Welcome

To
54 Below

A Nonprofit Cabaret Venue

Critics called it “a diamond in the rough” – well, this diamond has been polished and is ready to sparkle… again!

For the first time in NYC since its opening in 1989, come experience one of Broadway’s biggest and brightest flops, Legs Diamond! With original cast members and their stories, special guests, and the beautiful score conceived and written by Grammy and Academy Award winner Peter Allen, the evening is sure to delight.

After a 6-week workshop Legs Diamond went straight to Broadway. The show had a record-breaking 72 previews in which critics relentlessly reported the endless production problems. Without reserve, these reviewers plunged their knives deep, killing the show well before it opened at the Mark Hellinger Theater on December 26, 1988. After another 62 performances Legs Diamond closed on February 19, 1989. This would mark not only the end of the show but the end of the beautiful Mark Hellinger as a theater. The theater became the Times Square Church.

Despite its short run, Legs Diamond was highly acclaimed, garnishing three Tony Award nominations, including costuming by the legendary Willa Kim for her glorious 20’s designs, choreography by the brilliant Alan Johnson, and a nomination for the divine Julie Wilson for her show stopping number “The Music Went Out of My Life.” Set in a speakeasy during the Prohibition Jazz age, Legs Diamond presented for the first time ever on a Broadway stage fully automated and computerized scenery. This unique show featured dancers oozing out of a piano, with Brenda Braxton emerging to reveal the forbidden speakeasy, showgirls dripping in diamonds and lounging in giant champagne glasses, and the Gangland Ballet.

Peter Allen played “Legs” Diamond, a noted real life gangster. The plot was filled with scenes of unrequited love and jealousy by the women who competed for Legs Diamond’s heart, played by Julie Wilson, Randall Edwards, and Brenda Braxton. Unfortunately, Christine Andreas and Bob Stillman (Leg’s wife and brother) whose voices and songs brought tears to cast members in rehearsals fell victim to the many cuts during previews. Their characters never made it to opening night. We are so excited to share these rare jewels with you during our celebratory concert!

Please join us at Feinstein’s/54 Below for this once in a lifetime celebration. The 30th Anniversary of Grammy and Academy Award winning Peter Allen’s Legs Diamond, conceived with music and lyrics by Peter Allen and book by Harvey Fierstein and Charles Suppon. Spend an evening with the original cast members who will perform numbers from the show, such as “When I Get My Name in Lights,” “Sure Thing Baby,” “Only an Older Woman,” “The Man Nobody Could Love,” “All I Wanted Was the Dream,” “The Music Went Out of My Life,” and “Say it Isn’t So;” and will also share backstage anecdotes and their personal memories of working with the incomparable and charming Peter Allen.

Featuring:
Christine Andreas (Legs Diamond OBC, My Fair Lady- Theatre World Award winner, On Your Toes-Tony nominee, Oklahoma! – Tony nominee))
Adrian Bailey (Legs Diamond OBC, Smokey Joe’s Cafe)

Brenda Braxton (Legs Diamond OBC, Smokey Joe’s Cafe –Tony nominee, Dreamgirls)
Randall Edwards (Legs Diamond OBC, Biloxi Blues, “Ryan’s Hope”)
Jim Fyfe (Legs Diamond OBC, Biloxi Blues)
Ruth Gottschall (Legs Diamond OBC, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Cabaret)
Norman Kauahi (Legs Diamond OBC, Miss Saigon)
Jennifer Paulson Lee (Legs Diamond OBC, Dance Captain)
Mark Manley (Legs Diamond OBC, Fiddler on the Roof, The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public)
Bob Stillman (Hello Again – Drama Desk Award nominee, Urban Cowboy- Tony Award® nominee, Dirty Blonde – Tony Award® nominee), Legs Diamond OBC
Shaelynn Parker (Legs Diamond OBC)
Kevin Weldon (Legs Diamond OBC, Peter Allen’s stunt double)

Cast subject to change.

Produced & Directed by Jonathan Cerullo (Legs Diamond OBC, Theater Now NY Best Director; Fictitious, The Three Musketeers, Cats, Band In Berlin, Anna Karenina, Say Goodnight, Gracie, Sweet Charity, PBS Great Performances, Big Apple Circus)

Musical Direction by Phil Hall (Phantom of the Opera, Cats, 42nd Street)

Associate Producer: Carol Ann Baxter (Legs Diamond OBC, La Cage aux Folles)
Production Stage Manager: Chris Clark
Assistant to Director: Vanessa Wendt
Press Representative: Glenna Freedman Public Relations (original Press Associate)
Assistant to Peter Allen, Music Consultant, and Friend to the Legs Diamond Reunion Concert: Bruce Cudd (Original Production Team)