Broadway at Birdland
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Last Week
March 19, 2009
IN THE IMMORTAL WORDS OF RHODA MORGANSTERN, "THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE!" My race to become Genre Magazine Man of the Year will come to a conclusion as of Saturday. I was #1 in New York until a publicist for porn sites (you can't make this up) passed me by. Is that who we want representing us, people? Come ON! If everyone who reads this newsletter clicks on Genre Magazine once a day, my numbers would go through the roof!
IN THE IMMORTAL WORDS OF RHODA MORGANSTERN, "THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE!" My race to become Genre Magazine Man of the Year will come to a conclusion as of Saturday. I was #1 in New York until a publicist for porn sites (you can't make this up) passed me by. Is that who we want representing us, people? Come ON! If everyone who reads this newsletter clicks on Genre Magazine once a day, my numbers would go through the roof! I hear that if you click “10” for me, then “1” for everyone else, the averages change more dramatically. Take a second (literally) and vote. You'll feel better for it! And it'll mean great press for our beloved Cast Party and Broadway at Birdland concert series!
Christine Pedi has more celebrities coming out of her than the parking lot at Spago.
Christine Pedi has more celebrities coming out of her than the parking lot at Spago. Her Birdland concert was jammed with fans and friends cheering and stomping for her extraordinary impressions and Broadway ditties. There were two extra-special gals in the audience, too…icons both! Cabaret royal Julie Wilson and “ghostess with the mostess” Marni Nixon both showed up to check out Ms. Pedi's new show, as did talented theatrical types like Joseph Spieldenner, Eric Ulloa, Max Miller, and Mr. Showbiz himself, Joe Franklin. Many thanks to Steve Sorokoff, our resident phographer, for the gorgeous shot (left) of Christine and musical director Matthew Ward doing what they do best!
We heard Broadway singers like the dazzling Eden Espinosa
Then - there was Cast Party. I haven't seen the room so packed since the Chita concerts. No kidding. There were folks hanging from the rafters, which is just the way we like it! Evidently everyone in town felt the urge to check out the most impressively psychotic open mic on the face of the planet. We heard Broadway singers like the dazzling Eden Espinosa (left, and see sponsor ad below for concert info!), standards from gorgeous couple Sean and Melissa Attebury, an Irish ditty from Colleen McHugh, Arabian comedy (yes) from Vinnie Lopreto, Brazilian fare from David Goldman, Italian pop from Italian dude Andrea Balducci, and swingin' sounds from Andrew Suvalsky and company! Michael Sample and Natalie Ellis duetted spectacularly, Sue Matsuki killed, Steven Zalin (The Singing CPA) tickled, and Sarah Rice warbled like a linnet bird. There were newcomers and regulars, tourists and homies, shockers and swingers - all accompanied by the best trio in town, Tedd Firth, Steve Doyle and Steve Bakunas. Can you believe we get to do it all again this Monday?! Be there - or be extremely square.
- Jim!
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Theatermania.com are proud to present: Broadway at Birdland
IN THEIR FIRST APPEARANCE IN NEW YORK CITY, BROADWAY PERFORMER Kate Shindle and musical director extraordinaire John McDaniel join forces for CLASSIC, a celebration of some of the greatest music of our time.   (Pictured: Kate Shindle)

Conductor, composer, orchestrator, record producer, Grammy and two-time Emmy Award-winner John McDaniel has enjoyed a lively career on Broadway and on television. (Pictured: John McDaniel)
IN THEIR FIRST APPEARANCE IN NEW YORK CITY, BROADWAY PERFORMER Kate Shindle and musical director extraordinaire John McDaniel join forces for CLASSIC, a celebration of some of the greatest music of our time. CLASSIC is not just an evening of old favorites, but an exploration of contemporary songs that are destined to become a significant part of the future musical landscape. From Harold Arlen to Stephen Sondheim, Ray Charles to Michael John LaChiusa, this show is about classics old and new, interpreted by a singer who cares deeply about lyrics and a musical director who's not afraid to take a few chances along the way.

Kate Shindle most recently co-starred as Vivienne in Broadway's Legally Blonde, following Broadway outings as Sally Bowles in Sam Mendes and Rob Marshall's acclaimed Cabaret and Lucy in Jekyll & Hyde. Her other work ranges from Arthur Miller's After the Fall (Maggie) to A Midsummer Night's Dream (Helena), plus roles in Into the Woods, Gypsy, Himself and Nora, First Lady Suite, and The Last Five Years. She won the New York Musical Theatre Festival's Outstanding Individual Performance Award for the title role in Sympathy Jones. Kate is currently working on numerous shows in development, including one in which she stars as screen legend Greta Garbo.

Conductor, composer, orchestrator, record producer, Grammy and two-time Emmy Award-winner John McDaniel has enjoyed a lively career on Broadway and on television. His Broadway shows as arranger and musical director include Annie Get Your Gun, Brooklyn, Taboo and Grease. John is perhaps best known as the band leader on “The Rosie O'Donnell” Show. He has conducted symphony orchestras from coast to coast including the San Francisco Symphony, The Baltimore Symphony and his own hometown St. Louis Symphony. He has recorded three solo CD's, John McDaniel at the Piano: Broadway, John McDaniel at the Piano: Christmas, and John McDaniel at the Piano: Compositions. His most recent release is John McDaniel Live at Joe's Pub.

KATE SHINDLE & JOHN MCDANIEL IN: CLASSIC

WHEN: Monday, March 23 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 SHOWS: Jack Donahue 3/30 at 7pm, Georgia Stitt 3/30 at 9pm, Jason Robert Brown 3/31 - 4/4 at 7pm
Our Sponsors
Bistro Awards, Tuesday, April 28th.  Honoring Charles Azvanour, Liza Minnelli and over 30 other artists! Click: www.bistroawards.com for more information.
UPRIGHT CABARET PRODUCERS CHRIS ISAACSON AND SHANE SCHEEL PRESENT BROADWAY'S EDEN ESPINOSA (Brooklyn, Wicked, Rent) as she debuts her solo show, Eden Espinosa - ME. Espinosa is best known for her starring role as Elphaba in the Broadway, Los Angeles and San Francisco runs of Wicked. Espinosa will “shed the green” to share a piece of herself in ME, singing songs that are close to her heart by artists who have inspired her. Espinosa will perform new adaptations of classics, as well as soulful renditions of songs from the Broadway shows that made her a star, including Schwartz' 'Defying Gravity,' Sondheim's 'Losing My Mind' and Cyndi Lauper's 'I'm Gonna Be Strong.' Special guest Katie Thompson. Director/Billy Porter, Musical Director/James Sampliner. Sun-Tues, March 22-24 at Joe's Pub. www.joespub.com
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.
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
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

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