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Last Week
October 30 , 2008
So, I'm in Italy with LIZA. But I heard it through the grapevine that my guest-host Scott Siegel (left) dressed as candy corn in an all-orange outfit. It's almost Halloween, so he's got a right.
So, I'm in Italy with Liza. But I heard it through the grapevine that my guest-host Scott Siegel (left) dressed as candy corn in an all-orange outfit. It's almost Halloween, so he's got a right. From all reports, the evening glowed almost as bright as Scott's wardrobe. I heard the joint (otherwise known as Birdland) was jumping when a totally packed (below left, thanks to Steve Sorokoff) Cast Party audience was serenaded with nearly forty performances by singers from Broadway, Off-Broadway, and the nightclub world. For starters, there was Charles West (Cyrano and The Scarlet Pimpernel) who wowed the crowd with his powerful leading man pipes -- and he looked pretty damned good, too. On the (very) funny side, three-quarters of the cast from Forbidden Broadway came in and had silly fun at the expense of The Jersey Boys, Tale of Two Cities, Mary Poppins, and an hysterical send-up of "I'm Telling You I'm not Going" performed by Celine Dion -- in the person of the adorable Christina Bianco. Comedy was king Monday night with Shawn Ryan cutting up, along with Cast Party home run hitters Christine Lavin and Ray Jessel. The high point -- and this happens every time she comes in -- occured when Nightlife Award winner Marilyn Maye held court singing two numbers and drawing the largest ovation of the evening. But there were other big cheers for the performance of Kyu Jan Han singing "I Concentrate on You" -- he totally silenced a previously talky crowd that clearly concentrated on him. Broadway regular Devin Richards and Chris Dilly (from The Kinsey Sicks) were both knockouts, as well.
I heard the joint (otherwise known as Birdland) was jumping when a totally packed (below left, thanks to Steve Sorokoff) Cast Party audience was serenaded with nearly forty performances by singers from Broadway, Off-Broadway, and the nightclub world.
Among first timers on Monday night, one of the biggest impressions was made by a young woman named Marly Pope. Why does this always happen when I'm away? Hey, maybe I should stay away a little longer! Okay, I will. The extraordinary Klea Blackhurst is gonna guest host next week. I'm so thrilled that she said yes to helm the Cast Party insanity. If you don't know this New York Times front-page cabaret diva, run to Birdland on Monday and meet her. She has pipes that don't quit, and is truly hilarious. Sing your fave Ethel Merman ditty for her. She'll like you.
- Jim!
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Theatermania.com are proud to present: Broadway at Birdland
Jim Caruso's Cast Party, in association with TheaterMania.com, is thrilled to present composer John Bucchino in concert, as part of the Nightlife Award-winning series Broadway at Birdland. The event will take place on Monday, November 3 at 7pm. Call 212-581-3080 or click: www.BirdlandJazz.com for reservations.
Jim Caruso's Cast Party, in association with TheaterMania.com, is thrilled to present composer John Bucchino in concert, as part of the Nightlife Award-winning series Broadway at Birdland. The event will take place on Monday, November 3 at 7pm.  Call 212-581-3080 or click: www.BirdlandJazz.com for reservations.

Noted songwriter and pianist John Bucchino presents an intimate solo evening of his work.  Bucchino will share songs from his CDs "Grateful," "It's Only Life," and "On Richard Rodgers' Piano," as well as material from his recent Broadway show A Catered Affair. Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear these extraordinary songs performed by the composer himself.

John's collaboration with Harvey Fierstein, A Catered Affair, was recently seen on Broadway at The Walter Kerr Theater.  He has written songs for the musicals Urban Myths and Lavender Girl, a piece included in 3HREE, an evening of short musicals compiled by Harold Prince, which had productions in Philadelphia and Los Angeles. It's Only Life, a revue of his songs directed by Daisy Prince, premiered at New York's Summer Play Festival and was presented in a concert version at Lincoln Center. He has also written the songs for the Dreamworks animated film JOSEPH, KING OF DREAMS from which "Better Than I" won the 2000 Video Premiere Award for best song.  Some recordings of his work are: GRATEFUL, THE SONGS OF JOHN BUCCHINO (an RCA Victor CD and companion songbook), SOLITUDE LESSONS (another collection of original songs), ON RICHARD RODGERS' PIANO (solo piano interpretations of Rodgers songs on the composer's own Steinway), and the PS Classics release of IT'S ONLY LIFE.  In September 2003, Harper Collins published an illustrated children's book, based on John's song, called GRATEFUL, A SONG OF GIVING THANKS as part of their Julie Andrews Collection. The book includes a CD of a newly recorded version of the song, sung by Art Garfunkel, and is a winner of the Parents' Choice Gold Award.

John Bucchino's songs have been recorded and performed by Judy Collins, Barbara Cook, Michael Feinstein, Art Garfunkel, Patti LuPone, Yo-Yo Ma, Audra MacDonald, Liza Minnelli, Deborah Voight, The Boston Pops, The Los Angeles Philharmonic, and many others in venues that include Carnegie Hall, The Metropolitan Opera, The Hollywood Bowl, The Sydney Opera House, and The White House.

Upcoming Concerts:  Bill Nolte (November 10), Jonathan Tunic & The Broadway Moonlighters (November 24), Christine Ebersole & Billy Stritch (November 26 - 29)
Our Sponsors
BY NOW YOU'VE PROBABLY HEARD SOME BUZZ about Patrick DeGennaro's Vocal Technique Workshops. The client list reads like a 'who's who' of the Cabaret and Broadway communities. Patrick is taking new clients for the 4 Week Winter Semester, click here for the dates and times. While you're at the site check out Patrick's Back Stage interview with David Finkle on the press page and read what Karen Mason, John McDaniel, Lina Koutrakos and others have to say on the Testimonials page. If these dates don't work but you are interested, send an e-mail on the Contact page. www.vocaltechnique.com
BY NOW YOU'VE PROBABLY HEARD SOME BUZZ about Patrick DeGennaro's Vocal Technique Workshops.
5TH ANNUAL BROADWAY UNPLUGGED -- GOOD SEATS STILL AVAILABLE! Monday, at 8 PM on November 17th at The Town Hall. Great Singers! Great Songs! No Microphones! The one major, star-studded concert with sound design by God! Acclaimed by NY Times, NY Daily News, Variety...Stars so far: ASHLEY BROWN (Broadway's Mary Poppins), RON BOHMER (Woman in White), CHUCK COOPER (Tony winner, The Life), BILL DAUGHERTY (award-winning vocalist), MARC KUDISCH (2x Tony Nominee), DEVEN MAY (Batboy), JEFF McCARTHY (Side Show, Urinetown), WILLIAM MICHALS (Understudy for Emile de Becque in South Pacific), CHRISTIANE NOLL (Jekyll & Hyde). As Many as 20 Stars will Perform! Tickets are $25, $50, and $75. Town Hall Box Office: 123 W. 43rd St. (noon to 6 PM except Sundays), or via TicketMaster at 212-307-4100 or TicketMaster.com. Broadway Unplugged is created/written/hosted by Scott Siegel.
BY NOW YOU'VE PROBABLY HEARD SOME BUZZ about Patrick DeGennaro's Vocal Technique Workshops.
MAUREEN TAYLOR BRINGS HER NEW SHOW TAYLOR MADE TO THE METROPOLITAN ROOM. Two Thursdays: November 6 & November 13th @ 9:45PM. Taylor Made tackles “Adult Puberty”. With inspiration from the “fabric” of  Astaire, Mercer, and Porter…. embroidered with the “pearls” of Ray Jessel, Ernie Lijoi, DarWilliams and others, Taylor weaves a musical tapestry of possibilities…when life begins at 40…ish! The show is directed by MAC award winner Lina Koutrakos,with musical direction by Mark Fifer and accompanied by MaryAnn McSweeney on bass. While still fairly new to the NYC Cabaret scene, (although many may remember her interactive Cosmic Cabaret) Taylor is no newcomer to the stage. Her many concert appearances in the UK. include : Theatre Royal Brighton, Bridewell, Heva Castle, Brighton Pavillion Dome and an “Incantations” recording with Tim Wheater in Bath. For more about Maureen Taylor, click: www.maureentaylornyc.com.
MAUREEN TAYLOR BRINGS HER NEW SHOW TAYLOR MADE TO THE METROPOLITAN ROOM. Two Thursdays: November 6 & November 13th @ 9:45PM.
BILLY STRITCH'S WATERS OF MARCH: THE BRAZILIAN ALBUM: "...Stritch imaginatively captures the magic of the bossa nova rhythm on some terrific cuts, including three by Brazilian music icon Antonio Carlos Jobim. Of these, probably the most memorable is "Someone to Light Up My Life," which most Americans first heard on Sarah Vaughan's legendary Brazilian album. Here Stritch captures the simple sensitivity and all the yearning poignancy the composer had in mind when he first penned it. Sergio Mendez's "So Many Stars" takes you on an indolent, dreamy, and gentle journey...[Stritch's] phrasings and delicate nuances are so insightful that the album becomes a powerful musical statement with many subtle, yet potent, moments." -- John Hoglund, Backstage. The CD and all things Billy Stritch are at www.billystritch.com.

BILLY STRITCH'S WATERS OF MARCH: THE BRAZILIAN ALBUM: "...Stritch imaginatively captures the magic of the bossa nova rhythm on some terrific cuts, including three by Brazilian music icon Antonio Carlos Jobim.
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
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. Cortés 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!

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
NOVEMBER 19 WOONSOCKET, RI STADIUM THEATRE PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
NOVEMBER 21- 23 WOONSOCKET, RI STADIUM THEATRE PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
DECEMBER 3 - 14 NEW YORK, NY THE PALACE THEATRE
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