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Last Week
 
February 14 , 2008
Capathia Jenkins and Louis Rosen both put on the most gorgeous show for Broadway at Birdland on Monday night! The place was filled with friends and fans, including the fabulous Sara Ramirez from Spamalot and “Gray's Anatomy” (with Capathia, left, thanks to Mark Rupp). 
Happy Valentine's Day!

Capathia Jenkins and Louis Rosen both put on the most gorgeous show for Broadway at Birdland on Monday night!  The place was filled with friends and fans, including the fabulous Sara Ramirez from Spamalot and “Gray's Anatomy” (with Capathia, left, thanks to Mark Rupp).  This was the musical duo's third appearance with us, and we can look forward to their fourth!
The following Cast Party was one for the record books! The casts of Altar Boyz (left) and Celia both showed up to hawk their amazing wares, complete with t-shirt and ticket giveaways. 
The following Cast Party was one for the record books!  The casts of Altar Boyz (left) and Celia both showed up to hawk their amazing wares, complete with t-shirt and ticket giveaways.  Algonquin-bound Lari White gave us a taste of her upcoming show, “Love Letters.”  Tony DeSare showed why he's been held over at Bemelman's Bar at the venerable Carlyle Hotel.  Billy Stritch pulled out some of his amazing Mel Torme material.  Christine Lavin was never funnier.  Erich Bergen - all the way from the Vegas company of Jersey Boys - asked the musical question, “I'm Not A Girl.”  Natalie Douglas proved she's one of the most talented divas in town.  Carrie Jackson and Gil Benson showed off their swinging and singing talents. Katherine Luckinbill dazzled everyone with her voice and vivacious personality.  Tedd Firth and Steve Doyle were brilliant, as always, as the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra.  They'll do it all over again this coming Monday, and we sure hope to see YOU!  If you click on Flickr, you can see proof of all the fun.  - Jim!
 
Coming Up
 
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and TheaterMania.com are proud to announce the return of exceptional composer, arranger, vocalist and jazz pianist Billy Stritch, live in-concert to celebrate the release of his acclaimed new record, “Billy Stritch Sings Mel Tormé,” Monday, February 18, 2008 at 7:00pm, as part of the long-running, critically-heralded and popular concert series Broadway at Birdland. 
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and TheaterMania.com are proud to announce the return of exceptional composer, arranger, vocalist and jazz pianist Billy Stritch, live in-concert to celebrate the release of his acclaimed new record, “Billy Stritch Sings Mel Tormé,” Monday, February 18, 2008 at 7:00pm, as part of the long-running, critically-heralded and popular concert series Broadway at Birdland

Born as a tribute to legendary jazz singer Mel Tormé, “Billy Stritch Sings Mel Tormé” features specifically-selected songs from key moments in the classic vocalist's remarkable career, ranging from early moments to all-time classics like “Lulu's Back in Town” and “Mountain Greenery.” Says Stritch, “I first heard Tormé when I was a teenager and from that point on he was my favorite jazz singer.  One of the high points of my career was opening for him with my trio, Montgomery Plant and Stritch, at the 1988 JVC Jazz Festival at Carnegie Hall.  What a memory - and what a man.  There'll never be another Mel Tormé.”  Raves the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Billy Stritch is “the epitome of jazzy sophistication as he sings the songs of Mel Tormé.”

An award-winning composer and performer, Billy Stritch has won international acclaim for his interpretations and passion for the Great American Songbook, a healthy mix of fresh perspective, laid-back humor and expert showmanship. Born and raised in Sugar Land, TX, Stritch got his start at age 12, playing piano at his neighborhood First Presbyterian Church - and quickly developed into a widely-known prodigy, particularly once he arrived in New York City. He has produced, arranged for and performed onstage with world-renowned icons including Liza Minnelli, Christine Ebersole, Marilyn Maye and Charles Aznavour, and was a guest conductor for The Rosie O'Donnell Show.

As a composer, Stritch co-penned the 1994 Grammy Award-winning song, "Does He Love You?," recorded by Reba McEntire and Linda Davis, which has sold over four million copies nationwide and was named one of the Top Ten Country Songs of that year. Stritch has headlined every famed nightspot in Manhattan, including Rainbow and Stars, The Algonquin Hotel's Oak Room, The Russian Tea Room, The Blue Note and Birdland. In 2001, he landed the role of piano-playing crooner Oscar in the Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of 42nd Street, opposite Ebersole - which led to a long-standing and hugely celebrated professional partnership, across dozens of stages and television shows.

Please call Birdland at 212-581-3080 or click www.BirdlandJazz.com for reservations.
 
Coming Up
 
Janis and Bill Corsair ARE Cast Party!
We used to do a daily, Entertainment/Information TV show for PostNewsweek, in the 70's, before entering the treacherous waters of acting, so we're moths to the flame when it comes to Cast Party.   Not only do we get to see many of our former guests, up close and in action, but we also get to sample the new generation..."the kids," as Jim calls them, and they are so "tyalented!"  Gianni Valenti, the owner of Birdland, is to be congratulated, not only for being a gracious host to Jim Caruso and the accomplished performers, but for having the "cojones," as they say in our Upper West Side neighborhood, to present such a unique cornucopia of glittering entertainment every week.

For us, one of the serendipitous happenings was finding the jazz legend, Lodi Carr, once again.  We spent countless nights at the Village Gate, over a couple of decades ago, reveling in her vocal talents.  Finding her again was worth a lifetime of admissions. That we need our weekly "fix" of Jim Caruso is attested to by the fact that, after a recent 14 hour return flight from Australia, rather then collapsing at home, we went straight from the airport to Cast Party.   Among other things, we presented Jim with an authentic didgeridoo. We understand he still attends classes
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-- Janis & Bill Corsair
 
Our Sponsors
 
THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG, THE 1979 TONY-NOMINATED MUSICAL COMEDY creation of Neil Simon, Marvin Hamlisch, and Carole Bayer Sager is geared up for a Black Box revival at The Producers’ Club (358 W. 44th St. @ 9th Ave.) on Thursday, February 21st and Saturday, February 23rd at 8:00pm.  The semi-autobiographical story based on the professional and personal lives of Hamlisch and Sager will star Doug Chitel and Ali Reed.  Tickets can be purchased by visiting Theatermania or by calling 866-811-4111.  Ticket price is $20.
They’re Playing Our Song, the 1979 Tony-nominated musical comedy creation of Neil Simon, Marvin Hamlisch, and Carole Bayer Sager is geared up for a Black Box revival at The Producers’ Club (358 W. 44th St. @ 9th Ave.) on Thursday, February 21st and Saturday, February 23rd at 8:00pm. 
JAMIE DEROY & FRIENDS PERFORMING ACADEMY AWARD WINNING SONGS AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM! Special Guests Include: THE ACCIDENTALS, LONI ACKERMAN, FRANK BASILE, STEVEN BRINBERG, SCOTT COULTER, CELESTE HOLM, JOAN KWUON, JOHN McDANIEL, STEVE ROSS & DAVID SHIRE. Barry Kleinbort: Director Ian Herman: Musical Director. WHEN: Wednesday, Feb 20 @ 7:30pm WHERE: The Metropolitan Room: 34 West 22nd Street (bet. 5th & 6th Aves) $25 COVER, 2 DRINK MINIMUM (FOOD: DESSERTS ONLY). For reservations, call: (212) 206-0440.
JAMIE DEROY & FRIENDS PERFORMING ACADEMY AWARD WINNING SONGS AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM!
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.

Billy Stritch Sings Mel Torme - and more, at www.BillyStritch.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.

Make Me a Song: the Music of William Finn
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.

Make Me a Song: the Music of William Finn
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!

Sing like you mean it! With Nancy Anderson and coach Jamie Reed
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!

KEN KLEIBER'S OFFERING VIDEOGRAPHY SERVICES.
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!


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


MINNELLI & CARUSO: TOGETHER AGAIN
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.
DAVE KOZ
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

Squigs draws the showbiz! www.squigsink.com - this week's pic - Christine Ebersole as Little Edie in 'Grey Gardens'
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!

Charlie Lapson: 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.

Jim Caruso ferociously models the official Cast Party t-shirt
The Cabaret Exchange
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?).
 
About Us
 
Look at all the illustrious people!
When:
Every Monday at 9:30 PM!

Where:
BIRDLAND
315 West 44th Street (between 8th & 9th), NYC
212.581.3080

TheaterScene.Net
TheaterScene.net
01/12/2008
Outstanding Cabaret of 2007
By: John Hoglund

1 - Jim Caruso: Broadway to Birdland Series – Birdland

Jim Caruso's savvy concept has turned into the weekly tour de force event presenting some of today's leading performer's from the Great White Way. The impressive list of guys and dolls singing show tunes, jazz, pop and all points in between is like no other happening in Manhattan and has evolved into an integral part of New York nightlife – like his wildly popular weekly Cast Party which follows after the show. This talk of the town carnival of talent allows rabid fans to cheer on their favorites up close and personal like: Nancy Anderson, Darius de Haas, Christine Ebersole, Melissa Errico, Sam Harris, Linda Lavin, Christine Pedi and a truckload of other major talents at this legendary jazz club on West 44th.
TheaterMania.com:
"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."

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.
 
Coming Up
 

Copyright Jim Caruso's Cast Party®, All Rights Reserved, 2006-2008. Newsletter by: Traverse City Web Design

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