Broadway at Birdland
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Last Week
March 5, 2009
FIRST OF ALL, A GIGANTIC THANKS TO ALL OF YOU who are dutifully voting for me every day! The Genre Magazine Man of the Year contest is coming along, and although the scores change every few seconds, at this point I'm #1 in New York and #6 on the national chart. I've learned that if you click a high number for me, then low numbers for the other guys, it helps. I'm not saying it's ethical. I'm just saying. OK. Enough about me. What do YOU think of me? Don't answer that…
First of all, a gigantic thanks to all of you who are dutifully voting for me every day! The Genre Magazine Man of the Year contest is coming along, and although the scores change every few seconds, at this point I'm #1 in New York and #6 on the national chart. I've learned that if you click a high number for me, then low numbers for the other guys, it helps. I'm not saying it's ethical. I'm just saying. OK. Enough about me. What do YOU think of me? Don't answer that…
Brian Stokes Mitchell, John Bucchino and Ann Hampton Callaway
John Bucchino burst onto the New York scene about the same time I did. Everyone kept telling me about this brilliant songwriter who specialized in touching, tender ballads, as well as smart-as-a-whip Sondheimian patter songs. Even at that young age, I was wary. Everyone in town writes those kinda songs. Who was THIS guy…from Los Angeles, yet? Then I heard him. Cut to Monday night, when I proudly presented him for the second time in the Broadway at Birdland series. I'm a huge Bucchino fan, and clearly so are alot of you. The evening was a poo-poo platter of John's greatest hits, with a couple of never-heard trunk songs thrown in for the aficionados. Singing his praises and songs were a dream cast which included Brian Lane Green (who introduced us originally), Justin Paul, Benj Pasek, Jessica Phillips, Lucas Steele, Jamison Stern, Joan Almedilla, Jacqueline Hester and cellist Yair Evnine. Carnegie Mellon almost-grad Zak Resnick made an auspicious New York solo debut, filling in for an out-of-town Billy Porter. You'll be hearing a lot more about Zak, I'm positive! Ann Hampton Callaway sang one of my faves, “In A Restaurant By The Sea,” which she warned always makes her cry. She didn't. We did. “Grateful,” the anthemic piece de résistance, was performed by Broadway superstar Brian Stokes Mitchell, with about as much honey-voiced charm as anyone on the planet could muster. Bravo and brava to all!
Gorgeous and talented LaTanya Hall  gave us a taste of her brand new CD, “It's About Time,” which hasn't left my cd player since it arrived. (Wait till you hear the strings and accordion on “Summertime!” And those Bill Westmoreland photos…spectacular!)
The following Cast Party kept the magic in the rarefied Birdland air. Gorgeous and talented LaTanya Hall (left, by Steve Sorokoff) gave us a taste of her brand new CD, “It's About Time,” which hasn't left my cd player since it arrived. (Wait till you hear the strings and accordion on “Summertime!” And those Bill Westmoreland photos…spectacular!) Broadway's Kevin Worley, Italian jazzer Andrea Balducci, the singing CPA Steven Zalin, funny girl Christine Pedi, and the swingin' Andrew Suvalsky all helped make the evening so entertaining. We were also thrilled to be part of the New York debut appearance of one Jennifer Hoyt. She's young, talented and she can swing, folks! Everyone was thrilled to perform with the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra - which included Tedd Firth, Steve Doyle and Steve Bakunas on piano, bass and drums, respectively. Can you believe that we get to do this every week? That's right, you can join us this coming Monday, but come armed with your sheet music, tap shoes, guitars, didgeridoos, and whathaveyou's!
- 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 CHRISTINE PEDI IS WINGING IT AT BIRDLAND, a new musical extravaganza, on Monday, March 16, 2009 at 7pm, as part of the Nightlife Award-winning concert series Broadway at Birdland.
JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY is proud to announce CHRISTINE PEDI IS WINGING IT AT BIRDLAND, a new musical extravaganza, on Monday, March 16, 2009 at 7pm, as part of the Nightlife Award-winning concert series Broadway at Birdland.

Longtime Forbidden Broadway diva, CHRISTINE PEDI comes out of her shell, let's her hair down and throws caution to the musical comedy wind in WINGING IT. Expect hilarity & heartbreak, silly songs, satire, standards and the occasional channeling of a famous diva or two, or three…or more!

Well-known for her long association with Forbidden Broadway, CHRISTINE PEDI's skilled mimicry and theater superstar impersonations have earned her Drama Desk and LA Ovation Award nominations. She's has appeared in FB companies all over the world including LA, Tokyo, Singapore, Australia and London's West End and recorded many cast albums. Her work in New York nightclubs has earned her a Nightlife Award, Show Business Weekly Awards, 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.” PEDI made her Broadway debut in the revival of Little Me and was most recently seen, or rather heard, on Broadway in Talk Radio with Liev Schrieber, when she portrayed a wide variety of opinionated and colorful "callers.” Other NYC credits include A Broadway Diva Christmas, and appearances in the “Broadway by the Year” series at Town Hall. You can hear Christine daily on SIRIUS-XM Radio's "Broadway Breakfast,” playing show tunes and interviewing theatre legends on the “ON BROADWAY” channel. She has performed for President and Mrs. Clinton (playing Mrs. Clinton), appeared at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall, and headlined on the luxury ship Queen Mary 2. Fans of “The Sopranos” may recognize Christine as the dearly departed Mrs. Bobby Baccala. Her upcoming CD is called “Good To Mama.”

CHRISTINE PEDI IS WINGING IT AT BIRDLAND

WHEN: Monday, March 16 at 7pm
WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
COVER CHARGE: $25 Cover Charge; $10 food/drink minimum
RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com

UPCOMING: Kate Shindle & John McDaniel (March 23)
Our Sponsors
AFTER A SOLD OUT SHOW FOR OUR V-DAY EXTRAVAGANZA, ‘Nab-A-Date: The World’s 1st, Best (and only) Musical Dating Show!’ is bringing you four more chances to catch the show! Join us every Thursday night in March at the Legendary Duplex Cabaret Theatre for a fast paced musical spoof of any and all of those ‘dating games’ out there. Lee Cavellier hosts, as our bachelorettes parade, persuade and serenade in hopes of harpooning the heart of our hunk. Check out cast pics and bios, and more info at www.Nab-A-Date.com or visit:
https://www.smarttix.com/show.aspx?showCode=NAB0 for tickets!
AFTER A SOLD OUT SHOW FOR OUR V-DAY EXTRAVAGANZA, ‘Nab-A-Date: The World’s 1st, Best (and only) Musical Dating Show!’ is bringing you four more chances to catch the show! Join us every Thursday night in March at the Legendary Duplex Cabaret Theatre for a fast paced musical spoof of any and all of those ‘dating games’ out there.
MAC/ASCAP SONGWRITER SHOWCASE, Saturday, March 21st @ 2:00PM, at the Metropolitan Room. (34 West 22nd Street, NYC). Admission is FREE for members of ASCAP and MAC. Non-members $10. There is no minimum, but a cash bar for drinks and snacks will be available. Reservations strongly recommended – call 212.206.0440 or e-mail your reservation to RSVP@MACNYC.com. The showcase will be hosted by award-winning performer and producer Jamie deRoy, who will be welcoming songwriters Jeff Blumenkrantz, Steven Lutvak. Sidney Myer will also perform songs from various composers. The special guest will be multi-platinum award winning recording artist David Pomeranz. David's songs and recordings have sold over 40 million copies. He is the recipient of 22 Platinum and 18 Gold albums and his concert appearances have delighted audiences all over the world. For more information on ASCAP or MAC, please visit www.ASCAP.org or www.MACNYC.com.
MAC/ASCAP SONGWRITER SHOWCASE, Saturday, March 21st @ 2:00PM, at the Metropolitan Room. (34 West 22nd Street, NYC). Special Guest: David Pomeranz
IN 1987 ON THE SUNSET STRIP, A SMALL TOWN GIRL MET A BIG CITY ROCKER and in LA’s most legendary rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the ‘80s.Coming to Broadway March 17, 2009 is ROCK OF AGES, an arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, face-melting hits of Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx, Reo Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake and many more. Don’t miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on.
IN 1987 ON THE SUNSET STRIP, A SMALL TOWN GIRL MET A BIG CITY ROCKER and in LA’s most legendary rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the ‘80s.Coming to Broadway March 17,2009 is ROCK OF AGES, an arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, face-melting hits of Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx, Reo Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake and many more. Don’t miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on.
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.
DAVID BUDWAY (CAST PARTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA) IS ONE OF THE MOST DISTINCTIVE PIANISTS ON TODAY'S INTERNATIONAL JAZZ SCENE.
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 at The Palace Theater, online and in stores.
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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