One of New York City’s top theater nightclubs is shifting its spotlight to up-and-coming writers this month. Feinstein’s/54 Below and its programming director Jennifer Ashley Tepper have announced a lineup of presentations of new musicals running Jan. 19–May 31, featuring such Broadway stars as Nikki M. James, Adam Chanler-Berat, Patrick Page, Ann Harada, and Krysta Rodriguez.
New Musicals at 54 is a celebration of 10 musicals currently in development from some of the most promising composers and lyricists working in the biz today. Although many have had workshops or even productions out of town, the musicals’ presentations at Feinstein’s/54 Below mark their NYC debuts.
“It’s certainly something new for us, and I haven’t seen any other concert venue do anything like this,” Tepper told Backstage via email. “Part of the idea is to give audiences (from industry to fans) a real insider look at the shows in an intimate performance venue where they can both have a drink during the show and walk out with a demo.”
Among the series’ exciting highlights are “Big Red Sun” by Georgia Stitt and John Jiler, “Be More Chill” by Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz, and “17 Again” by Michael Weiner, Alan Zachary, and Marco Pennette. Upcoming performances of each musical listed below will be held at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Who knows? Any of them could signal the beginning of an exciting journey to Broadway stardom. For tickets and more information, visit 54below.com.
Jan. 26: “An Americain Boy” by Amanda Green and Richard Thomas
Feb. 9: “Fallout” by Nick Blaemire and Kyle Jarrow
Feb. 16: “String” by Adam Gwon and Sarah Hammond
Feb. 23: “Be More Chill” by Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz
March 3: “17 Again” by Alan Zachary, Michael Weiner, and Marco Pennette
March 8: “Sleepy Hollow” by Hunter Foster and Paul Gordon
March 15: “The Crazy Ones” by Zack Zadek and Alexander Pototsky
April 26: “A Strange Loop” by Michael R. Jackson
May 31: “Funked Up Fairy Tales” by Kirsten Childs
Inspired by this post? Check out our Broadway audition listings!