[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, March 3, 2019.] Deep moody melodies, a dark Yiddish lullaby, a few standards, and a smattering of singer-songwriter staples inform the splendid cabaret offering by veteran performer Joanna Gleason at 54 Below. This Broadway baby… Read More ›
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, September 19, 2018.] The show starts on the stairs at 54 Below. Twice in the past few weeks, these aural pre-shows have been somber celebrations of great diva lives. On August 16, the soundtrack was… Read More ›
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, August 18, 2018.] The first show empties out, and a rapt audience of cabaret enthusiasts files into 54 Below for a late-night show featuring Eric Yves Garcia honoring Tony Bennett. Garcia has built a… Read More ›
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, March 22, 2018.] The musical Baby, with music by David Shire and lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. opened at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in 1983 and ran for a total of 241 performances as a conventional… Read More ›
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, March 16, 2018.] Monday night at Feinstein’s / 54 Below, David Yazbek’s multi-modal jazz band of extraordinary performers was family welcoming guests stopping by on their night off from The Band’s Visit. Some pals… Read More ›
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, September 11, 2017.] Tony Roberts, one of the original stars of Sugar, the 1972 Broadway musical based entirely on the Billy Wilder, cross-dressing, Prohibition-era comedy film Some Like It Hot, hosted the “54 Sings… Read More ›
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, June 29, 2017.] I am a fan of the divas that inspire the passionate fandom Seth Sikes revealed in his June 24 cabaret show. I’ve wondered, as I’ve read reviews of his tribute… Read More ›
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, January 14, 2017.] Ute Lemper was framed in her recent 54 Below engagement by comfort and edginess – black leather pants topped with a short sleeveless black sheath dress. These costuming contrasts were… Read More ›
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, December 13, 2016.] The sixtieth edition of the Sondheim Unplugged concert series, that began its monthly adventures at the beloved Don’t Tell Mama venue on West 46th Street and is now ensconced at… Read More ›
[article as originally published in Theater Pizzazz, July 29, 2016.] [feature image caption: Andrew Kober and members of 1968 and 1977 Broadway casts of Hair. Image by Jennifer Ashley Tepper.] We let the sunshine in, and basked. For two concert performances… Read More ›
