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54 Below
54 Below
from Wikipedia

Interior of 54 Below

Key Information

54 Below is a nonprofit cabaret and restaurant in the basement of Studio 54 in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Run by Broadway producers Steve Baruch, Richard Frankel, Marc Routh and Tom Viertel, 54 Below has hosted shows by such performers as Patti LuPone, Ben Vereen, Sierra Boggess, Peggy King, Lea Salonga, Marilyn Maye, Luann de Lesseps and Barbara Cook.

History

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54 Below opened on June 3, 2012. Its designers include architect Richard H. Lewis, set designer John Lee Beatty, lighting designer Ken Billington, and sound designer Peter Hylenski.[1] Scott Wittman also serves as Creative Consultant. Jennifer Ashley Tepper serves as the Director of Programming at 54 Below.

54 Below features a variety of musical artists and styles, including musical theatre, opera, and jazz, the last of which was featured in a series co-produced with WBGO.

In September 2015, 54 Below announced a creative alliance with performer and singer, pianist, and music revivalist Michael Feinstein, becoming Feinstein's/54 Below.[2] This partnership ended in July 2022, and the club reverted to the name 54 Below.[3]

At the 75th Tony Awards 54 Below was the recipient of a 2022 Tony Awards Honor for Excellence in the Theatre. [4]

On April 18, 2023, 54 Below announced they have transitioned to become a nonprofit organization.[5]

Awards

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  • 2013 BroadwayWorld New York Cabaret Award[6]
    • Patti LuPone: Show of the Year (Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda)
    • Sondheim Unplugged: Best Variety Show/Recurring Series
    • Terri White: Best One-Show Special Event (Blues to Broadway)
    • Alex Rybeck: Best Musical Director for Sibling Revelry with the Callaway Sisters
    • Jackie Hoffman: Best Musical Comedy Performance (Old Woman, New Material)
    • Laura Benanti: Best Female Celebrity Vocalist (In Constant Search of the Right Kind of Attention)
    • Susie Mosher: Best Host/Producer for Variety Show or Open Mic (Backstage)
    • Ann Hampton Callaway & Liz Callaway: Best Duo or Group Show (Sibling Revelry)
    • Ahrens & Flaherty: Best Revue (Nice Fighting You: A 30th Anniversary Celebration)
    • Jason Robert Brown: Best Original Song for a Cabaret Show ("Twenty-Six Names")
    • Jane Monheit: Best Jazz Vocalist
  • 2013 Bistro Awards[7]
  • 2013 June Briggs Award: Excellence in Destination Management Services[8]
  • 2013 Concierge Choice Award: Nightlife[9]
  • MAC Awards: Board of Directors Award (2013)[10]
  • 2013 Nightlife Award[11]

Selected performers

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Among the performers who have performed at 54 Below:[12]

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54 Below was used in the setting of the Downton Abbey parody Downton Abbey the Musical.[13]

It was also featured in the third season of the webseries Submissions Only.[14]

Recordings

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A partnership with Broadway Records has produced live albums of selected shows performed at 54 Below.[15]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
54 Below is a nonprofit and supper club in , , dedicated to preserving and expanding the art of cabaret through performances of Broadway music and diverse artists. Located at 254 West 54th Street in the basement space originally occupied by the legendary nightclub, it serves as a intimate venue known as “Broadway’s ,” seating 140 patrons with all tables within 24 feet of the stage for an up-close experience. The club hosts up to three shows nightly, combining live entertainment with fine dining featuring classic reimagined by Executive Chef James Klapak, and includes pre-theater dinner service starting at 5:30 p.m. Founded in June 2012 by Tony Award-winning producers Tom Viertel, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel, and Steve Baruch, 54 Below was established to revive the tradition in New York amid a decline in such venues. It transitioned to nonprofit status in April 2023, broadening its mission to support emerging and established performers while expanding audiences for cabaret artistry. The venue's design, crafted by Tony Award winners John Lee Beatty (sets), Ken Billington (lighting), Peter Hylenski (sound), and architect Richard Lewis, emphasizes an elegant, immersive atmosphere with advanced audio and video broadcast capabilities for wider reach. In 2022, 54 Below received a special ® Honor for Excellence in the Theatre, recognizing its contributions to the . The club continues to feature a diverse lineup of Broadway stars, jazz musicians, and cabaret artists, fostering a vibrant nightlife scene that blends culinary excellence with musical heritage.

Overview

Location and Facilities

54 Below is located at 254 West 54th Street in the basement level of the historic building formerly known as , situated in Midtown Manhattan's Theater District, . This underground space evokes the intimate ambiance of a classic supper club while paying subtle homage to the legendary nightlife legacy of above ground. The venue accommodates approximately 140 patrons across its main dining room and bar, arranged in a cabaret-style configuration with tables for four, banquette seating, and bar stools to foster an up-close —no seat exceeds 24 feet from the stage. The stage measures 21 feet in upstage length, 16 feet in downstage length, and 9 feet in depth, supporting a variety of performances in an intimate setting. As a , it functions as a full-service , offering a seasonal of including like roasted cauliflower soup, entrees such as , and classic cocktails, prepared under Executive Chef James Klapak. The design was crafted by a team of acclaimed professionals: architect Richard H. Lewis, interior designer John Lee Beatty, lighting designer Ken Billington, and sound designer Peter Hylenski, ensuring an elegant yet functional space optimized for live entertainment. Technical facilities include a state-of-the-art Meyer Sound audio system with under-stage subwoofers, deployable loudspeakers for monitoring, and broadcast-quality audio-visual equipment capable of recording and streaming performances. For accessibility, patrons enter via an in the adjacent building, with staff assistance available upon request; the venue also offers a $15 ticket initiative to broaden audience reach.

Ownership and Management

54 Below is owned and operated by the Broadway producing team of Steve Baruch, Richard Frankel, Marc Routh, and Tom Viertel, who are renowned for their work on the Tony Award-winning musical . This quartet has guided the venue's operations since its inception, blending commercial savvy with a commitment to excellence. Key management figures include Jennifer Ashley Tepper, who serves as Creative and Programming Director, overseeing the curation of shows and artist support, and General Manager Mandisa Boxill, who leads restaurant operations. , a Tony Award winner, has contributed as creative consultant, influencing early programming and artistic vision. In 2015, the owners formed a creative partnership with singer and American Songbook advocate , which led to the venue's temporary rebranding as Feinstein's/54 Below until 2022. This collaboration enhanced the club's focus on classic standards while maintaining its Broadway-centric identity. Following over a decade as a for-profit enterprise, 54 Below transitioned to nonprofit 501(c)(3) status in April 2023, enabling expanded initiatives to subsidize artist production costs, offer discounted tickets, support emerging performers, and preserve the art form for future generations. The ownership team continues to steer programming decisions to align with this mission.

History

Establishment and Early Years

In early 2012, Broadway producers Tom Viertel, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel, and Steve Baruch announced plans to open 54 Below, a cabaret venue in the basement of the building that formerly housed the iconic Studio 54 nightclub, aiming to revive the cabaret and Broadway performance traditions of New York's theater district nightlife. The project, envisioned as "Broadway's living room," sought to fill a mid-priced niche for intimate shows featuring established and emerging talent, distinct from upscale spots like the Café Carlyle or downtown alternatives like Joe's Pub. The space, with a 140-seat capacity, was designed by architect Richard H. Lewis, set designer John Lee Beatty, lighting designer Ken Billington, and sound designer Peter Hylenski to evoke a warm, vintage atmosphere conducive to cabaret. 54 Below officially opened on June 5, 2012, with a two-week engagement by in her show , directed by , which drew strong crowds and praise for its intimate setting and high-quality sound. Early programming emphasized Broadway revivals and acts, featuring performers such as , , , and in the months following the launch, focusing on musical theater standards and personal storytelling to reconnect audiences with the genre's roots. Initial reception was positive, with critics and patrons highlighting the venue's accessible vibe, excellent acoustics, and role in nurturing 's resurgence amid a shifting New York entertainment landscape. In September 2015, 54 Below entered a creative partnership with singer and American Songbook ambassador , rebranding as Feinstein's/54 Below to underscore its commitment to preserving heritage while expanding its programming scope. Under this alliance, Feinstein committed to performing twice annually, helping to elevate the venue's profile during its formative years.

Evolution and Recent Developments

In July 2022, the creative partnership between 54 Below and , which had renamed the venue Feinstein's/54 Below since 2015, came to an end, prompting a return to the original 54 Below branding. This shift allowed the venue to refocus on its core mission as a hub for Broadway and artists, independent of the previous collaboration. During its tenth anniversary celebrations, 54 Below received the 2022 Tony Awards Honor for Excellence in the Theatre on June 12, 2022, recognizing its vital role in nurturing performers and preserving traditions within the Broadway ecosystem. The honor underscored the venue's decade-long contributions, including hosting over 3,000 shows and supporting both established stars and emerging talents. On April 18, 2023, 54 Below announced its transition to a , a strategic move aimed at sustaining operations amid post-pandemic financial pressures and enhancing support for emerging artists through subsidized productions and discounted tickets. This conversion, guided by its original owners who assumed board leadership roles, enabled expanded initiatives like the $15 ticket program and artist subsidies to broaden accessibility and preserve artistry. Following the nonprofit shift, 54 Below has broadened its programming as Broadway continues to rebound from disruptions, presenting over 700 performances annually, including multiple nightly shows and themed series that highlight international musicals and new works through 2025. This growth reflects a commitment to resilience, with ongoing events such as "2025 Wrapped" celebrations and collaborations fostering diverse voices.

Programming and Performances

Show Formats and Programming

54 Below primarily features cabaret-style performances, including Broadway tributes, interpretations, and original musical works, presented in an intimate setting that honors the tradition of nightlife. Shows typically occur nightly, with up to three performances scheduled, including an early seating around 7:00 PM lasting approximately 90 minutes, followed by later sets at 9:30 PM, allowing patrons to enjoy pre-theatre dining starting at 5:30 PM. The venue's programming is curated by Creative and Programming Director Jennifer Ashley Tepper, who oversees a diverse lineup emphasizing Broadway's legacy while incorporating contemporary voices. This includes themed nights dedicated to celebrating composers, such as the annual "54 Celebrates" series, exemplified by tributes to featuring Broadway and stars performing his iconic scores like "." A flagship offering is the "54 Sings" series, which reimagines hit songs from musicals through fresh interpretations by rotating casts of performers, covering themes from Broadway's greatest hits to overdone tunes and specific shows like . Performances integrate seamlessly with dining, as 54 Below operates as a where shows occur amid a seasonal menu of , with pre-show reservations encouraged for full experiences. As of 2025, ticket prices typically range from $25 (promotional) to $70 (premium, including fees), varying by performer, seating, and initiatives; a $25 and beverage minimum applies to most patrons, waived for select low-price tickets. To enhance since becoming a nonprofit, 54 Below offers initiatives like $15 Ticket Initiative seats (no minimum) and $35 tickets for 35 Below members (under 35 years old). Special events adapt this format for occasions like holiday residencies, where artists deliver extended runs of seasonal material, enhancing the venue's year-round appeal. As a since 2023, 54 Below supports emerging talent through initiatives like the Genesis Project, which provides educational opportunities and performance slots for early-career writers, musicians, and vocalists, and the Verses & Voices program, offering mentorship and fees to select composers and lyricists. These efforts ensure a pipeline for new artists, blending accessibility with .

Notable Performers and Residencies

54 Below has hosted a distinguished array of performers since its opening, drawing Broadway luminaries and icons whose appearances have solidified its status as a premier intimate venue. Among the Broadway stars, two-time Tony Award winner launched the venue's inaugural show with her concert in June 2012, followed by her acclaimed return in February 2013 with Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda, a reflective program of songs from her career that played to packed houses and earned a 2013 Award for Show of the Year. Tony Award winner Ben Vereen has made recurring appearances, including his high-energy Steppin' Out in 2016 and 2017, where he delivered signature numbers from Pippin and beyond, captivating audiences with his dynamic presence and earning rave reviews for revitalizing classic Broadway material. Sierra Boggess, known for originating Ariel in The Little Mermaid, debuted her solo show Awakening at the venue in 2013, which was later recorded live, and has returned multiple times, including a sold-out 2024 engagement and a 2025 program exploring personal stories through song, highlighting her versatile soprano and storytelling prowess. Tony Award winner Lea Salonga brought her international stardom from Miss Saigon to 54 Below in April 2016 with a debut that sold out quickly, featuring intimate renditions of standards and pop covers, followed by an encore run in 2017 that extended to 15 performances due to demand, showcasing her crystalline voice in a more personal cabaret format. Cabaret legends have also graced the stage, contributing to the venue's reputation for nurturing timeless artistry. , a perennial favorite dubbed the "Queen of Cabaret," has performed annual engagements, including her 97th birthday celebration in 2025 with a jazz-infused tribute to Broadway and , drawing crowds with her enduring vocal power and charismatic delivery across sold-out runs. The late , a Tony winner celebrated for her crystalline interpretations, headlined a two-week jazz-oriented residency in April-May 2013, performing to full houses and demonstrating her impeccable phrasing on American Songbook classics, which critics praised as a in vocal intimacy. star and cabaret performer , known as the "Countess," launched her Countess Cabaret series in 2018, playing to sold-out crowds with glamorous medleys of pop and standards, often featuring Housewives guests, and continuing with holiday specials that blend humor, dish, and song to enthusiastic repeat audiences. Following 54 Below's transition to nonprofit status in 2023, the venue has expanded residencies for emerging artists, providing subsidized opportunities for up-and-coming talents to develop material in a supportive environment. Programs like New Year, New Voices showcase young performers in themed evenings, fostering career growth through professional staging and audience exposure, with participants often progressing to Broadway or major cabarets. These performers have profoundly impacted 54 Below's reputation, with sold-out runs by artists like Salonga, Boggess, and de Lesseps driving demand and establishing the venue as a launchpad for career milestones through 2025, where debuts and residencies have led to recordings, awards, and broader recognition for both veterans and newcomers.

Recognition and Awards

Venue Honors

54 Below has received several prestigious honors recognizing its role as a premier venue in . In 2022, Feinstein’s/54 Below (now known as 54 Below) was awarded the Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theatre by the , acknowledging its commitment to preserving Broadway music and providing a supportive space for performers at all career stages. This honor, presented during the venue's tenth anniversary year, underscored 54 Below's unique mission as Broadway's "," fostering community and artistic expression in an intimate setting. Earlier accolades further highlighted the venue's early impact. In 2013, 54 Below earned the Concierge Critics Award for Best Venue, voted by New York City's hospitality professionals for its exceptional programming and atmosphere. That same year, it was honored by the New York Nightlife Awards as the city's newest and received the Nightlife Award, celebrating its innovative contributions to the city's scene shortly after its opening. Also in 2013, 54 Below received the MAC Special Award from the Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs, recognizing its contributions to the community. These recognitions affirmed 54 Below's rapid establishment as a vital hub for live entertainment. In 2012, 54 Below received the June Briggs Award for Excellence in Services, acknowledging its role in supporting high-caliber shows. These venue-specific honors have significantly elevated 54 Below's status within New York's theater community, positioning it as a go-to destination for and Broadway talent while enhancing its reputation for artist support and cultural preservation. By garnering endorsements from industry bodies like the administration and local nightlife organizations, the venue has solidified its influence, attracting broader audiences and collaborations in the competitive New York entertainment landscape.

Associated Artist Accolades

In 2013, received the BroadwayWorld New York Award for Show of the Year for her performance of Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda at 54 Below. That same year, the Bistro Awards honored for Singular Artistry in a performance at the venue, alongside recognitions for and for their respective shows there. The 2013 MAC Awards also celebrated excellence tied to 54 Below productions, including wins for the ensemble Broadway Swings featuring Terese Genecco, Natalie Douglas, and Scott Coulter, as well as individual honors for T. Oliver Reid and Lennie Watts for their performances at the club. Following these early successes, artists associated with 54 Below continued to earn accolades in the BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards during the venue's transition to nonprofit status in 2022. Notable examples include 's 2021 win for Best Drag Artist or Impersonator for Alexis Michelle PRIDE AT 54, Ava Nicole Frances and Charlo Crossley's 2022 Best Debut Show for Mutual Admiration, and 's 2024 recognition for Norm Lewis: Summertime (Special Tony Awards Edition). These awards highlight performers such as LuPone, Bond, and Lewis who have elevated cabaret through their residencies and one-night engagements at the venue.

Recordings and Media

Live Album Productions

Since its opening in , 54 Below has partnered with Broadway Records to produce live cast albums capturing select performances at the venue. This collaboration, initiated in late and formalized by , focuses on recording intimate shows featuring Broadway artists, resulting in a discography that documents the evolving landscape of . Notable releases include Patti LuPone's Far Away Places: Live at 54 Below (2013), which showcases her interpretations of standards and musical theater songs. Sierra Boggess's Awakening: Live at 54 Below (2013) highlights her vocal range through a mix of Broadway and contemporary pieces, marking an early entry in the series. Themed compilations, such as When I Grow Up: Broadway's Next Generation (Live at 54 Below) (2013), feature emerging talents performing songs from shows like Evita and Mary Poppins, while Side Show: Added Attractions - Live at 54 Below (2015) reunites cast members for rare material from the musical. The production process typically involves on-site audio capture during live performances at the venue, followed by and mixing in to refine the sound for commercial distribution in digital, CD, and streaming formats. Albums are overseen by producers like Aaron Ankrum or Will Van Dyke, ensuring the raw energy of the setting is preserved while meeting professional audio standards. By 2025, the partnership has yielded over two dozen albums, significantly contributing to the preservation of artistry by archiving performances that might otherwise remain ephemeral and supporting 54 Below's nonprofit mission to develop emerging artists through documented works. These recordings extend the venue's reach beyond live audiences, fostering appreciation for cabaret traditions and providing career milestones for performers. 54 Below has been featured in various media portrayals that highlight its role as a vibrant venue in New York City's theater scene. In the third season of the Submissions Only (2013), the venue serves as a key setting for episodes depicting cabaret performances and behind-the-scenes theater dynamics, including Episode 6, which was filmed on-site to capture authentic intimate show scenes. The club has also inspired parodies within musical theater, notably in Downton Abbey the Musical!, a comedic spoof performed and filmed at 54 Below in 2013, which satirizes the British period drama through Broadway-style numbers and references the venue's basement ambiance as part of its staging. Press coverage has frequently showcased 54 Below's cultural footprint, such as a 2022 New York Times article marking the venue's 10th anniversary, which described its evolution into a post-pandemic hub for live amid Broadway's recovery. Ongoing event listings in 2025, including performances by artists like , continue to position it as a staple in BroadwayWorld's coverage, emphasizing its role in nurturing emerging and established talent. Since July 2021, 54 Below has expanded its media presence through the "LIVE From 54 Below" series, which streams select live performances directly to online audiences worldwide, making accessible beyond the physical venue and supporting its nonprofit goals. Often dubbed "Broadway's ," 54 Below symbolizes an accessible, cozy extension of Broadway's energy, providing a space for unscripted post-show interactions and intimate performances that foster a among theater professionals and audiences. This nickname underscores its cultural significance as a welcoming after-hours destination, distinct from larger theaters, and has been echoed in reviews and promotional materials highlighting its warm, lounge-like atmosphere.

References

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