Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – The gorgeous and glamorous VANESSA WILLIAMS intimately holds court at 54 Below

• By drediman
• February 20, 2026
• No Comments

This week, multi-talented A-lister Vanessa Williams has taken a weeklong hiatus from her high profile theatrical stint across the pond as the iconic creature of fashion Miranda Priestly in the West End production of the musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada to drop an anchor back on our shores at 54 Below. For those lucky enough to be in attendance this week at the midtown supper club (tomorrow evening is her final show), her latest cabaret act is a rare opportunity to experience this glamorous and gorgeous pop and theater diva intimately and graciously hold court from close quarters and deliver the goods with a smartly curated set that succinctly yet satisfyingly encapsulates her career (thus far, at least).

What was clear throughout is that Williams — donned in a glittering red gown — is an utter pro. Generous and genuinely warm, she’s the kind of performer who makes her audiences (many of whom have come in from far and wide) feel very much at ease. At Tuesday night’s show, La Williams was in smooth yet full throated voice as she mined an extensive and eclectic trove of material that ranged from her nostalgic radio hits from the 80s and 90s (“The Comfort Zone”, “Dreamin'”, “Constantly”, “The Sweetest Days”), to songs from her various Broadway appearances (“Children Will Listen”, an affecting “Losing My Mind/Not a Day Goes By” mash-up) to everything in between (a crowd-pleasing rendition of “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas).

For Williams’ highly anticipated return engagement at 54 Below this week, she’s surrounded herself with only the best in class of musicians, starting with versatile music director Leo Colon. Also on tap were Al Caldwell on bass, Keith Robinson on guitar, and JT Lewis — each of whom have played with some of pop/rock music’s greats over the course of their respective illustrious careers. Also worth mentioning is Shelley Thomas-Harts, who provided lovely backup vocals. Of course, Williams and her wonderful crew concluded the show with everyone’s secret easy listening ballad “Save The Best For Last”. Suffice to say, the audience left with immense smiles on their faces.

RECOMMENDED

VANESSA WILLIAMS
Cabaret
54 Below
1 hour, 15 minutes (without an intermission)
Through February 21