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Last Week
October 2 , 2008
Betty Buckley absolutely tore up the Birdland stage last week with her set of gorgeous songs, masterful arrangements, and that astonishing voice we love. Almost everyone in showbiz came to visit, but I happened to catch Seth Rudetsky and Richard J. Alexander causing all kinds of commotion backstage.
Betty Buckley absolutely tore up the Birdland stage last week with her set of gorgeous songs, masterful arrangements, and that astonishing voice we love. Almost everyone in showbiz came to visit, but I happened to catch Seth Rudetsky and Richard J. Alexander causing all kinds of commotion backstage (left). These three are mad, bad and dangerous to know…and I enjoyed the hell out of our hang! They're ALL invited back any time!
On Monday, Alexander Gemignani was in the spotlight of our Broadway at Birdland series.
On Monday, Alexander Gemignani was in the spotlight of our Broadway at Birdland series. Talk about a great show - I was blown away by his voice and material. For someone so known for singing the hell out of Sondheim, the guy can swing, too! The crowd was peppered with some real Broadway high-hats. Alex's upcoming Road Show co-star, Michael Cerveris and director, John Doyle (left), were there to cheer him to great heights. We, in turn, can't wait to applaud them when they premiere the new Sondheim score at the Public Theatre!
Jared Bradshaw and Christina Bianco, currently knocking 'em dead in Forbidden Broadway.
The following Cast Party was about as varied as it could get. One of the biggest thrills was the chance to hear the acapella quartet, Our Town! We can't wait to visit that burg again! What a fresh, timeless and totally surprising sound they have! Come back, guys! I was also excited to hear Jared Bradshaw and Christina Bianco, currently knocking 'em dead in Forbidden Broadway (left). (Her Chenoweth is excruciatingly funny!) We were charmed by the return of Elena Bennett and Fred Barton, who can swing our way any time! KT Sullivan gave us a taste of her successful Jerome Kern show at the Oak Room. My friend Jen Bender brought some Broadway dazzle to the evening, with the cast of her upcoming October 6 benefit “Broadway in South Africa,” with songs based on essays written by South African students and penned by the best Broadway composers. There were beloved regulars and a bunch of newcomers, and the entire scene was watched over by none other than Mr. Michael Feinstein and Ms. Marni Nixon. Don't say we don't serve up a unique blend of entertainment! And all for that low, low $10 cover and $10 food/drink minimum. Where else can you be entertained by a throng of talent for almost four hours?!

Time for a commercial. You've probably heard of a brilliantly funny Broadway musical called [title of show]. It's a brand-new, totally ORIGINAL show, penned and performed by four of the most talented, hilarious and generous actor/singer/dancers in town. It's gotten glowing reviews ever since it ran off-off-off, and dreams came true with a full-on Broadway production. I love it a lot. If you've ever sat around with your wildly witty friends discussing showbusiness, this is the show for you. If you've ever had dreams of doing the impossible, this is the show for you. Anyone who ever bucked the odds will understand and relate to [title of show]. Unfortunately, the show is scheduled to close on October 12, but a groundswell of support and some full houses could change all that. So buy a ticket to [Title Of Show] and support fresh and innovative theatrical experiences!

Take a listen to a really fun interview I did with Teisha Bader on her WGHT radio show, "Curtain Call!" Many thanks to her for a great chat! WGHT Radio - North Jersey 1500
- Jim!
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Theatermania.com are proud to present: Broadway at Birdland
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and TheaterMania.com will present Alex Gemignani on Monday, September 29th, at 7:00PM.
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and TheaterMania.com will present the Luba Mason Band in Krazy Love…A Cool Brazilian Mood. The two performances, scheduled for 8:30 and 11PM, will take place on Tuesday, October 7th, as part of the Nightlife Award-winning concert series Broadway at Birdland.

Mason will be accompanied by her band, Kava, featuring Dario Eskenazi on piano, John Benitez on bass, Sandro Albert on guitar, Adriano Santos on drums, Dende on percussion, and Rodrigo Urasai on flute and sax.

Wife of Grammy Award winner Ruben Blades, singer/actress/producer/songwriter Luba Mason is a bona fide star in her own right. The stunning Slovak beauty has starred on Broadway opposite Brooke Shields in Chicago, Matthew Broderick in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and was featured in both Paul Simon's The Capeman and Jekyll & Hyde. Making a smooth transition into nightclubs and recording, Luba's follow up to her debut CD, “Collage,” (PS Classics) is titled Krazy Love, executing Brazilian-based jazz with a five-piece acoustic band. Time Out New York says that Mason is “…too good to overlook,” while Jazz Times calls her “…powerfully impressive.”

WHEN: Tuesday, October 7th, at 8:30 and 11PM
WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44th Street, NYC
TICKET INFO:
212-581-3080 or www.BIRDLANDJAZZ.com
Our Sponsors
A TOAST TO 20! A concert to benefit the National Alliance for Musical Theatre & celebrate the 20th Annual Festival of New Musicals. Bob Martin and Beth Leavel, Tony winners from The Drowsy Chaperone, will host the concert, featuring songs from past Festival shows, performed by Broadway stars including Stephanie D’Abruzzo, Will Chase, Gavin Creel, Malcolm Gets, LaChanze, Lauren Kennedy and Bobby Steggert! Benefit Tickets start at $250. A Toast to 20! takes place on Sunday, October 19th from 6 pm to 9 pm at Comix, 353 West 14th Street. Register online at: NAMT.ORG.
A Toast to 20! A concert to benefit the National Alliance for Musical Theatre & celebrate the 20th Annual Festival of New Musicals.
MAC/ASCAP SONGWRITERS' SHOWCASE: CELEBRATING WOMEN SONGWRITERS, Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 6:00PM. The Triad, 158 West 72nd Street. Jamie deRoy hosts an evening showcasing women songwriters: Judy Barnett, Francesca Blumenthal, Phoebe Kreutz, Luba Mason and special guest Christine Lavin. FREE to MAC and ASCAP members, $10 for non-members. Cash bar; drinks optional (and encouraged!!!!). Reservations via email to: RSVP@MACNYC.com or call (212) 465-2662 ext. 1
MAC/ASCAP SONGWRITERS' SHOWCASE: CELEBRATING WOMEN SONGWRITERS, Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 6:00PM.
BILLY STRITCH AND CHRISTINE EBERSOLE, "SUNDAY IN NEW YORK": selections culled from the pair's recent live show in NYC. In a review, Stephen Holden of the New York Times commented: "Ms. Ebersole, a bright, zany soprano and ebullient clown, can whirl on a dime and evoke an inexpressable sorrow under a facade of garrulous pluck. When she adds a spinning vibrato to her lemony voice, she can turn into a playful latter-day Kathryn Grayson or Jeanette MacDonald. Mr. Stritch, a pop-jazz pianist and gifted arranger, is a solid exponent of the gregarious, swinging Vegas style epitomized by Steve Lawrence." Listen to song samples, buy the CD, and learn about all things Billy Stritch at www.billystritch.com.

BILLY STRITCH AND CHRISTINE EBERSOLE, "SUNDAY IN NEW YORK": selections culled from the pair's recent sold out run at The Metropolitan Room in NYC. Listen to song samples, buy the CD, and learn about all things Billy Stritch at www.billystritch.com.
TEDD FIRTH, OF THE CAST PARTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, is a New York City based accompanist, jazz pianist and arranger. He has accompanied many renowned artists, including Lee Ann Womack, Faith Prince, Tom Wopat, Margaret Whiting, Maureen McGovern and Marilyn Maye. Among the jazz musicians he has worked with are John Pizzarelli, Houston Person, Benny Golson and Joe Morello. Mr. Firth's New York appearances include the Blue Note, Birdland, the Iridium, the Algonquin, the Rainbow Room, Carnegie Hall, and the Russian Tea Room. Tedd's arrangements have been performed by the Philadelphia Pops and the Ocean City Pops. Find him on MySpace Music at www.myspace.com/teddfirth.
TEDD FIRTH, OF THE CAST PARTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, is a New York City based accompanist, jazz pianist, and arranger. He has accompanied many renowned artists, including Lee Ann Womack, Faith Prince, Tom Wopat, Margaret Whiting, Maureen McGovern and Marylin Maye.
STEVE DOYLE, THE CAST PARTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BASS PLAYER, has been an active part of the jazz and cabaret scene in New York for the past 18 years, performing with many internationally renowned artists including Bucky Pizzarelli, Billy Stritch, Tony Desare, Rigmor Gustafssen, Klea Blackhurst, Hilary Kole, Dave Stryker, Steve Slagle, Christine Ebersole, Pekka Pylkannen, Stephanie Block, K.T. Sullivan, Emily Skinner, Freddie Bryant, Marilyn Maye, Lari White and many others. Get the full scoop and check out his 1997 CD, Presence, at www.stevedoyle.com .
STEVE DOYLE, THE CAST PARTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA BASS PLAYER, has been an active part of the jazz and cabaret scene in New York for the past 18 years performing with many internationally renowned artists
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)
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.
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!

OCTOBER 29 ROME, ITALY AUDITORIO SANTA CECILA
NOVEMBER 1 FLORENCE, ITALY TEATRO VERDI
NOVEMBER 4 MALTA MALTA CONVENTION CENTER
NOVEMBER 7 BARI, ITALY TEATRO TEAM
NOVEMBER 10 TORINO, ITALY TEATRO REGGIO TORINO
NOVEMBER 12 GENOA, ITALY TEATRO CARLO FELICO
NOVEMBER 14 MILAN, ITALY AUDITORIO ACHIMBOLDI
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

"...an extreme open mic!" -- ABC-TV

"Jim Caruso is uber-talented!" -- Entertainment Weekly

"Pianist Billy Stritch is thrilling...guaranteed to send you into orbit."
-- Rex Reed, New York Observer

"A vital pulse point of the musical-theater bloodstream: Every week a star or standard might be born." -- Time Out New York

"Bassist Steve Doyle gives firm support and swings solidly." -- Jazz Times

BEST OF NEW YORK Issue -- New York Magazine

"Starrier than the Hayden Planetarium... a hotspot where Broadway and Hollywood tip, twirl and hit the mic. It's become the place to cruise, schmooze, sing and be seen." -- Playbill

"The Broadway at Birdland series is a talk of the town carnival of talent, and is like no other happening in Manhattan It's evolved into an integral part of New York nightlife." -- John Hoglund, TheaterScene.net
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

Click for more featured concerts! www.castpartynyc.com/Concerts.htm