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Last Week
June 19, 2008
Our great friend (and current boss!), Liza Minnelli (left, thanks to Mark Rupp) brought a table of swells that included choreographer Ron Lewis (The Act and the upcoming Bazazz!), and lyricist David Zippel (City of Angels and Woman In White). Liza's long-time musical guru (and Cast Party constant) Billy Stritch was still in the house, so he gladly accompanied her on an impromptu medley of “It Amazes Me” and “Music That Makes Me Dance.” Do I need to tell you that the crowd went ballistic? They did.
To say Klea Blackhurst and Billy Stritch were fantastic onstage together would be a bit of an understatement, if you ask me.  This dynamic duo stormed the Birdland stage for a concert on Monday night to celebrate their new CD, “Dreaming of a Song;” and what amazing music they made!  These two are like a neo-Steve and Eydie, and the starry audience flipped for their sounds.  Oh yes, they'll be back!  The excellent energy in the room only got better as Cast Party got under way.  Our great friend (and current boss!), Liza Minnelli (left, thanks to Mark Rupp) brought a table of swells that included choreographer Ron Lewis (The Act and the upcoming Bazazz!), and lyricist David Zippel (City of Angels and Woman In White).  Liza's long-time musical guru (and Cast Party constant) Billy Stritch was still in the house, so he gladly accompanied her on an impromptu medley of “It Amazes Me” and “Music That Makes Me Dance.”  Do I need to tell you that the crowd went ballistic?  They did. 
Then, we were all thrilled to meet and hear Lala Brooks (left), who was the lead singer for The Crystals back in the day. She sang two of her monster hits for us - “Da Doo Ron Ron” and “And Then He Kissed Me!” 
Then, we were all thrilled to meet and hear Lala Brooks (left, thanks to Mark Rupp), who was the lead singer for The Crystals back in the day.  She sang two of her monster hits for us - “Da Doo Ron Ron” and “And Then He Kissed Me!”  Then, that jazzy diva, Ann Hampton Callaway, joined the fun and created a song on the spot, which always amazes and shocks everyone!  Broadway's Nancy Anderson crooned with her ukelele, Trevor Exter rocked out on his cello, Sean Harkness showed why he's one of the most in-demand jazz guitarists on the planet, and Colleen McHugh was downright hilarious.  But there was more!  I was thrilled that the two stars of Sunday In The Park With George, Jenna Russell and Daniel Evans, showed up (post-Tony performance) to survey the fun. Survey it all yourself - just click on Flickr!
Jesse JP Johnson (left, thanks yet again to Mark Rupp!) sang his heart out.
Jesse JP Johnson (left, thanks yet again to Mark Rupp!) sang his heart out, jazz pianist Max Haymer found a new home at Birdland, billion-record selling writers Victoria Shaw and Gary Burr tried out a new song, and Malan Breton celebrated his birthday!  Finally, Christine Pedi got into the act, performing “Rose's Turn” as everyone under the sun, including Elaine Stritch and Joan RiversTedd Firth and Steve Doyle kept all of the music under control, believe it or not, making it one of the all-time best Cast Parties ever!
- Jim!
Coming Up
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and TheaterMania.com are proud to announce CHRISTINE PEDI's concert performance, UNCAGED AT BIRDLAND, Monday, June 23, 2008 at 7:00p.m., as part of the long-running, Nightlife Award-winning concert series Broadway at Birdland.
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and TheaterMania.com are proud to announce CHRISTINE PEDI's concert performance, UNCAGED AT BIRDLAND, Monday, June 23, 2008 at 7:00p.m., as part of the long-running, Nightlife Award-winning concert series Broadway at Birdland.

Longtime Forbidden Broadway diva, Christine Pedi, comes out of her shell, lets her hair down and throws caution to the musical comedy wind in UNCAGED.  Expect hilarity, heartbreak and the occasional "channeling" of more than a few legendary leading ladies.

Forbidden Broadway helped Christine Pedi earn nominations for both a Drama Desk award and an LA Ovation award.   She has appeared in companies all over the world including L.A., Tokyo, Singapore, Australia and London's West End.  Pedi made her Broadway debut in the revival of Little Me, which was directed by Rob Marshall.  She recently directed and appeared in The Vagina Monologues at the Forum Theatre in Metuchen, New Jersey.   In 2005 Christine was seen in NYC in A Broadway Diva Christmas, “Broadway by the Year 1962,” as well as “The 24 Hour Plays” and “The A Train Plays”.  Her work in New York Cabaret has earned her Show Business Weekly's 2005 Best Female Cabaret Singer of the Year Award, a MAC award for her turn as Liza Minnelli in “Judy & Liza Live”, as well as a guest spot on John McD's Cabaret Corner on “The Rosie O'Donnell Show.”  Christine can be heard daily, playing showtunes and interviewing theatre legends on Sirius Satellite Radio's “Broadways Best”.  She has performed for President and Mrs. Clinton (playing Mrs. Clinton), appeared at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall, and headlined on the Queen Mary 2.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS

WHEN:     Monday, June 23, 2008 at 7:00p.m.
WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44th Street (between 8th & 9th Aves), NYC
TICKET INFO
Tickets: $25.00 + $10.00 Food/Drink Minimum (Per Person)
Tickets can be purchased Online: www.BirdlandJazz.com or by Telephone: 212.581.3080.
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BROADCAST YOURSELF...BEFORE SOMEONE DOES IT FOR YOU. Introducing... "I."An ongoing collaborative web series.  (pictured: ichannel welcome page)
JUST FOR TODAY: The debut CD from vocalist Lars Vercelli is online at CDBaby and on the iTunes store. The album features twelve amazing tunes that you are just bound to love. Buy the CD today! Visit www.cdbaby.com/larsvercelli.
JUST FOR TODAY: The debut CD from vocalist Lars Vercelli is online at CDBaby and on the iTunes store.
JUST RELEASED - BILLY STRITCH AND KLEA BLACKHURST: "DREAMING OF A SONG: THE MUSIC OF HOAGY CARMICHAEL." Klea Blackhurst and Billy Stritch are two powerhouse performers, honoring the music of one of America's most treasured songwriters. For their new CD on Ghostlight Records, Blackhurst & Stritch have mined the Carmichael catalogue to unearth lesser known gems as well as beloved treasures such as "Skylark," "Georgia On My Mind" and "Stardust." It has “all the Heart and Soul of the legendary composer himself."(Theatre Scene.net) "Blackhurst and Stritch are as compatible as caviar and champagne." -- Cabaret Scenes. Listen to song samples, buy the CD, and learn about all things Billy Stritch at http://www.billystritch.com.

BILLY STRITCH AND CHRISTINE EBERSOLE: "SUNDAY IN NEW YORK."  Find out more at www.billystritch.com .
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
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.

JIM CARUSO…THE PARTY CONTINUES ON CD: Caruso: Live and In Person, with Billy Stritch on piano.
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.

ELAINE PAIGE , THE "FIRST LADY OF BRITISH MUSICAL THEATRE," HOSTS AN ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS WEEKLY RADIO SHOW on BBC Radio 2 every Sunday night.
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 my amazing friend Liza Minnelli quite a bit this next year! We're celebrating 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, Tiger Martina and I are working hard to approximate the blend and unique sound that Bob, Dick, Don and Andy Williams brought to Kay's ingenius vocal arrangements. With dazzling direction and choreography by Ron Lewis, and old pal Billy Stritch at the piano, this project is an absolute dream come true!

JUNE 20 LOS ANGELES, CA HOLLYWOOD BOWL
JULY 20 ULM, GERMANY  
JULY 23 REGENSBURG, GERMANY  
JULY 26 WOLFSBURG, GERMANY  
JULY 27 SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN  
AUGUST 16 PRIMM, NV STAR OF THE DESERT ARENA
AUGUST 23 HAMMOND, IN HORSESHOE CASINO
SEPTEMBER 9 LOUISVILLE, KY KENTUCKY PAC
SEPTEMBER 12 SAINT CHARLES, MO BEZEMES THEATER
OCTOBER 29 ROME, ITALY  
NOVEMBER 2  FLORENCE, ITALY  
NOVEMBER 4 MALTA, ITALY  
NOVEMBER 7 BARI, ITALY  
NOVEMBER 10 TORINO, ITALY  
NOVEMBER 12 GENOA, ITALY  
NOVEMBER 14 MILAN, ITALY  
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.
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:
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 - L-R: Steve Doyle, Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch - The Cast Party Symphony Orchestra!
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

Jim Caruso: Broadway at 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


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Coming Up

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

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