De Shields will play the intimate venue May 4, 11 and 18 at 11 PM. The evenings will feature De Shields along with vocalists Freida Williams and Marléne Danielle, with accompaniment by pianist Larry Spivack.

De Shields is the recipient of the 2009 National Black Theatre Festival Living Legend Award, the 2009 AUDELCO Award for Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actor in a Musical/Male (Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe), and the 2007 Village Voice OBIE Award for Sustained Excellence of Performance. De Shields is best known for his performances in the original Broadway productions of four musicals: The Full Monty, for which he received Tony, Drama Desk and Astaire Award nominations, in addition to both the Outer Critics Circle and Drama League Awards; Play On! (Tony nomination); Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Emmy Award); and The Wiz (title role).

The Laurie Beechman Theatre Downstairs at The West Bank Café is located at 407 West 42nd Street. General admission tickets booked in advance are $25 plus $15 food/beverage minimum; $35 at the door (based on availability) plus $15 food/beverage minimum. Tickets are available at www.smarttix.com or by calling (212) 868-4444.