THE 54 BELOW PODCAST
The 54 Below Podcast will take you behind the scenes at the world-famous Broadway supper club.
All Episodes
Episode 76: CHRISTINE PEDI
Drama Desk Award nominee Christine Pedi talks about her career journey, "Forbidden Broadway" and "Chicago," and the life of comediennes as she knows it. Assistant Director of Programming Macon Prickett hosts. For more info about Christine's upcoming show, visit 54Below.org/WickedStage.
Episode 75: NITA WHITAKER
Multi-hyphenate award-winning actress Nita Whitaker talks about her passion for music and healing, entering pageants to pay for nursing school, and working with icons like David Foster and Alan Thicke. Director of Marketing Nella Vera hosts.
Episode 74: HUGH PANARO
One of the few actors ever to play both male lead roles in The Phantom of the Opera, Hugh Panaro tells the story of how he convinced Hal Prince to give him the titular role, his show mementos, and the release of his first album! Director of Marketing Nella Vera hosts.
Episode 73: ROBERT W. SCHNEIDER
Award-winning multi-hypenate Robert Schneider talks about his career as a producer and educator, his love for bringing obscure musicals back on stage, as well as a serendipitous occasion at 54 Below which launched a big project. Director of Marketing Nella Vera hosts.
Episode 72: THE BARRICADE BOYS
Scott Garnham and Simon Schofield of UK’s No. 1 West End musical theater supergroup, The Barricade Boys, talk about the group's origins and concerts around the globe, "Les Mis," and their favorite roles. Director of Marketing Nella Vera hosts.
Episode 71: TAMMY FAYMOUS
New York’s riotous and raucous hairy Drag Queen Tammy Faymous (Alexander Kacala) talks about drag as an artform, "Die Hard" as a Christmas film, and complicated family relationships in between sips of spiced (spiked?) eggnog.
Episode 70: LISA HOWARD
Broadway leading lady Lisa Howard stops by the podcast with some hot cocoa to chat about Hallmark movies and #CountdownToChristmas, as well as her star turns on stage and in the film "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 2." Director of Marketing Nella Vera hosts.
Episode 69: BRANDON VICTOR DIXON
Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award® nominee Brandon Victor Dixon talks about his iconic roles in shows like "Hamilton" and "Jesus Christ Superstar LIVE", what's on his Spotify playlist, and his advocacy work with the WeAre Foundation. Director of Marketing Nella Vera hosts.
Episode 68: ELLIE NUNN
West End actress Ellie Nunn phones in from across the pond to talk about the essence of Stephen Sondheim's genius, the art of cabaret, and designer hand puppets (as well as a wonderful night out with Helena Bonham Carter). Assistant Director of Programming Macon Prickett hosts.
Episode 67: JASMINE FORSBERG
Here Lies Love star and incoming SIX Broadway queen Jasmine Forsberg talks about connecting with her Filipino roots on and off stage, creating community both on tour and in her Broadway debut, and her dreams for the future. Director of Marketing Nella Vera hosts.
Episode 66: FRANCES RUFFELLE & NORMAN BOWMAN
Tony® winner Frances Ruffelle and leading West End star Norman Bowman talk about their first meeting in Les Mis, the origins of "Frankie and Beausy," and the secret ingredient to their enduring friendship. Assistant Director of Programming Macon Prickett hosts.
Episode 65: JAI RODRIGUEZ
RENT star and "Queer Eye" alum Jai Rodriguez talks about how being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community in the United States shaped his career choices on stage and screen. Director of Marketing Nella Vera hosts. For more information about Jai's upcoming show, visit 54below.org/JaiRodriguez.
Episode 64: KYLIE MCNEILL
Rising star Kylie McNeill talks about being the acclaimed voice behind the titular character of Mamoru Hosoda's BELLE, her songwriting inspirations, and dream roles. Assistant Director of Programming Macon Prickett hosts.
Episode 63: JADE JONES
"The Disney Princess who raps" (District Fray Magazine) Jade Jones talks about her musical inspirations from 70's music to Drake, and how she became Olney Theatre's "Disney's Beauty and the Beast." Assistant Director of Programming Macon Prickett hosts.
Episode 62: SANTINO FONTANA
Tony®️ winner Santino Fontana traces the path his career has taken so far, recounts the oddity of shooting Disney's "Frozen," and tells us how his child's friends don't believe he's the real Prince Hans. Director of Marketing Nella Vera hosts.
Episode 61: CHARLES KIRSCH
Backstage Babble's Charles Kirsch joins us to talk about the Golden Age of theatre and how a pandemic hobby became the smash hit podcast and cabaret show we know and love. Assistant Director of Programming Macon Prickett hosts.
Episode 60: KATIE ROYSE GINTHER & IZY TAYLOR
Producers of the upcoming "54 Sings Diana The Musical" chats with us about how they became DiFanas, what critics didn't understand, and their lives as young producers. Assistant Director of Programming Macon Prickett hosts.
Episode 59: JONATHAN HOOVER
"American Horror Story" alum Jonathan Hoover talks about starring alongside Patti LuPone, Ryan Murphy sliding into his DMs (professionally), and what it means to be a "Second-Rate Somebody." Assistant Director of Programming Macon Prickett hosts.
Episode 58: BAILEY RYON & MILLY SHAPIRO
Bailey Ryon and Milly Shapiro, two of Broadway's original four Matildas talk about growing up, creating cast traditions, and their favorite Matilda memories ahead of this year's Matildapalooza at 54 Below where several young actors who have taken on the role will come together in celebration of Matilda's 10th anniversary!
Episode 57: TAYLOR IMAN JONES
"SIX" queen Taylor Iman Jones talks to us about "Devil Wears Prada" the musical, "Head Over Heels," and the two tap combinations she'll never forget. Assistant Director of Programming Kevin Ferguson hosts. Taylor Iman Jones is so excited to be making her New York solo debut at 54 Below!
Episode 56: JORIAH KWAMÉ
Award-winning musical theater composer Joriah Kwamé talks about his recent work in Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, his viral hit "Little Miss Perfect," and the music that brings him and others joy. Assistant Director of Programming Kevin Ferguson hosts.
Episode 55: WALTER WILLISON
Tony Award® nominee Walter Willison talks about Danny Kaye and Two by Two, his Pippin debut as the titular role, and the upcoming Pippin 50th Anniversary reunion. Director of Marketing Nella Vera hosts.
Episode 54: MATT SALDIVAR
Singer-songwriter and Broadway star Matt Saldivar talks about his music, The Petersons, and versatility as an artist. Director of Marketing Nella Vera hosts.
Episode 53: JENNIFER SIMARD
Jennifer Simard, one of Broadway's funniest ladies, stops by the podcast to talk about Company, comedy, and Disaster! Director of Marketing Nella Vera hosts.
Episode 52: TIN CAN BROTHERS
The sensational Tin Can Brothers give us an exclusive behind-the-scenes interview about their new musical, Spies Are Forever, and talk about their careers starting from becoming members of Team StarKid. Associate Director of Programming Kevin Ferguson hosts.
Episode 51: AMANDA GREEN
Two-time Tony Award® nominee Amanda Green talks about her recent work in Mr. Saturday Night, becoming the first woman president of The Dramatists Guild, and a sneak peek into what's coming up in 2023. Director of Marketing Nella Vera hosts.
Episode 50: JEANNA DE WAAL
Broadway's Princess Diana Jeanna de Waal talks about Diana The Musical, Broadway Weekends, and everything in between. Director of Marketing Nella Vera hosts. Jeanna was most recently nominated for a Drama Desk award for her portrayal of Diana, Princess of Wales in Diana The Musical on Broadway and Netflix.
Episode 49: NIK WALKER
Hamilton's Aaron Burr (Sir), Nik Walker, talks about being Broadway's little brother, how his ADHD got him into theatre, and some behind the scenes stories about Hamilton and Ain't Too Proud.
Episode 48: ROE HARTRAMPF
Diana The Musical's Prince Charles, Roe Hartrampf, shares behind-the-scenes stories about the development of Diana, filming with Netflix during lockdown, and his TV work. Assistant Director of Programming Kevin Ferguson hosts.
Episode 47: ALEXANDRA SILBER
Grammy nominated artist and storyteller Alexandra Silber talks about her journey through adversaries, her career, and a glimpse into her upcoming show at 54 Below. Assistant Director of Programming Kevin Ferguson hosts.
Episode 46: KATE BALDWIN & AARON LAZAR
Tony Award® winner Kate Baldwin and Broadway and TV star Aaron Lazar talk about dream roles, their careers, and how their showstopping duo came to be. Director of Marketing Nella Vera hosts.
Episode 45: T. OLIVER REID
Hadestown's new Hermes, T. Oliver Reid, drops by the podcast to talk about representation on Broadway, co-founding the Black Theatre Coalition, and teaching the next generation of artists. Director of Marketing Nella Vera hosts. T.
Episode 44: EMILY SKINNER
Tony Award® nominee Emily Skinner talks about The Cher Show, the importance of meditation and the arts, and a secret Broadway project. Assistant Director of Programming Kevin Ferguson hosts.
Episode 43: ANN MORRISON
Drama Desk nominee and entertainment dynamo Ann Morrison talks about Merrily We Roll Along, Sondheim, and her multi-hyphenate work as an artist. Assistant Director of Programming Kevin Ferguson hosts. “From the first moment, she proved to be an entertainment dynamo.” -Steven Suskin, Playbill.
Episode 42: TOM KITT
Tony®, Grammy, Emmy Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Tom Kitt talks about Next to Normal, his writing process, and new songs debuting at his upcoming show at Feinstein's/54 Below.
Episode 41: JOEY CONTRERAS
Broadway-Pop crossover extraordinaire Joey Contreras drops by to talk about songwriting, queer storytelling, and his Broadway icons and influences. Joey Contreras has some stuff in the works and he’s ready to share it all on the Feinstein’s/54 Below stage.
Episode 40: TINA SCARIANO
Multi-hyphenate Tina Scariano talks to us about rock queens, the versatility of artists, and following your dreams. Tina Scariano, Musician, Actor, Makeup Artist and Podcast Host, makes her Feinstein’s/54 Below debut in Feels Like Home – A ’70s folk rock show celebrating the queens of rock – Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks, Carly Simon, Joni Mitchell and more!
Episode 39: KATIE HARMAN
Former Miss America Katie Harman chats with Director of Marketing Nella Vera about serving as "America's Ideal" in the wake of 9/11, her passion for performance and her involvement with Pink Martini, and the impact of pageantry on the empowerment of women.
Episode 38: ARI SHAPIRO
NPR's Ari Shapiro discusses with Marketing Director Nella Vera how his journalistic endeavors paved the way for performance, sometimes with his favorite band, Pink Martini, and sometimes with his cabaret partner Alan Cumming.
Episode 37: MAURICIO MARTÍNEZ
International Emmy Award winner Mauricio Martínez talks to Marketing Director Nella Vera about On Your Feet!, how being an immigrant affects his performance, and his upcoming album.
Episode 36: JULIA MURNEY
Drama Desk Award nominee Julia Murney drops by the podcast and talks to Director of Marketing Nella Vera about Zoom concerts, Wicked and The Wild Party, and traveling across the globe. For information about Julia's upcoming show, visit 54Below.com.
Episode 35: JOHN LLOYD YOUNG
John Lloyd Young, Broadway's Jersey Boy and concert artist, joins our Director of Marketing, Nella Vera, for a heartfelt conversation on the future of streaming and theatre, stereotypes, and his part in the Presidential Committees on the Arts and Humanities.
Episode 34: CHARLES BUSCH
Charles Busch, the legendary actor, playwright, cabaret entertainer, and screenwriter, joins our Director of Marketing, Nella Vera, for a lively chat ahead of his New Year Eve’s concert.
Episode 33: BRENDA BRAXTON
Tony Award® nominee Brenda Braxton talks to Assistant Programming Director Kevin Ferguson about "Smokey Joe's Cafe" and "Dreamgirls," living through cultural phenomena, and making an impact on and off the stage. To learn more about Brenda's upcoming show, visit 54below.com.
Episode 32: PAULO SZOT
Tony Award® winner Paulo Szot joins Director of Marketing Nella Vera in conversation about returning as Billy Flynn in Chicago, his award-winning run in South Pacific with Kelli O'Hara, his home country of Brazil, and his career in opera.
Episode 31: DAVID SABELLA
Broadway actor and internationally recognized classical singer David Sabella sits down with Director of Marketing Nella Vera to talk about originating Mary Sunshine in Chicago, his operatic background, voiceover work for Fox and Disney, and his love of teaching.
Episode 30: MYKAL KILGORE
Grammy Award nominee Mykal Kilgore chats with Assistant Director of Programming Kevin Ferguson about Billy Porter's mentorship, his performance at the Met Gala, and using his platform to serve as a change agent for civil rights and LGBTQ+ issues.
Episode 29: MEGAN HILTY
Broadway and "Smash" triple threat Megan Hilty joins us and guest host Alan Seales in this special crossover episode with The Theatre Podcast for a heart to heart about her career and Bernadette Peters, the objectification of performers, and her upcoming solo debut at Feinstein's/54 Below's Diamond Series!
Episode 28: LORNA LUFT
Hollywood royalty Lorna Luft sits down for a fun and intimate chat with Assistant Programming Director Kevin Ferguson about growing up in Hollywood, having Judy Garland as a mother, and being considered a gay icon. For more information about Lorna's upcoming show, visit 54Below.com.
Episode 27: KELLI BARRETT & JARROD SPECTOR
Broadway's power couple Kelli Barrett & Jarrod Spector dropped by to chat with Assistant Programming Director Kevin Ferguson about kings and queens of music, FX channel's Fosse/Verdon, and becoming characters based on real life people.
Episode 26: JAIME LOZANO
Mexican-born musical multi-hyphenate Jaime Lozano sat down for a heart to heart with Feinstein’s/54 Below’s Director of Marketing, Nella Vera, ahead of his upcoming concert.
Episode 25: TONY YAZBECK
Triple threat Tony Award® nominee Tony Yazbeck joins the club’s Assistant Programming Director, Kevin Ferguson, for a chat about his upcoming Feinstein’s/54 Below show.
Episode 24: AMY SPANGER
Drama Desk nominee Amy Spanger talks about the musical Chicago, her amazing career as Broadway's leading lady, and binging during lockdown. For information about Amy's upcoming show, visit 54Below.com.
Episode 23: KRISTOLYN LLOYD
Dear Evan Hansen's Kristolyn Lloyd dropped by the podcast to talk with Assistant Programming Director Kevin Ferguson about turning journal entries into songs, her contemporary Christian influences, and her solo debut at Broadway's Supper Club!
Episode 22: ADAM GWON
Award-winning composer Adam Gwon chats with Assistant Programming Director Kevin Ferguson to discuss his high school origin story, the importance of mentorship in musical theatre, and the thrills of returning to the live stage.
Episode 21: ANDRÉ DE SHIELDS
Theater legend André De Shields dropped into our podcast ahead of his Feinstein’s/54 Below show for a conversation about coming of age during the age of Aquarius, why he took on the monumental role of King Lear for the second time, and how destiny led him to his Tony-winning role in Hadestown.
Episode 20: BREE LOWDERMILK
Beloved musical theatre writer Bree Lowdermilk joins the podcast to discuss her star-studded new show at Feinstein's/54 Below. Bree sat down with our Senior Digital & Graphics Associate, Grace Benigni, to talk about the magic of performing to live audiences, her identity journey, and the importance of uplifting trans and non-binary artists and stories.
Episode 19: MARIA-CHRISTINA OLIVERAS
Maria-Christina Oliveras caught the attention of NYC theater fans with an explosive, show-stopping turn in David Byrne and Fatboy Slim’s multiple award-winning musical Here Lies Love.
Episode 18: ADAM PASCAL
Tony Award® nominee Adam Pascal joins us as we celebrate his return to Feinstein’s/54 Below. The star of RENT, Aida, Something Rotten!, Cabaret, and Pretty Woman, among others, chats with our Director of Marketing, Nella Vera, about life during the pandemic, recalls highlights from his career, and tells us what audiences can expect from his solo show.
Episode 17: DERRICK BASKIN
Derrick Baskin is a Grammy and Tony-nominated artist for his astounding performance in Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations. Other noteworthy Broadway credits include Memphis The Musical, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Episode 16: PHIL GEOFFREY BOND & LUCIA SPINA from "Sondheim Unplugged"
An episode for Sondheim fans! This week, we turn our focus to Sondheim Unplugged, one of the most popular and long-running series presented at Feinstein’s/54 Below.
Episode 15: BROADWAY PRINCESS PARTY
It’s our biggest and most enchanting episode ever! To celebrate the streaming debut of Broadway Princess Holiday Party, we chatted with the delightful cast, Broadway’s original princesses: Laura Osnes (Cinderella), Susan Egan (Beauty and the Beast), and Courtney Reed (Aladdin).
Episode 14: MARILU HENNER
Marilu Henner is a star of television, film, and the Great White Way. On Broadway, she has appeared in Over Here!, Pal Joey, Social Security, Chicago, and most recently, Gettin’ the Band Back Together. She was also part of the National Tour casts of Grease and Annie Get Your Gun.
Episode 13: NICOLE HENRY
Our guest today is Nicole Henry, Soul Train Award winner who has been described as “….a paragon of perfection… the vocal love child of Whitney Houston and Sarah Vaughan." She has performed in more than 30 music festivals worldwide and in some of the world’s most famous venues.
Episode 12: MATT DAHAN & KELLY LYNNE D'ANGELO
Joining us today are Matt Dahan & Kelly Lynne D’Angelo, writers of the emotional and explosive pop-rock musical Starry, about brothers Vincent and Theo van Gogh. Matt and Kelly have written two full-length musicals together including The Count of Monte Cristo and Starry.
Episode 11: ALICE RIPLEY
Today’s guests are longtime friend of the club Alice Ripley and her frequent collaborator Christopher Schelling. Alice, who has been hailed by The New York Times as “simply astonishing,” is a consummate Broadway star, a versatile film and TV actor, and a distinguished singer-songwriter.
Episode 10: ANDREW BARTH FELDMAN
Our guest today made his Broadway debut at the age of 16 in the title role in Dear Evan Hansen. He was the winner of the Best Actor Award at the 2018 National High School Musical Theatre Awards (known more commonly as the Jimmy Awards).
Episode 9: JELANI REMY & AMANDA JANE COOPER
For this special live taping of the Feinstein’s/54 Below Podcast at BroadwayCon 2020, we were joined by Broadway favorites Jelani Remy and Amanda Jane Cooper. Jelani Remy is currently starring as Eddie Kendricks in Ain't Too Proud!
Episode 8: JOHN HILL
John Hill is an actor, producer, TV and radio personality. John starred as Jason McConnell in the off Broadway cult favorite, BARE: A pop opera and also performed in the original Broadway productions of Hairspray, The Boy From Oz and the National Tour of Miss Saigon.
Episode 7: ANTHONY NUNZIATA
This week we are joined by internationally-acclaimed singer, songwriter and recording artist Anthony Nunziata. Anthony has performed hundreds of concerts over the past few years headlining major performing arts centers, theaters, symphony concert halls and private events across the country and around the world.
Episode 6: CHRISTINE ANDREAS
This week we are joined by two-time Tony Award® nominee Christine Andreas. Our guest today is Christine Andreas, a multiple-award-winning singer, actress, and two-time Tony nominee.
Episode 5: HELEN PARK
This week we are joined by our final composer from the New Writers at 54! Series, Helen Park. Helen's recent work includes KPOP, her Off-Broadway musical debut for which she co-wrote music and lyrics.
Episode 4: ANDREW R. BUTLER & MARK SONNENBLICK
This week we are joined by two more of the artists from our New Writers at 54! Series, Andrew R. Butler and Mark Sonnenblick. Andrew R. Butler is a Jonathon Larson Grant winning-composer, writer and performer.
Episode 3: RONA SIDDIQUI & BILLY RECCE
Two composers from our New Writers at 54! series join us for this week’s episode. Rona Siddiqui is the award-winning composer and lyricist behind the autobiographical comedy Salaam Medina: Tales of a Halfghan, which completed a workshop at Playwrights Horizons in November 2019.
Episode 2: SETH SIKES
Acclaimed performer Seth Sikes joins us for the second episode of the Feinstein’s/54 Below Podcast.
Episode 1: NORM LEWIS
A Tony and Grammy Award nominee, Broadway leading man Norm Lewis joins us for the inaugural episode of The Feinstein’s/54 Below Podcast. Norm talks to the club’s Marketing Director, Nella Vera, about his holiday show, dream roles and upcoming projects.
Podcast Trailer
The Feinstein’s/54 Below Podcast will take you behind the scenes at the world-famous Broadway supper club. Known as “Broadway’s Living Room,” the club is a destination for acclaimed stars of the stage and music world and their fans.
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