Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the most successful composers in musical theatre history, and I recently had the opportunity to attend a concert at Feinstein’s/54 Below, featuring the cast of Cats saluting his musical prowess.

With songs from Evita, Sunset Boulevard, The Phantom of the Opera, Starlight Express, School of Rock, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat…and more….it was an evening to remember….literally.  Opening the program was Jessica Hendy, a veteran Cats star in the role of Grizabella, who shared both her behind the scenes stories and her strong, beautiful pipes as she kicked off the program by belting the iconic song Memory.

The other triple threat performers included  Richard Todd Adams, Maria Failla, Lili Froehlich, Francesca Granell, Harris Milgrim, Madison Mitchell, Megan Ort, Arianna Rosario, Christine Cornish Smith and Tanner Ray Wilson.  The song lineup featured a combination of solos and duets, and each performer more then delivered.

I have become an ardent fan of this venue. Feinstein’s/54 Below is  such a class act and lovely, intimate space that offers a great opportunity to see Broadway’s best up close ‘n personal.  There’s no bad seat in the house, and sometimes you are seated at tables or booths with others, so it becomes a communal experience.

In addition to the price of admission, you are required to spend a certain amount on food/drink, but you will enjoy.  The food is excellent.

What I particularly embrace is that Feinstein’s/54 Below showcases up ‘n coming talents as well and offers a place to hear new works that have yet to be produced, offering them exposure and the opportunity for further development.  This is so needed and welcomed in the theatre industry.

As stated on their website, in June of 2012, the club opened under the name 54 Below. The space underwent a complete reinvention by multiple Tony Award-winning producers Tom Viertel, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel and Steve Baruch (Hairspray, The Producers), who brought together Broadway’s and New York’s most creative artists and designers as well as top food and hospitality professionals to launch and oversee this nightspot. On September 17, 2015, through a creative partnership with Michael Feinstein, the Ambassador of the American Songbook, 54 Below was renamed Feinstein’s/54 Below.

Designed by multiple Tony Award winners John Lee Beatty (restaurant design) and Ken Billington (lighting), sound designer Peter Hylenski, and architect Richard Lewis, Feinstein’s/54 Below’s creative team is passionately led by Jennifer Ashley Tepper, Director of Programming and a devoted theatre fan, historian and author.

Feinstein’s/54 Below features up to three shows nightly as well as a late night lounge.  Accommodating 134 people in the main dining room, with all tables no more than 24 feet from the stage, the facilities include the capability to broadcast and record audio and video.

Visit https://54below.com/.