with us in spirit. Produced and directed by Kate Coffey, with music direction by Canaan J. Harris.
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53 Sings The Carpenters
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 9:30PM
54 Sings Carpenters takes us on refreshing stroll down memory lane with a tribute to the chart-topping siblings Karen and Richard Carpenter. Surely everyone has a Carpenters favorite that always brings on a smile. Garnering 15 number-one singles, the duo embodied a simpler kinder era when one could be “On Top of the World” and feel “Close to You.” Presenting the uplifting and moving vocals will be Matt Baker, Victoria Elena & Luke Hawkins and many others who will interpret these timeless hits for your nostalgic pleasure. Joined by Moshe Elmakias on piano, Daniel Glass on drums, Steve Kenyon on flute, John Lind on bass, and Keve Wilson on oboe. Produced and hosted by Julia Marson, this Carpenters tribute show is not to be missed- and we’ve only just begun!
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Honoring Black Women In Music
Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 9:30PM
In this 3rd thrilling installment celebrating Black women’s contribution to music, 54 Below will shine a light on the cutting-edge compositions of Nina Simone, Toni Braxton, Anita Baker, Samara Joy and more. Through blues, rock, gospel, jazz, bluegrass, hip-hop (you name it) Black women in music have forged groundbreaking, monumental, lasting impressions in their quest for representation. Being an unstoppable force, they have lifted all humanity while reshaping music with their lyrical insights. It’s more than a concert—it’s a joyous gathering that fosters unity, connection, and empowerment.
Bringing their bountiful talents to the stage will be Gabrielle Beckford (Once Upon A One More Time), LaDawn Taylor (The Bodyguard) and Kimberly Hicks, Kaisha Huguley, Queade Norah, Pier Lamia Porter, Shamiea Thompson, Kiara Wade, Denise Ward, and Anania Williams. Produced/created/directed by Ashley Jossell. Music directed by Rashad McPherson. Joined by Shawn Dustin on drums and Criston Oates on bass.
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East Meets West: Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month
Friday, May 24, 2024 at 9:30PM – ET (Live Streamed)
This unique evening unites talent from both sides of the world to perform together on the 54 Below stage. Presenting classing Broadway duets and solos in a variety of languages, this will be a night for celebrating artists from different cultures who share the same goal: focusing the spot light on theater’s talented artists of AAPI (Asian American & Pacific Islander) heritage. Stepping up to the mike to represent will be the Josh Alvarez, Daniel Echevarria, Niko Grandos, Nova Gomez, Clark Mantilla, Daniel Echevarria and friends. Co-produced by Flynn Jungbin Byun and Victoria Chen, with direction by Byun. Music direction by Jeff Caldwell.
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Sondheim Unplugged
Sunday, May 26, 2024 at 7:00PM – ET (Livestreamed)
As evidenced by the fact that Sondheim Unplugged is back for its thirteenth season, this is show is always a sure hit. Every installment features top-tier performers delivering musical masterpieces by the Oscar, Tony, Grammy, Olivier and Pulitzer prize-winning composer credited with reinventing the American musical. Oh, and did I mention the Kennedy Center Honor and the Presidential Medal of Freedom? No matter. Just another feather in his hat. (Does anyone still wear a hat?) Host Rob Maitner infuses the evening with hilarious inside tidbits and informative historical references. Sondheim Unplugged always draws a sophisticated crowd of afficionados and performers. This night will feature the talents of Pamela Winslow Kashani (Into the Woods), Ramona Mallory (A Little Night Music), Shereen Pimentel (West Side Story), Lucia Spina (Into the Woods) and other Sondheim-friendly vocalists. Be there and wear a hat. Musical direction by Mark Hartman.
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The Cast of International World Tour of West Side Story
Tuesday, ay 29, 2024 at 9:30PM – ET – Live Streamed
“Maria, Maria, I just met a girl named Maria!” Yes, Tony loved Maria and the world loves West Side Story. Hence 54 Below’s bringing cast members fresh off the current international tour of the Broadway classic performing an inspiring mix of genres including Mexican folk, pop, rock, country, musical theater and more. You’ll hear Christopher Alvarado, Gerardo Esparza, Sonya Hernandez, Milan Magaña, Majo Rivero, Melanie Sierra, Michel Vasquez and special guest star Gabriela Garcia – all serving up the musical soul food our divided times have us presently craving. Produced by Majo Rivero and Gerardo Esparza. Music directed by Geraldine Anello, and featuring musicians Laura Masferrer and Antonio Mandosi.
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54 Sings Hair
Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 9:30PM
Could there be a better zeitgeist of 1960s counter culture than Hair? And just because mine is thinning, I’ve not lost any love for this turbulent tale of sexually awakened, draft card burning, environmentally conscious, war-protesting, communal hippies.
With era-defining songs including “The Age Of Aquarius,” “Let The Sunshine In,” and “Good Morning Starshine” you will experience a music-induced flash-back to the far-out sixties. Featuring a cast of Broadway alumni and rising stars, this special night will commemorate the beloved tribal-rock musical through a queer and trans lens. Join the groovy revolution and don’t miss out on this mind-expanding night! Head band, bell bottoms and love beads optional. Produced by Sarah Burke.
For info, streaming Link and tickets, LOG ONTO: https://54below.org