The 11:30 PM concert, hosted by Playbill.com staff writer Michael Gioia — who also hosted The Contemporary Musical Theatre Songwriters You Should Know: LIVE! at 54 Below in January — featured music direction by Charlie Rosen.
Performers included Gioia, two-time Tony Award nominee Robin De Jesus (In the Heights, La Cage aux Folles), Bonnie Milligan (Jasper in Deadland), Natalie Weiss (Everyday Rapture, national tour of Les Miz), Jenna Leigh Green (Wicked, Bare), Ariana DeBose (Bring It On, Motown), Ariana Groover (Holler If Ya Hear Me), Janet Krupin (If/Then), Tommy McDowell (American Idiot national tour), Joey Nelan, Lauren Renahan and Carolyn Caton.
Here's how the night was billed: "Pre-game with your favorite whiskey, throw on your best red, white and blue and head to 54 Below to ring in July 4 with some of the best belters on Broadway. Bitching and Belting: An Evening with Michael Gioia and Friends promises to be an unforgettable night where no complaint is too small and no note is too high. Join Michael Gioia (who hosted Playbill's Contemporary Musical Theatre Songwriters You Should Know LIVE! in January) and his Broadway faves for a set list of the sassiest songs, most dangerous duets and, of course, some bad-ass bitching. There will be (vocal) fireworks — we promise!"
Yvette Kojic co-produced and co-directed alongside Gioia, and Rochel Saks was the evening's stage manager. Videography is by Alyssa Gioia.
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"Forget You" - Natalie Weiss:
"Climbing Uphill" - Michael Gioia:
"Bills, Bills, Bills" - Ariana DeBose, Ariana Groover and Janet Krupin:
"Sweet as Whole" - Joey Nelan:
"You Oughta Know" - Jenna Leigh Green:
"Better This Way" - Lauren Renahan:
"Mr. Fix-It" - Robin De Jesus with Joey Nelan and Michael Gioia:
"Creep" - Tommy McDowell:
"Mamma Knows Best" - Natalie Weiss:
"Reckless" - Lauren Renahan:
"Rehab" - Carolyn Caton:
"Idina Menzel Medley" - Bonnie Milligan:
"Fuckin' Perfect" - Bonnie Milligan and Lauren Renahan: