On Sunday, July 8,welcomes Tony Award winner Alice Ripley (Next to Normal, Side Show) as the special guest star at the venue’s weekly “Backstage” event.  On Sundays at 5pm, the theatre district is alive and abuzz with scores of hardworking actors who’ve just finished their workweeks with that final matinee before their day off. “Backstage” is a weekly Sunday evening event, from 5 – 7 p.m., where the theatre community can convene to relax and unwind - have a cocktail, enjoy the food of Chef Andre Marrero, and maybe get up and sing. This casual, social evening is a chance for us to welcome the theatre community for a few hours of fun and frolic at the end of an 8-show week. “Backstage” is hosted by three of Broadway’s funniest talents - Brooks Ashmankas (The Producers, The Ritz, Gypsy), Ann Harada (Smash, Avenue Q, Seussical, 9 to 5) and Susie Mosher (Hairspray), who’ll keep the evening rolling along with special guest performers and wise and witty repartee from the world of The Great White Way.  No Cover charge.  Food and beverage minimum:  $15.  Doors open at 5 p.m.

Broadway legend and Tony Award winner Ben Vereen brings his hit show, “Steppin' Out with Ben Vereen,” to 54 Below, July 10 – 21. A high energy tribute to the music of Broadway, along with musical selections made famous by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr., audiences can expect to hear classics such as "Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries", "Mr. Bojangles" and even "Defying Gravity". Well known to theatre audiences for his Tony and Drama Desk winning performance in Pippin, Vereen has also appeared on Broadway in Wicked, Chicago, Fosse and Jelly's Last Jam. Television audiences will remember him from his celebrated portrayal of Chicken George in Roots, along with recent appearances on “How I Met Your Mother,” “Grey's Anatomy” (Prism Award) and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.” In January, 2012, Mr. Vereen was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame.  Cover charge: $50 - $60.  Food and beverage minimum:  $30.  Doors open at 6:00 pm for 8:00 pm shows.  Doors open at 10:00 pm for 11:00 pm shows.

To purchase tickets, visit www.54Below.com or call (866) 468-7619.

MORE ABOUT 54 BELOW: 

54 BELOW, Broadway’s nightclub is the new performance venue in the grand tradition of New York City nightlife.  A few blocks from the heart of Times Square and just below the legendary Studio 54, 54 BELOW is a classically designed state-of-the art nightclub in the theatre district that hosts audiences with warmth and style.

In their description of 54 BELOW, The New York Times writes “the club has the intimacy of a large living room with unimpeded views and impeccable sound; there is not a bad seat. Its sultry after-hours ambience is enhanced by brocade-patterned wall panels planted with orange-shaded lanterns. And the atmosphere is warmer and sexier than in Manhattan’s other major supper clubs.”  The New York Post calls the venue "a gorgeous new cabaret space.  With its heavy lineup of moonlighting Broadway stars, 54 Below has the congenial feel of a theater hangout where stars go to unwind and sing the songs that really matter to them. It’s a pleasure to share their joy."

Designed by Tony Award winner John Lee Beatty and architect Richard Lewis, lit by Tony Award winner Ken Billington, and with sound by Tony Award nominee Peter Hylenski, 54 BELOW features an in-your-living-room intimate relationship between its performers and audiences. Tony Award winner Scott Wittman serves as creative consultant and MAC Award Winner Phil Geoffrey Bond serves as director of programming.  André J. Marrero is the Executive Chef of the new venue, which provides a food and beverage menu from early evening through the wee hours of the morning that is worthy of the world-class entertainment on the stage.  Bringing together his love of the arts with his passion for cooking and hospitality, Chef André has created a market driven contemporary bistro menu that includes ingredients sourced from all over the world.  

54 BELOW is managed by Tony Award winning producers Tom Viertel, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel, and Steven Baruch.  54 BELOW features up to three shows nightly and has audio and video recording capabilities.  The cover charge ranges from $5-$85. 

54 BELOW is located at 254 West 54th Street. Tickets and information are available at  www.54Below.com.

54 BELOW is not affiliated with or connected to the Roundabout Theatre Company in any way. 

Piano furnished by Steinway & Sons.