by: Brian Scott Lipton & Magda Katz
On Tuesday, April 7, 54 Below presented a sneak peak of four of its most anticipated new shows.
Theater World Award winner and cabaret favorite Nellie McKay performed “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying” from her new show, which will play the club on April 13, 15, 16, 17, and 18 at 9:30pm. Afterwards, McKay told Theater Pizzazz about why she loves the music of the 1960s, reveals which Tony Award winner taught her how to play the ukulele, and confesses why she prefers playing smaller clubs rather than larger venues.
Tony Award winner James Monroe Iglehart, currently appearing as the Genie in Broadway’s “Aladdin,” performed an original hip-hop number from his show, “How the Heck Did I Get Here?” which will be seen on Mondays May 4 and 18 at 7pm. Iglehart discussed his eclectic musical tastes, his readiness to work even on his night off from “Aladdin,” and his love of talking to audiences.
Tony Award nominee Robin De Jesus, who is currently playing Bog in Broadway’s “Wicked,” performed a slowed-down version of Miley Cyrus’ pop hit “Wrecking Ball,” from his new show “#THESTRUGGLEISREAL,” which will be seen on Monday, May 4 at 9:30pm. DeJesus talked about his inspiration for this very personal evening, his trepidation about turning 30, and the differences between the fans of “Wicked” and one of his previous Broadway shows, “Rent.”
Finally, Tony Award winner Cady Huffman performed “No Man Left for Me” from the upcoming revue “Our Guy Cy,” a tribute to composer Cy Coleman co-starring Randy Graff and Lillias White, to take place on May 15, 16, and 20 at 7pm. Huffman, who was joined by director Will Nunziata, spoke about her audition with Coleman for “The Will Rogers Follies,” singing that show’s opening song “Will-a-Mania” for the first time in more than 20 years, and why she envies (and adores) former co-star Dee Hoty.
Take a look and listen!
Photos/Video: Magda Katz
