artistpage_lovesongs3

 

by Paulanne Simmons

 

 

 

Conceived and produced by Megan Minutilo, in association with thewriteteachers.com, Love Songs at 54 Below celebrated Valentine’s Day in a very special way. A portion of the show’s proceeds went to the V-Day Foundation, a global movement working to end violence against women and girls. The audience was able to enjoy a stellar all female cast singing songs from a variety of composers across the musical theatre spectrum and, at the same time, take pleasure in the thought that they were also helping women, often in dire situations.

But at 54 Below, all was lightness and fun. Directed by Nat Zegree at the piano, these young ladies, all of whom have performed in musical theater from Wicked to Sister Act, showed the audience what the future of musical theater looks like.

Unlike more traditional Valentine’s Day concerts, this one did not include many standards. The songs were mostly by young composers such as Georgia Stitt, Scott Alan and Bobby Cronin. They were power ballads, comic songs, rock and pure romance.

However, there was one adorable duet by the teenage Shapiro sister (Abigail and Milly), who, taking a break from romantic love, concentrated on sisterly love with “What Is this Feeling?” from Wicked, “Together, Wherever We Go” from Gypsy, “I Will Never Leave You,” from Sideshow.

If Valentine’s Day is all about showing love for those closest to us, this benefit concert took the concept one step further. It allowed us to show love for people we don’t know but need our concern and protection.

 

54 Below, 254 West 54 Street, 54below.com, (646) 476-3551.