Theater News

Kinky Boots Stars Billy Porter and Annaleigh Ashford to Perform the Songs of Will Van Dyke at 54 Below

Van Dyke’s Broadway pals will promote his new album in the 54 Below concert, Will Van Dyke and Friends.

New York City

Will Van Dyke (photo courtesy of 54 Below)
Will Van Dyke (photo courtesy of 54 Below)

Will Van Dyke, associate music director of Kinky Boots, is bringing his own compositions to 54 Below on October 14 in Will Van Dyke and Friends, a concert that will feature performances by some of his closest Broadway comrades. Tony Award winner Billy Porter and Tony Award nominee Annaleigh Ashford, both from the Kinky Boots family, will perform alongside Tamika Lawrence (Matilda), Mike Wartella (Wicked), Alex Brightman (Big Fish), Jason Gotay (Bring It On), Randy Blair (The Adding Machine), Matt Doyle (The Book of Mormon), Katie Gassert, Preston Sadleir (Next To Normal), Ben Crawford (Shrek), David Josefsberg (The Wedding Singer), and Sally Wilfert (Make Me a Song).

The performers will sing Van Dyke’s original songs, including numbers from his 2010 recording Chasing the Day: The Music of Will Van Dyke; collaborations with Tony Award nominee Rick Elice (Peter and the Starcatcher) and Matt Doyle; and selections from his newest recording, Writing Kevin Taylor, a concept album set for digital release on October 15. The album, a three-person musical comedy about unlikely friendships and life’s unexpected turns, features music and lyrics by Van Dyke with book and lyrics by Josh Halloway.

In addition to his work in Kinky Boots, Van Dyke has served as musical director for the off-Broadway revival of Rent and performed in the orchestra for Broadway’s The Addams Family. Will Van Dyke and Friends will feature an eight-piece band, led by Van Dyke himself, and will be directed by DB Bonds.

For tickets and more information, click here.