The cast features Felicia Finley (Aida, Mamma Mia!, The Life, The Wedding Singer), Zak Resnick (Mamma Mia!, Piece Of My Heart), Molly Pope (Found), Giuseppe Bausilio (Newsies!, Billy Elliott), John Arthur Greene (Matilda), Ross Lekites (Kinky Boots), Mariand Torres (Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812), Natalie Douglas, Marissa Mulder, Lauren Fox, Marissa Rosen and Rob Maitner.
Produced and directed by T. Oliver Reid, the evening features musical direction by Tracy Stark.
"With more than 300 million records sold, fifty Top 40 hits, seven consecutive No. 1 US albums, six Grammy Awards, five Brit Awards, a Kennedy Center Honor and a Tony Award, Sir Elton John is indeed a reason to sing. Elton John's catalogue of songs rivals that of any contemporary songwriter/singer," according to press notes.
The 7 PM and 9:30 PM concerts promise songs from his Broadway hits as well as pop hits like "Your Song" and "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me."
For more information and tickets, visit 54Below.com.
Zak Resnick: "Can You Feel The Love Tonight." I'm a 90s kid — that song will resonate beautifully always in my mind and will forever be associated with passionate lion lovemaking.
Tracy Stark: "We All Fall In Love Sometimes." Not sure why it's my favorite, but it always used to make me cry when I was younger.
Matt Scharfglass: "Little Jeannie." Reminds me of hot, summer nights as a kid.
Giuseppe Bausilio: "Electricity." I remember being on Oprah with him, and he was talking about how close he felt to this song when he wrote it because it was as if he were Billy, only with music. And that just really stuck with me! His father apparently NEVER went to one of his concerts because he wasn't doing something "manly." But, he really is one of the greatest and this song is probably what it feels like for any guy, gay or straight, who does something artistic for the first time. I certainly remember myself feeling close to this song, because I used to get teased in school, but not anymore, that's for sure! Hahaha!
Ross Lekites: "Circle Of Life." I think as a kid of the 80s, it's hard not to think of "The Lion King" when we think of Elton John. Obviously there are many more songs that I think of before this one, but "Circle Of Life" is one that sticks. Mainly because my mom is convinced that the day I have my first kid this song will be playing on repeat in the room while my wife is in labor. Pray for me people.
T. Oliver Reid: "Your Song." Just one of the best songs and lyrics of my youth. And having Heather Headley sing it on the Kennedy Center Honors, the year he received his, left an indelible mark on my brain.
