On Monday, January 28 at 7pm, we'll be dee-lighted to welcome back the gorgeous and witty Amanda Green to our stage, where she will ask the musical question, “Does This Song Make My Ass Look Phat?” Joining Mandy in the musical naughtiness will be Brooks Ashmanskas (The Club, The Producers), Jenn Colella (Urban Cowboy, High Fidelity), Jonathan Dokuchitz (Hairspray), Jeny Foote (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) and Amy Spanger (The Wedding Singer). You probably know that Amanda co-composed the Broadway score to High Fidelity, and is one of our all-time favorite writers. The winner of MAC Awards, Bistro Awards, and a Jonathan Larson Award for excellence in songwriting, Amanda's considerable talent and passionate following comes as no surprise, given her parentage: she's the daughter of the late, great writer, lyricist and performer Adolph Green (“Singin' In The Rain,” “The Band Wagon,” On The Town) and the fabulous actress Phyllis Newman. Of Amanda's work, the Wall Street Journal said, “Green is a master of the craft. She specializes in murderously witty songs that crackle with Sondheim-style wordplay.” Call Birdland for reservations at 212-581-3080 or click on www.BirdlandJazz.com. You'll be glad you did!
last
week…
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January 17, 2008 It was one of the best nights ever. Monday's CHITA LOVES BROADWAY CARES event at Birdland thrilled everyone involved. To see that legendary lady (left) singing and dancing on our stage was almost surreal, and I'm thrilled to tell you that we will be sending a whomping big check (to the tune of $12,040.00) to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. You might ask 'Who was there, Jim?” My reply might have to be “Um, who WASN'T there, reader?” Broadway heavy hitters like Raul Esparza (with Chita, below left), Barbara Cook, Tommy Tune, Michael John LaChiusa, Lynn Ahrens, Phyllis Newman, Larry Grossman, Amanda Green, Harvey Evans, Joel Grey, Celeste Holm, Troy Britton Johnson, Jerry Mitchell, Cady Huffman, Ron Abel & Chuck Steffan, Mary Testa, Carol Hall, Jeffry Denman, Victoria Shaw, Angie Schworer, Jack O'Brien, Austin Miller, John McDaniel, Kevin Ligon, Jenna Esposito, Tiger Martina, Jennifer Smith, Max von Essen, Julie Gold, Terri Klausner, Steve Marzullo, Brian Nash, Hunter Bell, Barrett Foa, and Marilyn Maye were just some of the faces we spied. We were excited to see Jenna Russell and David Evans, the two stars of the London production of Sunday in the Park with George. They were there with one of their producers, David Babani, who is helping bring the show to Broadway this season! |
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You just have to check out the fabulous fotos on our FLICKR site. (Thanks to Mark Rupp, Steve Sorokoff and Joe Marzullo for catching the fun!) Of course BROADWAYWORLD and THEATERMANIA posted some photos - check those out, too. The following Cast Party with Billy Stritch and Steve Doyle turned into a joyous ode to Chita - with lots of great performances dedicated to Ms. Rivera, who whooped it up from the audience until closing time. This coming Monday, there won't be a Broadway at Birdland concert, but there WILL be a Cast Party! We're so excited to meet and hear Ma, Wu, Liu, Gao, and Yu, the five final contestants from China's “MyShow,” which is the Asian version of “American Idol.” They're coming to NYC to check out the Broadway scene, and Camp Broadway and Nederlander New Century thought Cast Party was a good place to bring them after a night of theater! We couldn't be more thrilled - the footage of their performances will probably air on Chinese TV. I only hope my black eye will have disappeared by then. Yes…I walked into an elbow. You can't make up something that dull. I'm currently in Fresno, California, slathering it with cover stick, Derma-Blend and dozens of MAC products, so I can look ravishing for a Liza concert (see below), although I hear that 'bruise is the new black.' Please don't say, “I'd rather fight than switch” when you see me. I've heard it. When you're on your way to the club, look up! On the east side of the building is an awesome new addition to the Cast Party family...a billboard! Many thanks to owner Gianni Valente for the space!  |
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Then, on Monday, February 4, Broadway leading man Jason Danieley will make his Birdland debut with “Love: A Work In Progress.” Danieley, currently starring on Broadway in Curtains, will bring a unique combination of Blues, Country, Folk, Showtunes and Standards, all delivered with a healthy dose of Americana flavor. Joining him will be Dan Lipton on piano, Christian Hebel on fiddle, Mark Vanderpoel on bass, Michael Aarons on guitar/banjo/mandolin, Damien Bassman on percussion and Theresa McCarthy on backing vocals. In addition to singing, Danieley will join the band on tenor guitar. Raves the New York Times, Jason Danieley is “a natural charmer… his singing is sensitive, pure and gorgeously robust.” Jason Danieley is currently starring on Broadway as Aaron Fox in Kander & Ebb's Curtains, a role he originated in the show's March 2007 premiere. He made his Broadway debut over ten years ago, as the title character in theater legend Harold Prince's production of Candide, for which he received Theatre World and Drama League Awards, as well as a Drama Desk nomination. In 2000, he famously took it all off for the hit production of The Full Monty, in both the original Broadway and West End casts. A frequent guest of New York's highly acclaimed City Center Encores! Series, Danieley has scored leading roles in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and Strike Up The Band. Recent Off-Broadway appearances include: The Trojan Women: A Love Story; Dream True; and Adam Guettel's Floyd Collins. Jason has also performed, by special invitation as a guest artist, alongside many of the country's leading orchestras, including the New York, Boston and Philadelphia Pops, the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, and the St. Louis, Utah, Minnesota and Boston Symphonies. Call Birdland for reservations - 212-581-3080 or click on www.BirdlandJazz.com. Thinking ahead to future Broadway at Birdland concerts: Capathia Jenkins and Louis Rosen (February 11), Billy Stritch Sings Mel Torme (February 18), "Under the Covers With Victoria Shaw" (February 25), Beverly & Kirby Ward (March 3), The Marcy & Zina Show (March 10). |
BILLY STRITCH HAS A NEW CD AND A NEW WEBSITE! At last, Billy Stritch has his own dot-com - and a brand-new album to boot! While you're at the site (created by the Cast Party Webmistress, Kate Botello), peruse Billy's bio, find out where he's playing and read reviews. Listen to clips of Billy's latest, Billy Stritch Sings Mel Tormè, and pick up a copy for yourself and someone you love.
For everything Billy Stritch: www.billystritch.com .
JAMIE DEROY & FRIENDS - ANIMAL TRACKS! Enjoy this "purr-fect" new CD on Harbinger Records, ANIMAL TRACKS! Produced by Jamie deRoy & friends,
this "best in show" album features many of Broadway & Cabaret's biggest and brightest stars paying affectionate tribute to a variety of members from the animal kingdom. Proceeds to benefit The Humane Society of New York. Animal Tracks is available at CDBABY.com.
JIM CARUSO…THE PARTY CONTINUES ON CD: Caruso: Live and In Person, with Billy Stritch on piano. "Jim is funny, facile and fabulous! He performs with charm, wit and style, and is vastly entertaining." -- Michael Feinstein. "A cabaret-lover's dream!" -- Chip Deffaa, New York Post. "An unbeatable act of jazz, pop, comedy and conversation that is different from anything else in town." -- Rex Reed, New York Observer.
"This impish, twinkling-eyed performer exudes the buoyant spirits of a conetmporary vaudevillian…with an extremely tart lemon tucked firmly in his cheek." -- Stephen Holden, New York Times.
ELAINE PAIGE , THE "FIRST LADY OF BRITISH MUSICAL THEATRE," HOSTS AN ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS WEEKLY RADIO SHOW on BBC Radio 2 every Sunday night. The program is devoted to musical theatre and film music from Hollywood, Broadway and the West End. The celebrated star of Evita, Cats, Chess and Sunset Boulevard has interviewed a host of stars including Angela Lansbury, Sir Elton John, and Michael Feinstein, and continues to delight audiences with a unque mix of show music and juicy interviews. Click on BBC: Elaine Paige on Sunday to hear the current show.
SING LIKE YOU MEAN IT! So, you sing pretty- so what? If you don't know what you're singing about…no one cares. Be ready for your next audition -- come to my class. With the help of pianist and coach, Jamie Reed, we will make sure you are ready and relaxed enough to rock your auditions.
Mondays, 4pm to 7pm at Ripley Grier Studios;
4-week session =$240 (we’ll start as soon as we fill the class)
for more information, write me at singmeanit@aol.com
for more information about me- www.nancyanderson.name
for more information about Jamie- jamieRB326@aol.com
P.S. -- If you have scheduling conflicts, write and we can work it out!
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!
MINNELLI & CARUSO: TOGETHER AGAIN… I'm beyond excited to tell you that I'll be performing on the road with myamazing 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, Brian Lane Green 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!
| January 12 | Providence, RI | Providence Performing Arts Center |
| January 16 | Friant, CA | Table Mountain Casino |
| January 19 | Lake Tahoe | Harrah's |
| February 21 | Santa Barbara, CA | Chumash Casino |
| March 14 | Ft. Lauderdale, FL | Hard Rock Hotel |
| March 16 | Jacksonville, FL | Times Union Center |
| March 28 | Ft. Myers, FL | Barbara Mann PAC |
| March 30 | Melbourne, FL | King Center |
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.Aire delivers 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 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. www.squigsink.com
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!
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, 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:
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
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