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Last Week
January 8, 2009
The showbiz giltterati came out in full-force to support her, including (left) Matt McGrath, Mike Doyle, Denis Jones, Charles Busch and Andrew Rennells. We also spied Denny Dillon, John McDaniel, Eric Myers, Robert LaFosse, Max von Essen, Natalie Douglas & Billy Joe Young, Jesse Tyler Feruguson, Carl Andress, Amanda Green & Jef Kaplan cheering, stomping and roaring their comedic approval for Julie Lynn!
Julie Halston is truly the funniest woman on the planet. This isn't news to her throngs of fans who were at Birdland on Monday night. The event was sold-out, but I mean sold-out in the “what the hell do we do with all these walk-ins?” way. It was fantastic, and the brilliant Birdland staff found places for every single body that came in the door! Ms. Halston is one of those comediennes who can take a situation, or even a word, and just make it screamingly funny. Sometimes it's just by her expression…or an emphasis on a certain syllable. You know what I mean. She's funny, and that's all there is to it. Her “Holiday Muffuletta” was everything is should have been, and more. The showbiz giltterati came out in full-force to support her, including (left) Matt McGrath, Mike Doyle, Denis Jones, Charles Busch and Andrew Rennells. We also spied Denny Dillon, John McDaniel, Eric Myers, Robert LaFosse, Max von Essen, Natalie Douglas & Billy Joe Young, Jesse Tyler Feruguson, Carl Andress, Amanda Green & Jef Kaplan cheering, stomping and roaring their comedic approval for Julie Lynn!
The following Cast Party was way fun! One hightlight was when our brilliantly talented pal from London, Giles Terera, decided to sing “Birth of the Blues,” but had to use sheet music. David Budway wasn't completely sure of the changes, so superstar Paul Schaffer (“you know him…you love him…”) volunteered to play! The result was a rollicking performance, and a great memory for Giles…and the rest of the crowd!
The following Cast Party was way fun! One highlight was when our brilliantly talented pal from London, Giles Terera, decided to sing “Birth of the Blues,” but had no sheet music. David Budway wasn't completely sure of the changes, so superstar Paul Shaffer (“you know him…you love him…” -- left, thanks to Steve Sorokoff) volunteered to play! The result was a rollicking performance, and a great memory for Giles…and the rest of the crowd! We were delighted that Miss New York, Leigh Taylor Smith, tried out her Miss America song for us, thanks to a former Miss A/constant Broadway star Kate Shindle! Aussie Tim Draxl showed up after way too many years to sing his heart out, as did pal Nick Christo. “Who's Line Is It Anyway” improv-genius Collin Mochrie and his wife stayed all night to observe the scene, which was thrilling for us! All in all, it was a great night, thanks to brilliant newcomers, beloved regulars, Mr. Budway and Steve Doyle on piano and bass, and a bunch of Cast Party revelers (check out all the photos on our Flickr! site). We do the same thing next week, in an evening co-starring Budway, Doyle and Caruso!
For those keeping track, “Liza's At The Palace” closed on Sunday, after five glorious weeks on Broadway. To say that the run was thrilling would be a complete understatement. It was certainly one of the most exciting few weeks of my life, and I'm overjoyed that so many of you were able to share it with me and our fantastic cast and crew.
For those keeping track, “Liza's At The Palace” closed on Sunday, after five glorious weeks on Broadway. To say that the run was thrilling would be a complete understatement. It was certainly one of the most exciting few weeks of my life, and I'm overjoyed that so many of you were able to share it with me and our fantastic cast and crew. Please check out the ad (below), which has information about the resulting CD, which was recorded by none other than Phil Ramone. We're all delighted with the way it sounds, and I hope you love it! It looks like we're going back out on the road in late February, so happily, my Minnellium hasn't ended!
- Jim!
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Theatermania.com are proud to present: Broadway at Birdland
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and TheaterMania.com are proud to announce the return of composer/lyricist SCOTT ALAN to Manhattan's premier music room Birdland (315 West 44th Street) on Monday, January 12 at 7pm. 
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and TheaterMania.com are proud to announce the return of composer/lyricist SCOTT ALAN to Manhattan's premier music room Birdland (315 West 44th Street) on Monday, January 12 at 7pm.  Alan will be celebrating the release of his new CD, Keys: The Music of Scott Alan. The evening is part of the award-winning Broadway at Birdland concert series.  Reservations may be made by calling 212-581-3080.  You can also visit www.BirdlandJazz.com for further information.

Composer and lyricist Scott Alan will be celebrating the release of his latest CD offering, “Keys: The Music of Scott Alan,” with the help of many of his friends.  Some of today's brightest Broadway stars will join him to sing his original songs, including Lisa Brescia, Heidi Blickenstaff, Jenn Colella, Erin Davie, Merle Dandridge, Crystal Monee Hall, Megan McGinnis, Allie Trimm, Hadley Fraser, Nikki M. James, Marcus Paul James, Kenita Miller, Lauren Thomas, Katie Thompson, Natalie Weiss and The Broadway Boys.  (Cast subject to change.)  The performance will also feature selections from Alan's debut CD, “Dreaming Wide Awake.”

PERFORMANCE DETAILS: SCOTT ALAN
WHEN: Monday, January 12 at 7pm, Broadway at Birdland
WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
COVER CHARGE: $30/$50 VIP
$10 food/drink minimum per person
RESERVATIONS: 212-581-3080

NEXT:
Patrick DeGennaro January 19th 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.
LIZA'S AT THE PALACE...THE 2-CD SET! Two years of touring with the incomparable Liza Minnelli resulted in a triumphant run of Liza's At The Palace at The Palace Theatre. Check out the website for beautiful video footage, photos, and the brand-new 2-CD set of this unforgettable show. The first act is pure Liza at the top of her form, and the second act celebrates 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 worked hard to approximate the blend and unique sound that Bob, Dick, Don and Andy Williams brought to Kay's ingenius vocal arrangements. With old pal Billy Stritch at the piano, this project was an absolute dream come true! Hurry to: LizasAtThePalace.com for an exclusive preview of the 2-CD set available now at The Palace Theatere and online and in stores February 3, 2009!
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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