A special encore presentation of Once in a Lifetime: A Sammy Davis, Jr. Centennial Celebration for Black History Month at 54 Below is on Saturday, February 28 at 7:00 PM. The evening debuted in December for Davis’s 100th birthday. Musical director is Michael Lavine and writers/producers are Joe Marchese and Andy Skurow.
The evening will include performances by Blinky Williams (Good Times theme song; alumna of Sammy’s live tours), Norm Lewis (Tony Award nominee, The Gershwins’ Porgy & Bess, The Phantom of the Opera), Penny Fuller (Tony Award nominee, Applause, Sunday in the Park with George); Nicolas King (MAC Award winner, “Best Major Male Vocalist”), Marc Kudisch (Tony Award nominee, Floyd Collins, Girl from the North Country), Michael-Demby Cain (Ragtime, Victor/Victoria), Ava Nicole Frances (BroadwayWorld Cabaret Award winner), Travis Finlay (“American Idol”), Lexi Lawson (Hamilton, In the Heights), and Eric Jordan Young (Ragtime, The Look of Love). This all-star cast will perform standards such as “I Gotta Be Me,” “Yes, I Can,” “The Candy Man,” “What Kind of Fool Am I,” “Mr. Bojangles,” and more.
The evening blends music, storytelling and archival reflections to honor Davis’ artistry, activism, and enduring cultural impact. Throughout his extraordinary career, this groundbreaking artist made history on Broadway, in the movies, and on records. For seven decades – beginning on the vaudeville stage at the age of two! – Sammy shattered barriers everywhere. He went on to influence generations to come as a singer, dancer, actor, and activist.
For ticket information and to reserve, click here. All in-person tickets are in addition to a $25 food and beverage minimum.
54 Below is located at 254 W. 54thh St. (Cellar), NYC
