Broadway at Birdland
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Last Week
January 1, 2009
Oh, what a night! Monday's Johnny Rodgers concert was a smashing success, as evidenced by the sold-out house, the cheering throngs and the superb music that he and his band brought to the Broadway at Birdland stage!
Oh, what a night! Monday's Johnny Rodgers concert was a smashing success, as evidenced by the sold-out house, the cheering throngs and the superb music that he and his band brought to the Broadway at Birdland stage! After a brief, heartfelt intro by noneother than Liza Minnelli, Johnny and company stormed the stage and dazzled everyone (including Tommy Tune, a new fan) for almost 90 minutes. It was such fun, and a killer way to say goodbye to 2008 with some wonderful musical memories!

The following Cast Party was equally jammed…in fact there was a crazy line to get in for almost an hour! (Was EVERYONE in town for the holidays?!) The afore-mentioned Mr. Tune stuck around till the bitter end, applauding every single performance and sitting in awe of talent like Jeffry Denman (star of White Christmas) and his bride Erin, Klea Blackhurst, “The Amazing Race” winner Nick Spangler, Natalie Douglas, Nancy Anderson and her uke, “Da Doo Ron Ron” superstar Lala Brooks, jazzy gals Angela Bingham and Hilary Kole, Nicholas King, Rocco Fiorentino, Charlotte Durkee, Alex Getlin and The Locknar Sisters!
The evening was also blessed by Michael Feinstein (left), who had PBS cameras following him to his favorite Monday night hangout!
The evening was also blessed by Michael Feinstein (left), who had PBS cameras following him to his favorite Monday night hangout! He showered us with some fantastic songs, too, including some never-heard lyrics of “There's No Business Like Show Business.” Now, does it get any hipper than that?? No, I don't think so! Many thanks to Tedd Firth and Steve Doyle, who, as the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra, kept the music on track all night! Steve Sorokoff, our resident photographer/pianist/bon vivant, took a bunch of amazing photos (including the ones here) that you can see on FLICKR! Check them out! And come visit us this coming Monday, when David Budway and Mr. Doyle provide the music, and I provide the sometimes-witty banter. We can't wait for the first Cast Party of 2009! It's our SIXTH YEAR!!! We think we look pretty good, all things considering.

By the way, if you still haven't seen "Liza's At The Palace," you have 2 more chances! There is a show tonight at 8pm, and one tomorrow at 3pm!  Click on the link for all the info. It'd sure be great to see you there!
- Jim!
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Theatermania.com are proud to present: Broadway at Birdland
Jim Caruso's Cast Party is proud to announce Broadway and television personality JULIE HALSTON will appear at Manhattan's premier club Birdland on Monday, January 5 at 7pm.
Jim Caruso's Cast Party is proud to announce Broadway and television personality JULIE HALSTON will appear at Manhattan's premier club Birdland on Monday, January 5 at 7pm. This concert is part of the Nightlife Award-winning concert series, Broadway at Birdland. Reservations are highly recommended by calling 212-581-3080 or by visiting www.birdlandjazz.com.

Julie Halston has decided, for one night only, to throw caution to the wind and just go CRAZY with new material, old material and of course new clothes! Don't miss the fabulous comedienne in this one-night-only post-holiday bash called HOLIDAY MUFFULETTA…it's crammed with goodies!

Ms. Halston is one of the busiest actress/comediennes working today.  Most recently, she played Tina Carmello on the CBS sitcom “The Class.”  Well-known to theatre audiences, she was last seen on Broadway in Hairspray after receiving rave reviews (as well as receiving Drama Desk and Drama League nominations) for her performance in William Hamilton's White Chocolate.  She received an Outer Critics Circle nomination for her performance in The Roundabout's production of Twentieth Century.  Other Broadway credits include Gypsy, The Women and The Man Who Came to Dinner.  Off-Broadway credits include acclaimed performances in The Vagina Monologues, The Butter and Egg Man and The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told.  She is a founding member of Charles Busch's legendary theatre company, Theatre-in-Limbo and received a Drama Desk nomination for her performance in Mr. Busch's play Red Scare on Sunset. She co-starred with Mr. Busch in many of his plays including Vampire Lesbians of Sodom, The Lady in Question and You Should be So Lucky.  Miss Halston's one woman show, Julie Halston's Lifetime of Comedy which was developed from her wildly successful club act, ran Off-Broadway for six months and received an Outer Critics Circle Nomination for Best Comedy.  CBS developed a pilot based on the play.  Her film credits include “The Juror,” “Joe Gould's Secret,” “Addams Family Values,” “Dottie Gets Spanked,” “Celebrity” and “David  Searching.”  She can be seen in Charles Busch's latest film “A Very Serious Person” which has been selected for the Tribeca Film Festival.  Television viewers may recognize her as Bitsy Von Muffling on “Sex and The City.”  In January of this year, Julie co-authored the well-received book of original monologues “Monologues for Show-Offs” published by Heinemann Press.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS: JULIE HALSTON

WHEN: Monday, January 5 at 7pm
WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
TICKET INFO: $25 general admission, $50 orchestra
$10 food/drink minimum per person
RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080
CLICK: www.BirdlandJazz.com


NEXT:
SCOTT ALAN -- It's Good to See You Again, with Merle Dandridge, Crystal Monee Hall, Megan McGinnis, Carrie Manolakos, Patti Murin, Allie Trimm, Lisa Brescia, Heidi Blickenstaff, Jenn Colella, Erin Davie, Merle Dandridge, Hadley Fraser, Crystal Monee Hall, Nikki M. James, Marcus Paul James, Megan McGinnis, Carrie Manolakos, Kenita Miller, Patti Murin, Lauren Thomas, Katie Thompson, Allie Trimm, Natalie Weiss and The Broadway Boys. January 12th at 7:00 PM
Our Sponsors
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
DAVID BUDWAY (CAST PARTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA) IS ONE OF THE MOST DISTINCTIVE PIANISTS ON TODAY'S INTERNATIONAL JAZZ SCENE. He is deeply rooted in Classical, Jazz and Rock and Roll Music. In 1992, David made his classical debut as soloist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. His recording credits include Hubert Laws, Branford Marsalis, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Clark Terry, Michael Brecker, Christiane Noll and others. David has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Liza Minnelli, Dizzy Gillespie, Stanley Turrentine, Ravi Coltrane, Jimmy Heath, Mark Murphy, Joe Pass, Roger Humphries, Art Farmer, Regina Carter, Dave Liebman and The Mingus Big Band. David composed music to the motion pictures “Lift”, and “Giant Steps”, and won two prizes in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition. Look for David's soon to be released Jazz CD “Strike Up the Bud”. Click: DavidBudway.com, or www.myspace.com/davidbudway.
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.
FINAL FOUR SHOWS ADDED BY OVERWHELMING DEMAND - NOW TILL JANUARY 4TH! Can you believe it? After two years touring with the incomparable Liza Minnelli, we've brought the show to Broadway!  Liza's At The Palace opened at The Palace Theatre on December 3, and will run for 4 weeks! Check out the website for all the details. The first act is pure Liza at the top of her form, and the second act will celebrate the late, extremely great Kay Thompson and the Williams Brothers' historic nightclub act that took the world by storm in the late 40's.  Cortés Alexander, Johnny Rodgers, Tiger Martina and I have worked 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! Hurry to: www.LizasAtThePalace.com for tickets and beautiful video footage!

DECEMBER 3 - 14 NEW YORK, NY THE PALACE THEATRE
FINAL FOUR PERFORMANCES ADDED!
TUES. DECEMBER 30, AND FRIDAY-SUNDAY JANUARY 2, 3 AND 4
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
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Click for more featured concerts! www.castpartynyc.com/Concerts.htm