Times Square Gossip

Ann Kittredge For the first time since winning the 2018 MAC Award for Best Debut, Ann Kittredge* returns to Feinstein’s/54 Below with her new show, Fancy Meeting You Here: An Evening Of Ahrens & Flaherty. Not merely a fan of the great collaboration between Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, which led to Tony-winning shows like Ragtime and Once On This Island, as well as Anastasia, Rocky: the Musical, and My Favorite Year, Ann is fascinated by what makes this particular collaboration an enduring success. Directed by Andrea Marcovicci (“the Queen of Cabaret”), with musical direction by Alex Rybeck, the show transports the audience from Dublin to England to the Caribbean–and beyond. Drawing on her early acting training at Carnegie Mellon and work on and off-Broadway, the rising cabaret star shares the unique wonder at the heart of each Ahrens and Flaherty creation. PRICING 40 – $50 Premiums: $80 Additional $6 If Purchased at Venue $25 Food & Beverage Mi...

Kim Maresca Feinstein’s/54 Below will present the triumphant return of Kim Maresca in her all new show IT’S MY PARTY AND I’LL BELT IF I WANT TO! next Wednesday, September 21st at 7 PM. Kim exploded onto the New York theatre scene last season with her starring debut as Judy Denmark in the Off-Broadway smash RUTHLESS! THE MUSICAL. Fresh from that “auspicious Off-Broadway debut” (Entertainment Weekly) in RUTHLESS!, Kim Maresca returns to Feinstein’s/54 Below to celebrate her birthday with IT’S MY PARTY AND I’LL BELT IF I WANT TO! Come get to know the gal that has “all the makings of a great big Broadway star!” (Gay City News) in this buoyant evening of songs that make her giddy, songs that make her dream…and songs that scare the sh*t out of her! With the aid of a top-notch, seven-piece band of Broadway musicians led by music director Jon Balcourt (THE BOOK OF MORMON), this evening of some of Kimmy’s favorite standards and Broadway showstoppers features sparkli...

Tori Murray Feinstein’s/54 Below will present the youngest solo performer in cabaret history, 11-year-old Tori Murray, in READY OR NOT, HERE I COME! tonight at 7 PM. Tori Murray has received unanimous critical acclaim for her current starring role as Tina Denmark in the award-winning musical smash RUTHLESS! In a genuine star turn, Tori Murray has the most powerful set of pipes currently exhibited Off-Broadway. Murray has a big future in showbiz! — Theatermania “Special praise goes to scene stealer Tori Murray, who looks like Shirley Temple and belts like Ethel Merman!” — Rex Reed, The New York Observer “The remarkably talented Tori Murray sends shivers up and down your spine!” — Curtain Up “Tori Murray, who’s sassy, funny and well sung as tawdry Tina, taps and slays with equal aplomb!” — Michael Musto, Out READY OR NOT, HERE I COME! is a mini-musical blending a tale of growing up through an eclectic coll...

**** BROADWAY'S BEST **** Rita McKenzie's Award Winning Ethel Merman Feinstein’s/54 Below is presenting the triumphant return of Rita McKenzie’s award-winning ETHEL MERMAN’S BROADWAY, the country’s longest-running one woman musical, this Saturday, December 12th at 7 PM. Rita McKenzie has performed her critically acclaimed show throughout the world – from New York’s Carnegie Hall to Pasadena Playhouse – from Canada to Europe and Asia. ETHEL MERMAN’S BROADWAY is a love letter to the life and times of Ethel Merman, the Queen of Broadway’s Golden Age. Ms. McKenzie brings to life more than 16 of the greatest hits of Broadway in this thrilling show which recalls the glorious days of the Great White Way and its brightest Star. Written by Christopher Powich and Ms. McKenzie and directed by Mr. Powich, McKenzie triumphs in a role in which she recreates the excitement of La Merm. A night to remember! “Bold and Brassy. A Don’t Miss!” - The New York Tim...

A Little Bit Of Broadway Broadway Records has announced that the newest addition to its Live at 54 BELOW series, “Micky Dolenz: A Little Bit Broadway, A Little Bit Rock & Roll – LIVE at 54 BELOW” will be released on September 25, 2015. The album is now available for pre-order .  In early July, Micky Dolenz performed several sold-out evenings at 54 BELOW, the famed performance venue in New York City. This charming Broadway performer and legendary rock ‘n’ roll star will be back to 54 BELOW September 25th and 26th by popular demand to celebrate the launch of his album. This brand new show was a way for Dolenz to combine his love of Broadway with his love for rock ‘n’ roll into one exuberant concert. The album consists of The Monkees greatest hits and some rarities, along with songs from the musical roles he has performed and the shows he loves. Dolenz framed each song with personal anecdotes and behind the scenes intel, such as his friendship with the B...

Peter Asher With Bruce Grakal, Micky Dolenz, Jim Kerr And Carol Miller Micky Dolenz’s final night at New York’s 54 Below brought out a bunch of special friends; including Q104.3’s Jim Kerr and Carol Miller, as well as superstar-producer/artist Peter Asher. Kerr, who had previously introduced Dolenz for two shows at B. B. King’s, did the same this night, referencing his work in his earlier TV-show Circus Boy, as well as the fact that the three-shows were all being recorded for a live album -to be released in September- which will share the title of the show, A Little Bit Broadway; A Little Bit Rock ‘n’ Roll, on Broadway Records. Dolenz blazed through the show with stellar support from his bad, led by Michael Moritz, Jr. Plans are afoot for Dolenz to return to the club in late-September.

Micky Dolenz Monkee-Micky Dolenz knocked it out of the park at his cabaret opening this week at 54 Below. Titled A Little Bit Broadway; A Little Bit Rock ‘n Roll, Dolenz neatly segued his Broadway-chops with several Monkee-hits, including the Carole King/Toni Stern (from HEAD) “As We Go Along,” which this writer just marveled at (fact: Neil Young and Ry Cooder were in on the original recording session). Watching him do “Don’t Be The Bunny” from the show Urinetown, and, “Mr. Cellophane” from Chicago was just marvelous; as he wrapped his golden-glove of a voice lusciously around these songs. “Cellophane” was preceded by a very home-spun story, as are all of these numbers. As always, Dolenz is a succinct and funny raconteur. I'm prompted to say that a book of these vintage anecdotes would be most welcome. Of course the Monkee-hits flowed, including “Last Train to Clarksville," "Pleasant Valley Sunday," "Daydream Believer...

Micky Dolenz Next week in NYC, at cabaret-club 54 Below, Monkee-Micky Dolenz , debuts a new show called A Little Bit Broadway; A Little Bit Rock ‘n Roll, and we have an exclusive peak into his rehearsal sessions held last week. Working with a new band, with music director Michael J. Moritz, Dolenz performs several Broadway-numbers that are simply sensational. Watch him do “Don’t Be The Bunny” from the show Urinetown, and, “Mr. Cellophane” from Chicago. He also does several Monkee-numbers, including a rare performance of the Carole King/Toni Stern song from Head, “As We Go Along.” The shows are July, 7, 10, and 11, and we’ll be on hand for a closer review. A lived-album will be recorded and released on Broadway Records in September.

**** THE GLORIOUS CORNER Story By: G. H. HARDING **** Micky Dolenz MAGIC MICKY --- We’ve been sworn to secrecy, but we were at a super-secret rehearsal last night for Micky Dolenz’s upcoming three-play at 54 Below on July 7, 10, and 11. The show is called A Little Bit Broadway, A Little Bit Rock ‘n’ Roll, which is a nice riff on Mr. Dolenz’s Broadway experiences (Aida; Grease; Pippin’; and Hairspray) then meshed seamlessly with his rock ’n roll music we all know so well. Working with a different band than usual—fronted by the astounding Michael Moritz (Matilda; Beautiful)—the show is an amazing revelation from a gentleman with one of the best voices in rock ’n roll ever. Micky’s stories, with which he explains and introduces each song, are hilarious and informative. Suffice to say that if you were a fan of Dolenz before, then this show is a must-see. I will exclusively add that’s there a song from the way-ahead-of-its-time 1968 Monkees feature f...

**** THE GLORIOUS CORNER Story By: G. H. HARDING **** Diamond Star Willie Nelson GO GREEN --- 54 Below, Broadway’s Supper Club (and, the old Studio 54 basement!), will present Alexa Green in A Shining Hour on September 11th, 2014 at 9:30PM. A Shining Hour is the solo debut of one of the most exciting new voices to come to NYC, soaring through a catalog of songs ranging from Harold Arlen to Mariah Carey. With a jazz ensemble backing her, Alexa successfully bridges the genres providing a vitality and freshness and making her mark on these timeless classics. Mitchell Walker is the Director/ Creator of A Shining Hour. Mitchell made his directorial debut last year at 54 Below with A Brass Act starring Broadway's Michelle Dowdy (Hairspray). This year he brought Once In Love with Amy Toporek to the 54 Below stage. Joining him will be Dylan Glatthorn (Republic, A Brass Act) as musical director/ arranger and on piano as part of a four piece jazz en...

**** WALTER MCBRIDE ON BROADWAY **** Phyllis Newman And Hunter Ryan Herdlicka Judy Katz With Hunter Ryan Herdlicka Elaine Stritch And  Bernadette Peters Jason Berrent With Hunter Ryan Herdicka And Richard Ridge Julie Wilson With Hunter Ryan Herdlicka The stars of Broadway attended a reception celebrating Hunter Ryan Herdlicka's 54 Below debut with 'You Make Me Feel So Young' in New York City. Photos By: Walter McBride/WM Photography/Retna Ltd.

**** JAMIE DEROY IN CONCERT **** Jamie deRoy Join celebrated cabaret performer Jamie deRoy when she hosts an evening of her Multi MAC Award-Winning Variety Show, Jamie deRoy & friends, on Monday, March 4th (7PM) at Manhattan’s newest Broadway nightclub, “Broadway’s living room,” 54 BELOW (254 West 54th Street ~ btw. 7th & 8th Avenues). Joining Jamie this evening will be: Lewis Cleale (Book Of Mormon); actor, Grammy Award-winning songwriter & country music star Larry Gatlin (The Will Rogers Follies); international classical/rock violinist, Daisy Jopling; MAC Award-winning comedian Cory Kahaney; and Tony Award-winner Tonya Pinkins (Caroline, Or Change, Jelly’s Last Jam). Ron Abel will serve as musical director and Barry Kleinbort will direct. Tom Hubbard joins Jamie on Bass. Kicking off its 23rd year, the colorful cabaret series has been thrilling New York City audiences and serves as the basis for deRoy's award-winning cable tele...

**** TIMES SQUARE PICKS **** Chester Gregory Chester Gregory (Sister Act, Hairspray) reprises his award winning interpretation of Jackie Wilson in the world premiere of his one man show, "The Eve of Jackie" at 54 Below on February 4th at 9:30PM. Gregory portrays Jackie Wilson, live in concert during his final days, revealing another side to the man "who truly gave his all and left it on the stage." Starring Chester Gregory as Jackie Wilson, with special guest Lillias White as LaVern Baker Directed by Da'Vine Joy Randolph Musically Directed by Rob Lewis Written by Crystal Lucas-Perry & Chester Gregory. CHESTER GREGORY Broadway credits include Sister Act (Eddie Souther), Hairspray (Seaweed), Cry-Baby (Dupree) and Tarzan (Terk). Other credits include The Jackie Wilson Story (Jeff, AUDELCO, BTAA and Black Excellence Awards), Shrek (Donkey), Dreamgirls (Jimmy Early), Scapin, Hairspray the Move and performing for Michael Jac...

**** WALTER MCBRIDE AT 54 BELOW **** Hilary Cole Sarah Rice Sing Harlem Sing And Vy Higginsen The Musical Group SING, HARLEM, SING! along with Hilary Kole, Sarah Rice and Vy Higginsen performed at the 54 Below press preview in New York City. Photos By:  Walter McBride / WM Photography / Retna Ltd.