|
last
week... |
| |
 |
June 8 , 2007
Monday night was an absolute thrill for me, because, after four years
of booking my favorite artists at Birdland, I finally got to do my own
show! Johnny Rodgers and I had a ball onstage, and we especially loved
our quasi-impromptu performance with the dazzling Pirate Queen herself, Stephanie J. Block (left). The place was packed with friends, family
and Broadway at Birdland alums like Natalie Douglas, Melissa Errico, Todd Londagin (see below), Toxic Audio's Rene Ruiz, Christine Lavin, and Amanda Green.
A trajillion thanks to everyone for showing up and helping make it a
very special evening! (You can see all the photos taken by Mark Rupp on our Flickr! site.) Now I wanna do it again! Thankfully, I know the
booker intimately.
The following Cast Party was shockingly jammed, considering there were
about seven other major events going on in the city! We were happy to
meet Max Crumm, who will be playing the role of Danny Zuko in the
upcoming Broadway production of Grease, thanks to TV's "You're The
One That I Want." He even graced us with a swell performance of
"Walking In Memphis," (left) thanks to the pianistic talents of Dani Rhodes. Sean Patrick Doyle had the crowd in stitches with his Audra McDonald impression (you read it right!), Broadway's Natasha
Diaz performed a gorgeous Michael Pemberton song with Mr. P. on guitar,
and Jenna Esposito brought her entire extravaganza onto the stage,
including her talented dad, Fortune! A new trio (yet unnamed)
consisting of Jason Michael Snow, Justin Keyes, and Nick Bleymire did
some brilliant harmonizing from their show, Singing Shakespeare. Joan Crowe, Janet Fanale and Sue Matsuki were never funnier. Hilary
Kole never sang better. Kirsten Gray was the coolest. Caroline Blair sounded brilliant. You get the idea. It was a good night at Cast
Party. Lots of beloved regulars and a bunch of newcomers made it a
fabulous night of music and fun. Tedd Firth and Steve Doyle kept the
music playing until 1am! Next Monday, it all happens again, with David
Budway at the piano, Steve Doyle on bass, and the amazing Christine
Lavin as guest host! If by chance you don't know, Ms. Lavin is a
hugely in-demand performer on the folk circuit - and beyond that - is
one of the most charismatic, hilarious and endearing stage
personalities of our time! I'm over-the-moon that she's hosting Cast
Party for two weeks while I'm in South America singing with Liza! I
wish I could be a fly on the wall!
 |
|
| |
|
| |
|
We're happy to announce the return of our favorite trombone playing, tap dancing singer! Todd Londagin will be back on our stage this coming Sunday, June 10 at 7pm with his amazing 17-piece Big Band! If you don't know, he has been touring internationally since the age of seven. A pop vocalist with a jazz sensibility and deep understanding of the essence of popular American songwriting from the 1930's through the 1950's, Todd's sound has broadened thanks to his 14 years as co-founder of the highly acclaimed Flying Neutrinos and 8 years as bandleader for some of New York's most prestigious event planners. He is bringing guest singer Toby Williams (of Cocktail Angst) and we know it's going to be a fantastic event. There will be a $25 cover and $10 food/drink minimum. Call Birdland at 212-581-3080 for reservations, or click on www.BirdlandJazz.com.
On Monday, June 11, Malcolm Gets (left, in a photo by Maryann LoPinto) will be back at Birdland, celebrating his lontime friend, musical genius Wally Harper. Malcolm recently starred opposite Kristin Chenoweth in the Encores! production of The Apple Tree, and starred in the Broadway musical Amour. Off-Broadway credits include Polish Joke, Boys and Girls, A New Brain, Hello Again, Merrily We Roll Along, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Finian's Rainbow and the Encores! The Boys From Syracuse. He is perhaps best known for his work on the television series, "Caroline in the City". There will be a $30 cover and $10 food/drink minimum for this show, and reservations may be made by calling Birdland at 212.581.3080 or clicking on www.BirdlandJazz.com.
|
| |
|
| |
Vincent Wolfe: A Canadian Crooner Returns to NYC! His velvety vocals lie “somewhere between Chet Baker and Mel Tormé…” and according to the Detroit Metro Times, “his tender and resolute voice uncannily captures the ebb and flow of the human heart”. Find out for yourself why this Canadian crooner has been getting a lot of attention. Vincent Wolfe will take you on an eclectic musical journey: from well-known jazz standards and pop gems to original compositions from his two critically acclaimed CDs. Saturday, June 23rd @ Helen’s (www.helensnyc.com) with Alex Levin (piano) and Ryan Berg (upright bass). 7 p.m. Admission: $20. ($15 for Cabaret Hotline and MAC members). For more information visit www.vincentwolfe.com.
|
 JOIN JAMIE DEROY & FRIENDS THURSDAY, JUNE 28TH AT 7:30 P.M. AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM. Nancy Anderson, Donna Lynne Champlin, Jim David, Xanthe Elbrick, Lorinda Lisitza sings Maddock & Iconis, Heather Mac Rae, Lennie Watts. Musical Director: Paul Greenwood. Director: Barry Kleinbort. Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St. between 5th and 6th aves. For reservations, call: 212.206.0440.
|
 KEN KLEIBER'S OFFERING VIDEOGRAPHY SERVICES. You have the talent, you booked the room and the crowds came. But what about that sought-after agent who was escorting his star client to a premiere? Or that family member who got stuck out-of-town due to inclement weather? Or that best friend who got the 24-hour flu? They can all re-live your shining performance through the magic of digital video. Videographer Ken Kleiber (host of TV, internet & radio’s “That’s Kentertainment!”) not only interviews the stars, he films them too. With over 6 years of videotaping experience, Ken has filmed hundreds of hours of cabarets, concerts, live theatre, dance recitals, comedy sets, interviews, on-tape auditions, parties and more. For more information on Ken’s videotaping, copying and transferring services, please contact Ken at kentertain@yahoo.com. Don’t let that once-in-a-lifetime moment be…just once!
|
 "here! on broadway," A PODCAST HOSTED BY JIM CARUSO, is a joyous celebration of the showbiz scene featuring music and conversation with Broadway's most dazzling personalities. Click on www.myspace.com/hereonbroadway to subscribe.
Listen in on Jim's conversation with playwright/performer extraordinaire Charles Busch (left)! They discuss Charles' contributions to experimental theater, his movie career and his most recent Manhattan Theater Club production of Our Leading Lady.
|
 MINNELLI & CARUSO: TOGETHER AGAIN... I'm beyond excited to tell you that I'll be performing on the road with my amazing friend Liza Minnelli quite a bit this next year! We're re-creating Kay Thompson and the Williams Brothers' historic nightclub act that took the world by storm in the late 40's and early 50's. Cortes Alexander, Johnny Rodgers, Clarke Thorell and I are working hard to approximate the blend and unique sound that Bob, Dick, Don, and Andy Williams brought to Kay's ingenious vocal arrangements, with Billy Stritch will be at the piano. Watch this space for details...hopefully we'll be coming to a theater near you!
- June 10 : Santiago, Chile
- June 13 : Gran Rex, Buenos Aires
- June 15 : Conrad Resort, Uruguay
- June 18 : Tom Brasil, Sao Paulo
- June 21 : Vivo Rio, Rio
- July 19 : South Shore Music, Cohasset, MA
- July 21 : Cape Cod Melody Tent, Hyannis, MA
- August 8 : Marbella, Spain
- August 10 : Barcelona, Spain
- August 12 : Madrid, Spain
- August 15 : San Tander, Spain
- August 17 - 18 : Monte Carlo
|
ON THE CD, AT THE MOVIES , DAVE KOZ , A MULTI-GRAMMY NOMINATED SAX PLAYER with two gold albums and ten top 5 hits to his credit, takes center stage on eight instrumentals: "Over The Rainbow," " As Time Goes By," " The Pink Panther," "Summer of '42," " Cinema Paradiso," " Schindler's List," " It Might Be You" and " The Shadow of Your Smile." The 40-piece orchestra enlisted by Koz and producer Phil Ramone provides a majestic, sweeping soundscape for the saxophonist and his guest vocalists, including Vanessa Williams, who contributes an exquisite version of " The Way We Were," and Johnny Mathis, who perfectly captures the bittersweet quality of " The Shadow Of Your Smile," from The Sandpiper. Other highlights include Anita Baker's elegant rendering of " Somewhere," from West Side Story and Donna Summer's shimmering version of " A Whole New World," from Disney's Aladdin. Barry Manilow duets with Koz on a hip arrangement of Henry Mancini's " Moon River," and India.Airedelivers a deeply personal performance of " It Must Be You," from Tootsie. At The Movies is a must-have for music and film lovers everywhere. Disappear into another world and spend some time At The Movies.
|
 SQUIGS DRAWS THE STARS. Justin 'Squigs' Robertson is well known in the
Los Angeles theatre community for capturing show biz folks in pen and
ink, and his acclaim is quickly spreading across the country. He loves
sushi. His favorite song is 'It's Only A Paper Moon'. And he
genuflects upon merely hearing the name of Al Hirschfeld. His
whimsical illustration and design is aided and abetted by his parallel
career as an actor and entertainer. You can visit www.squigsink.com for a look at Squigs' take on such talented friends of Cast Party as
Jeff Blumenkrantz, Julia Murney, Christine Ebersole, Victoria Clark,
Kelli O'Hara, Bob Martin and Liza Minnelli.
|
 CHARLIE
LAPSON'S SIGNATURE COLLECTION is the culmination of years of training, world travel, and professional
experience as one of Hollywood's top designers. His luxurious
handbags and men's wallets are produced by factories in Tuscany, Italy
made of fine Italian leather. Lapson's handbags and clutches have
been worn by the elite of Hollywood to numerous red carpet events
and on camera as well.
Celebrities such as Felicity Huffman, Eva
Longoria, and Debra Messing can be seen
at award shows adorned with Charlie
Lapson Jewelry. The collection is created by using the
most brilliant diamonds and precious gemstones mixed with 18 kt gold,
and molding them into works of art. Celebrities dazzle with glamorous
bold statement pieces. Look for large colored gemstones and mixes
of textures with unique shapes.
Style fit for a star!
|
 WHAT
DO MICHAEL C. HALL, KERRY BUTLER, CHEYENNE JACKSON, ESTELLE PARSONS, JULIA MURNEY, DEVEN
MAY, HUNTER FOSTER, MICHAEL ARDEN, JAMES BLUNT and the GOO GOO DOLLS
all have in common? Their
secret weapon -- voice teacher Liz Caplan! Her student ANA GASTEYER
(upcoming Threepenny Opera) says, “Studying with Liz has changed my
approach to singing on every level. In the two years we have worked
together, she has combined phenomenal technique with tailor-made specifications
to meet a huge variety of professional demands. Her tireless enthusiasm
and expertise have empowered me physiologically and emotionally to become
a better singer than I had ever imagined. It's like physical therapy
and good, old-fashioned psycho-therapy for your vocal chords!” Visit http://www.LizCaplan.com for more information, but tell Liz you heard about her at Cast Party!
|
 OUR
UPDATED T-SHIRT is now available in Tootsie-Roll brown
with safety-cone orange trim, as seen at left, where Jim reveals his
secret identity as -- Superhost! Show
your love for a certain Monday night Open Mic extravaganza by wearing
this 100% cotton, Peruvian-made, American-printed piece of art! The
wry "Got Mic?" logo is on the front, and our logo is on the
back. They're only $20 and available if you click http://www.castpartynyc.com/Goods.htm. |
As always,
many thanks to our corporate and private sponsors:
Gianni Valente & Hilary Kole, Randy Swartz
& Stage Step, Jamie deRoy & friends, Michael Estwanik, Piper-Heidsieck
Champagne, Todd Forman, Steven Minichiello, Matthew Gilbert and Wild
Oats Productions, as well as our Birdland sound guru Sean Corcoran and
Brian Wilson at SoHa Media. We can't do it without you!
Click
here to advertise with us. It costs
less than the average banner ad, and you're guaranteed to be seen by
tons of fabulous people (look, you're reading this right now,
yes?).
|
| |
|
| |
 "The
Party simply glows with New York nightlife ambiance. It feels like a
throwback to another era but it has this era's top-notch entertainers
dropping in to schmooze, sing, eat, and drink. Caruso consistently provides a flow of exciting singers, and he's definitely
hip, cool and classy all by himself."
-THEATERMANIA
When:
Every
Monday at
9:30pm
!
Where:
BIRDLAND
315 West 44th
Street (between 8th & 9th), NYC
212.581.3080
Bookings for Jim Caruso's
Cast Party® for theaters, arts presenters,
corporations and private events:
Ligeti Artists LLC
Peter Ligeti
mrligeti@aol.com
212.396.1111
For online booking information, click: The
Show Store
This newsletter brought to you each week by Jim Caruso and Traverse City Web Design.
|
| |
|
| |
-
Hang out with Cast Party and Friends on MySpace
-
|