While visiting New York, I was lucky enough to catch two Scott Siegel events. Similar in structure but with completely different feels were Broadway by the Season at Merkin Hall and 54 Sings Broadway’s Greatest Hits at 54 Below. The allure of these series lies in their seamless fusion of timeless compositions with the talents of today’s most luminous vocalists. Under Siegel’s astute direction, these concerts are no mere recitals; they are both vibrant celebrations of Broadway’s rich legacy. The performers, a blend of seasoned Broadway veterans and emerging stars, breathe new life into classic tunes, ensuring that each rendition resonates with both nostalgia and contemporary flair.

Siegel, with an unwavering commitment to presenting the crème de la crème of Broadway melodies, always offers a rotating lineup of top-tier talent from Broadway, Off-Broadway, and the cabaret world—like opening night every night. Let him take you on an auditory journey through the annals of musical theater. Each performance is a meticulously curated homage to the songs that have not only defined the range of the Great White Way but also left an indelible mark on the heart of this rabid theatergoer.​ (Siegel hosts brunches and specialty shows, too. Check it all out at 54 Below, Merkin Hall, Siegel Presents and Facebook.)

On March 28 at Merkin, Siegel, Broadway’s unofficial song whisperer who introduces each song with tasty anecdotes and some info on the performer, offered tunes from 1934-35 Broadway Season and the 1946-47 season. Accompanied by music director Ross Patterson on piano, we heard mostly well-known standards from shows like Anything Goes and Brigadoon.

The next Broadway by the Season concert is Monday April 21, 2025, You’ll hear Broadway music from the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s, a time of great change in the musical theater landscape. You’ll hear songs from West Side Story, The Music Man, and more in Act 1, while hearing songs from Oliver!, 110 in the Shade, She Loves Me and more in Act 2. (See my article about the story behind The Music Man).

Among the stars who will be performing in this special, one-night only concert will be QUENTIN EARL DARRINGTON (MJ: The Musical), ALI EWOLDT (The Phantom of the Opera), MOIEPEI (International Concert Stars), Drama Desk Nominee MARK NADLER, and featuring STEPHANIE BACASTOW, JOHN CARDEA, JR,  JARED GOODWIN, LILY LIBRACH, CLARE MARTIN, KENDRA FOSTER McBRIDE, ALBERT NELTHROPP, JAY WHITE plus The Broadway by the Season Chorus.

For nearly a decade, 54 Sings Broadway’s Greatest Hits series has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of New York City’s cabaret scene—the kind of crowd-pleasing, star-sprinkled series that reminds you why you fell in love with Broadway in the first place. It’s not just a revue; it’s a love letter to the American musical, stitched together with deep knowledge, winking humor, and the electric thrill of live performance. Curated and hosted by the indefatigable Siegel—Broadway’s unofficial song whisperer—the March 29 event at 54 Below (Volume 156) didn’t just dust off the standards. The guest vocalists belted out songs you forgot you couldn’t live without. For theater lovers, it’s like finding your old Playbill collection came to life—with a better key change.

I Have Dreamed – Michael Winther

On the Street Where You Live – Neil Devlin

Kansas City – Quentin Fettig

Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered – Deborah Tranelli

Me and Bobby McGee – Jenny Lee Stern

Everything I Know – Melanie Puente-Ervin

Not a Day Goes By – Neil Devlin

Somebody Will – Quentin Fettig

As If We Never Said Goodbye – Jenny Lee Stern

Send in the Clowns – Deborah Tranelli

Fly Fly Away – Melanie Puente-Irvin

I Happen to Like New York – Michael Winther

Cell Block Tango – Jenny Lee Stern