Norm Lewis: The Holiday Tradition Continues
54 Below254 W 54th St, New York 10019
On Christmas Eve, Norm Lewis brings The Holiday Tradition Continues to 54 Below, returning with a seasonal program of annual favorites, new material, timeless songs, and fresh surprises. The Broadway singer is joined by musical director Joseph Joubert on piano, Dylan Shamat on bass, and Perry Cavari on drums and percussion, with Richard Jay-Alexander directing. It is a holiday engagement built around Lewis’ voice and a compact live band.
Lewis is a Tony Award nominee and an Emmy-nominated performer across Broadway, film, and television. His stage work includes The Phantom of the Opera, Once on This Island, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, and Chicken & Biscuits. He made Broadway history as the first African-American actor to play the title role in The Phantom of the Opera. Reviewers have called his instrument a “powerhouse baritone,” while another appraisal describes vocals that are “luscious” and “warm.” Those qualities suit a holiday set that gives space to both familiar repertoire and newly introduced songs.
A nonprofit cabaret venue dedicated to live music, 54 Below is a listening room where audiences gather to experience legendary artists performing in a dedicated space. The atmosphere is elegant and intimate, with a focus on the music and the performers. The room is designed for seated audiences, offering close proximity to the stage, and the experience is centered around the show rather than conversation or drinking. Shows are ticketed and require advance purchase, with a nonprofit mission that supports the arts. The venue has a strong reputation for excellence in theatre, as recognized by a 2022 Tony Award nomination.