Ari Khavin makes 54 Below debut, returns to hometown New York City

For Drama student Ari Khavin, this summer was a homecoming in more ways than one. A New York City native, Khavin returned to his hometown to make his 54 Below debut in Pickles on Broadway, a reunion concert that brought together UNCSA alumni and current students. Performing on one of the city’s most storied cabaret stages, he found himself not only reconnecting with the energy of New York theater but also forging bonds with alumni who once walked the same halls at UNCSA.

The whirlwind performance schedule, with rehearsals and the show all happening in a single day, underscored the importance of preparation and flexibility, lessons Khavin has honed in the School of Drama. Guided by UNCSA faculty and inspired by the creative team of fellow artists, the experience gave him a renewed passion for musical theater and a deeper sense of artistic confidence as he heads into his senior year.

Below, learn about Khavin's exciting performance in New York City: 

Tell us about what you did this summer!

I sang in Pickles on Broadway, a reunion concert featuring UNCSA alumni and current students. The event was at 54 Below, a nonprofit cabaret and restaurant in the basement of Studio 54 in Midtown Manhattan. 

What was the best part or biggest lesson learned?

I loved meeting the alumni! It was incredible to watch everyone perform, while also getting to know each other during rehearsals and backstage. 

The biggest lesson the process reiterated is the importance of being prepared. Our rehearsals were on the day of, so it was crucial to come confident and ready to go. It made the whole process even more exciting; I loved watching everything come together so quickly.

How did you get this opportunity and make it happen?

Darah Barenholtz, a recent graduate of the Directing program, sent out an open call for current students to join the concert. I expressed my interest, and I was invited to be a part of it!

Who were the people that were instrumental in making this possible?

The faculty I worked with during the spring musical, "Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812," were all a big part of how I came to sing at 54 Below. Director Quin Gordon, Music Director Janine Hawley and Choreographer Maggie Anderson took me to the next level as a musical theater performer. 

Also, the creative team of Pickles on Broadway who made the show possible which included Director and Producer Darah Barenholtz and Music Directors Daniel Rosales and Sarah Beth Palmer.

Was the experience what you expected or something more? How did it shape your artistry?

It was my 54 Below debut, and the experience was loads of fun, as expected, given how amazing everyone involved was! The ease and adaptability I strive for as an artist were essential to this process; I feel eager and ready to tackle singing and musical theater opportunities in the future.

What’s next? What are you looking forward to most this year?

I’m preparing for an upcoming film role, and writing a play! I’m hoping to debut it as part of the Keys to the Kingdom series. I’m looking forward to collaborating with my classmates across campus throughout senior year. 

By Melissa Upton-Julio

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