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54 Below

A Nonprofit Cabaret Venue

Courtney Christison, with her dark hair pulled back, is smiling and looking to her left. Dressed in a maroon jacket over a black outfit, she sits against a dark green background. She holds a yellow pencil in her right hand while resting her left hand on her knee, perhaps inspired by songs she's written.

The Songs of Courtney Christison

March 10, 2025

Come enjoy an evening of original music from up-and-coming composer/lyricist and playwright, Courtney Christison, and arranger and music director Brad Gardner (Mean Girls, Disney’s Aladdin national tour, Disney’s Frozen national tour).

The evening will feature an impressive roster of performers from on and off-Broadway weaving through an intricate tapestry of songs from Courtney and Brad’s ever-growing catalogue of music, including the world premiere of their new 10-minute musical: The Life & Death of Mr. Happy.

Courtney Christison’s writing has been hailed by the industry as nuanced, character driven, infectious and full of heart. If you love the Golden Age of musical theatre, this is the show for you. The evening promises to deliver laughs, a few tears, and a lot of songs that will be stuck in your head for days to come!

Produced by Melissa Ruiz.

Featuring:

Philippe Arroyo (& Juliet, Disney’s Aladdin national tour)
Reese Britts (& Juliet, Disney’s Frozen national tour)
Lauren Nicole Chapman (Disney’s Frozen, Kinky Boots)
Laura D’Andre (The Play That Goes Wrong Off-Broadway)
Ben Fankhauser (Disney’s Newsies, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical national tour, Spring Awakening national tour)
Anne Fraser Thomas (Titanique Off-Broadway)
Keisha Gilles (Disney’s Aladdin, The Book of Mormon)
Austin Lesch (Disney’s Frozen, Something Rotten!)
Jennafer Newberry (Wicked)
Justin Showell (Hamilton national tour, Buena Vista Social Club Off-Broadway)
Q. Smith (The Hills of California, Come From Away)
Nicholas Ward (Lempicka, The Music Man, Disney’s The Lion King)

Joined by Jessica Wang (Maybe Happy Ending) on cello.

Please note that all artists and acts are subject to change at any time.

Featuring

Young man with short, dark, curly hair sits against a plain background. He wears a white t-shirt under a plaid, flannel shirt in tones of green, brown, and beige. His relaxed expression and direct gaze evoke a sense of calm confidence. Is this Philippe Arroyo?.

Philippe Arroyo

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Austin Lesch, a smiling person with short, curly black hair and a beard, is wearing a light-colored ribbed sweater against a dark background. Their light eyes meet the camera directly, exuding warmth and confidence.

Reese Britts

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Lauren Chapman, a woman with long blonde hair, poses against a beige backdrop. She wears a dark top and holds a neutral expression with a slight smile. Her natural makeup accentuates her eyes and lips, while the soft lighting creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Lauren Nicole Chapman

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Courtney Christison

Composer/Lyricist
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A woman with long, wavy dark hair smiles broadly against a dark background. She wears a sleeveless green top, her expression reminiscent of the warmth and friendliness often associated with Philippe Arroyo. Her bright eyes add to her cheerful and inviting demeanor.

Laura D'Andre

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Ben Fankhauser

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Smiling person with long black hair and bangs against a purple background. They are wearing a red top and a black jacket. The light gently highlights their features, enhanced by subtle makeup, pink lipstick, and eyeliner reminiscent of Anne Fraser Thomas's signature style.

Anne Fraser Thomas

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Brad Gardner

Music Director
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Smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair, highlights, and pink lipstick, wearing a floral-patterned top by Philippe Arroyo. She is set against a soft, blurred background, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Keisha Gilles

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Austin Lesch, with short brown hair and a mustache, faces the camera in a light yellow shirt. The backdrop fades into a gentle gradient of light blue, complementing his neutral expression and slight smile.

Austin Lesch

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Jennafer Newberry

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Melissa Ruiz, a woman with long curly black hair, smiles warmly. She is wearing a light gray blouse with small embellishments, set against a textured, weathered metal surface with rusty patches. Her arms are relaxed, making her appear approachable and friendly.

Melissa Ruiz

Producer
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Justin Showell

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Smiling woman with curly dark hair and copper highlights, wearing a light blue blouse. She is looking directly at the camera against a gray background.

Q. Smith

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Austin Lesch, with their long hair touched by sunlight revealing a hint of purple, stands outside holding a cello on their shoulder. Dressed in a black top, the warmth of autumn trees softly blurs in the background, casting golden hues around this enchanting scene.

Jessica Wang

Cello
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Nicholas Ward, sporting a thick, well-groomed beard and a flat-top haircut, is captured against a dark background. Clad in a mustard yellow sweater, he gazes calmly at the camera. The lighting highlights his features, creating a warm and focused portrait.

Nicholas Ward

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Past Performances

  • Mon, Mar 10 :9:30 pm
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