Ben Vereen at 54 Below

[castlestreet]

Posted: 7/18/12 at 1:34pm

Wife and I caught the show Saturday night- my second time there after seeing LuPone. Did table seating this time and when we arrived, we were about 10th in line, they asked if we would like to sit up front. We of course said yes, and they literally put us at a small round table directly in front of the stage- amazing seats!

I continue to be very impressed with the staff, location and overall feel that the club has. What continues to impress me is the way Richard Frankel works the room, going from table to table checking on people and making sure that things are being well taken care of- a very classy way of handling such a young endeavor- very old school. He also made conversation with us and the couple sitting behind us which I thought was nice.

As for Ben Vereen- there isn't much that I can say that would really accurately describe the magic that that man is still capable of on stage- but it was truly a fantastic performance from start to finish. He did most of what is on his Live Album that was recently released, but he closed with "For Good" after telling stories about the many well wishes he received after his accident and his heart problems- it was done with such heart and grace that I think the entire room was a ball of tears combined with the smooth and easy interpretation/arrangement of the song. While we were at dinner at Da Marino's later in the evening, the trumpet player there, who has worked with some of the greats of the recording business, said to me "Ben is the closest thing we'll ever see to Sammy again..."- how true! His stories were great and his connection with the audience was true.

Once again- this new venue continues to impress and will be a stop I will be making on future trips to the city- all around it was a perfect evening!

[Rainbowhigh23]

Posted: 7/18/12 at 3:00pm

Thank you for a wonderful review! I love 54 Below and should have gone to see Ben Vereen. Saw Patti twice and am still tingling.