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Last Week
 
May 1, 2008
Mo Rocca 'Cross America was a big hit!
While I was in Mexico singing with Liza Minnelli (who kicked all kinds of South-of-the-Border tuchas), the Birdland stage was in great hands!  I hated having to miss Mo Rocca 'Cross America, starring one of the all-time brilliant funny guys (in the red coat, left, with his amazing cast of characters).  I've heard nothing but raves from everyone, and if you'd like a taste of what happened, click on MOROCCA180.COM to watch one of his rehearsals with noneother than Bebe Neuwirth, who gave lots of extremely good advice!
Phoebe Snow storms the stage
Christine Lavin, the Mother Teresa of music, hosted Cast Party in my absence. Her wacky humor, love of talent and all 'round general kindness was in evidence as the throngs performed their hearts out.  It didn't hurt to have the legendary Phoebe Snow storm the stage with a soulful “You Send Me” (left). Of course, the audience wouldn't let her go without an encore, and I can't believe I missed her performance of Janis Joplin's “Piece of My Heart.” Skip Brevis was on piano, Dave Buskin played guitar, and our own Steve Doyle was on bass for this once-in-a-lifetime performance! Of couse, the music went on into the wee hours, with Mr. Buskin (of the award-winning trio "Modern Man") and Jake Holmes (jingle singer and songwriter to the stars) showing off songs from their upcoming musical.  NY1's Budd Mishkin popped in, played guitar and sang a very funny tune about James Taylor. One of our favorite Bostonians, Kevin So, sat at the piano, and had the packed house singing along.  Josh Young, of the upcoming Tales From The Bad Years, showed off his powerful voice, Malan Breton from “Project Runway” sang a gorgeous standard, Vince Rodriguez (star of the off-Broadway show Honor) rocked the room, composer Ervin Drake thrilled the crowd, and Galia Aran killed with her original “Ooh La La!”

At midnight, everyone sang a perfectly harmonized “Happy Birthday” to Hilary Kole (left), who showed her thanks by singing a scat-sational “Lullabye of Birdland.”  You can check out Mark Rupp's fabulous fotos on our Flickr site!
Happy Birthday, Hilary Kole
Congrats, Tedd and Kerry Firth, and welcome to Brandon!
There were loads of newcomers and some beloved regulars digging the sounds of Steve Doyle on bass, and Pat Firth on piano. Excuse me? Pat Firth? That's correct. Cast Party pianist Tedd Firth, was scheduled, but at the last minute, his brother filled in because something came up…or rather…out. Yes, Teddy is finally a daddy! His wonderful wife Kerry gave birth to Brandon James Firth (8 pounds, 6 ounces) at 2:24AM Tuesday morning. Words can't express how happy we are for the Firths. We're also indebted to Pat for filling in brilliantly while Tedd was helping with the deep-breathing. We can't wait to meet Brandon. Tedd says he's a “really nice guy,” which doesn't surprise us one bit. - Jim!
 
Coming Up
 
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and TheaterMania.com are proud to announce Jeremy Schonfeld's CD release party and concert for “37 Notebooks” Monday, May 5, 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 Jeremy Schonfeld's CD release party and concert for “37 NotebooksMonday, May 5, 2008 at 7:00pm, as part of the long-running, critically-heralded and popular concert series Broadway at Birdland.

Hailed by The New York Times as a blend of Jonathan Larson and Billy Joel, Jeremy Schonfeld, backed by his band and surprise special guests, will be showcasing his unique rock-theater fusion from previously released albums and the brand new studio release, "37 Notebooks", which includes an all-star line-up of artists including Shoshana Bean, Adam Pascal, Tracie Thoms, Lauren Kennedy, Amy Spanger and Jarrod Emick, among others. A percentage of the proceeds from the album will benefit the Broadway Dreams Foundation (www.mybroadwaydreams.com). Ticket price includes a copy of the album, and artists participating in the concert will be on hand for a CD signing after the show.

Schonfeld's singular blend of tuneful pop, hard-edged rock, gospel, soul and blues has made him one of today's most sought after singer/songwriter talents and musical theater composers. Smart and contemporary with intelligent lyrics, Schonfeld attended the Berklee College of Music and participated in the BMI Lehman-Engel Musical Theater Workshop.

As a solo performer, Schonfeld's recent engagements include a sold-out, standing room only solo show at Joe's Pub, which featured Shoshana Bean (Wicked, Hairspray), Christian Campbell (Reefer Madness, tick . tick . BOOM!), Stephanie D'Abruzzo (Avenue Q), and Tracie Thoms (Rent film); BB King's ("Rockers on Broadway"); Birdland; ArsNova; Lincoln Center; Juilliard Opera Theater; Symphony Space; CBGBs; Southpaw; The Zipper Theater (where he served as associate producer for the Unzipped Concert Series); and as an opening act for James Taylor. Call Birdland at 212-581-3080 or click on www.BirdlandJazz.com for reservations!
 
Our Sponsors
 
JOIN CELEBRATED PERFORMER JAMIE DEROY FOR HER MONTHLY CABARET & MAC Award-winning variety show, Jamie de Roy & friends on Wednesday, May 14th at 7:30PM. Guests: stage & screen star, Lucie Arnaz; actress, singer, comedienne Ivy Austin; last seen on Broadway in Old Acquaintance, Tony Award-nominated Stephen Bogardus; OBIE Award winner, last seen in Marcy In The Galaxy, Donna Lynne Champlin; Drama Desk and Tony Award nominated Penny Fuller; one of Playbill’s “Top Ten Divas of 2006,” singer/actress Gay Marshall and writer and comedienne Jane Stroll. Metropolitan Room (34 W. 22nd St.) $25 cover + $15 minimum. For reservations (212) 206-0440.
JAMIE DEROY & FRIENDS AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM: JOIN US TUESDAY, APRIL 1ST AT 7:30 P.M.
BROADCAST YOURSELF…BEFORE SOMEONE DOES IT FOR YOU. Introducing…"I." An ongoing collaborative web series. A story told in snippets. At www.youtube.com/ichannel -OR- www.connectwithi.com. "I." (also referred to as "iChannel") is an ongoing interactive web series in which a man's life is taken over by an online audience - YOU. Together, Sebastian Arcelus (Jersey Boys), Craig DiFolco, and Michael Izquierdo (New Jerusalem) have forged a path into the world of truly interactive television by directly linking the "subject" to his "audience" in this comically existential adventure. With 34 episodes already filmed and more on the way, they invite you to join in and connect with "I." Is your life worth watching? Check out "I." PLEASE NOTE: Texts that appear in "quotes" within the episodes are actual user comments. If you comment or post a video response, it may very well appear in a future episode.
BROADCAST YOURSELF…BEFORE SOMEONE DOES IT FOR YOU. Introducing… "I."An ongoing collaborative web series.  (pictured: ichannel welcome page)
THE BROADWAY SEASON IS IN FULL SWING and one of the most exciting new openings of the year is the official launch of Audience Rewards, the only experiential rewards program created for theatergoers and patrons of the performing arts. Audience Rewards is proud to offer premiere experiences and entertainment benefits to the loyal fans of Broadway.  All you have to do is join. Membership is FREE. And, as a fan of Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Broadway at Birdland, we will give you a gift of 500 points to get you started toward earning Broadway tickets, unique memorabilia, special experiences and tickets to arts and entertainment events. Membership also includes invitations to VIP receptions and special offers on dining, travel and, of course, Broadway shows. Visit www.AudienceRewards.com to sign up to get many exciting benefits including special presentations and offers brought to you by Jim Caruso and Audience Rewards.
Audience Rewards logo
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
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!

May 3 Dallas/Fort Worth, TX Bass Performance Hall
May 9 Biloxi, MS Beau Rivage
May 25-27 London, England English National Opera
May 30 Nothingham, England Nothingham Royal Concert Hall
June 2 Manchester, England Bridgewater Symphony
June 4 Birmingham, England Birmingham Symphony
June 6 Glasgow, Scotland Glasgow Clyde
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'
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
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.
 
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Copyright Jim Caruso's Cast Party®, All Rights Reserved, 2006-2008. Newsletter by: Traverse City Web Design

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