Broadway at Birdland
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Last Week
May 21, 2009
hat's Billy Stritch, Marilyn Maye and Klea Blackhurst surrounding me (left), and we all won the coveted MAC that night!  Congrats to everyone involved, and many thanks to those who voted Cast Party as their fave Open Mic!
I WAS NEW TO GROOVELILY. I didn't get to see their Off-Broadway hit Striking 12, but everyone on the planet told me how fantastic it was. When I finally heard the cd, I was hooked. That's why I was thrilled and delighted to host the group at the Broadway at Birdland series on Monday night. This time, they brought their unique sound to Sleeping Beauty Wakes, which has already won an Ovation Award. Many thanks to Valerie, Brendan and Gene for bringing an unforgettable evening of music and laughter to the Birdland stage. We hope you've found a home! The following Cast Party was even more celebrational than usual, what with the presence of quite a few MAC Award winners who chose Birdland as their post-Award party place. That's Billy Stritch, Marilyn Maye and Klea Blackhurst surrounding me (left), and we all won the coveted MAC that night! Congrats to everyone involved, and many thanks to those who voted Cast Party as their fave Open Mic! Check out our FLICKR site to see bajillions more photos taken by Stephen Sorokoff! And do I need to tell you how much fun with had with Julie Halston in concert on Tuesday night? The place was jammed with showbiz glitterati, screaming at Halston's hilarious stories, rants, monologues, readings and whines. Nobody, but nobody does it better.

We were also thrilled to meet Guy Sebastian (left), who won “Australian Idol” a few years back, and has just made NYC his home!
We were also thrilled to meet Guy Sebastian (left), who won “Australian Idol” a few years back, and has just made NYC his home! Our gorgeous and talented pal Gemma Kaplan brought him to Cast Party, and they both treated us to some sublime music! Guy's first CD went double-platinum, and his newest one, “The Memphis Tour,” is selling like hotcakes. All fingers are crossed that he makes Birdland his second home - what a voice…what a talent…and what a great Guy! We were also happy to see and hear Rudy Martinez, who doesn't join us near enough, and enjoy the debuts of Elias John Ruperto, Matthew Leddy and lots of others! The afore-mentioned Marilyn Maye treated us to some swinging vocals with Mr. Stritch at the piano and Domenic Farinacci on trumpet. Klea Blackhurst belted some serious tune-age, Tracy Reynolds kicked some musical tuchas, Christine Pedi killed with her impressions, and we all had more fun than humanly possible. Tedd Firth and Steve Doyle kept the music swinging into the wee hours, as always. We do the whole thing again this coming Monday at 9:30-ish, so rummage through your upbeat tunes and join us!
On a side note, Billy Stritch and I had an absolute ball hosting and performing in the Provincetown Cabaret Fest this past weekend.
On a side note, Billy Stritch and I had an absolute ball hosting and performing in the Provincetown Cabaret Fest this past weekend. Meeting and being entertained by Piero Bonamico, Patricia Fitzpatrick, Celeste Howe, Bobby Wetherbee, Lisa Jason, Carol O'Shaughnessy, Ida Zecco, Suede, Fred Boyle and Brian Patton was a little bit of heaven. MANY thanks to Don Knutilla, Bart Weisman, Shawn Nightingale, Seth Scholes, The White Horse Inn, the Prince Albert Guesthouse and Cape Air! We can't wait for a return visit!

- Jim!

Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Theatermania.com are proud to present: Broadway at Birdland
THIS MONDAY, WE'RE EXCITED TO PRESENT CAROL FREDETTE in concert at 7pm, as part of the Broadway at Birdland series.
THIS MONDAY, WE'RE EXCITED TO PRESENT CAROL FREDETTE in concert at 7pm, as part of the Broadway at Birdland series. “Carol Fredette is everything you need in a jazz singer. She thinks, swings and phrases like a creative instrumentalist, yet her way with words captures the essence of a lyric," says historian, critic and longtime fan Dan Morgenstern. Her deep expressive voice, strong sense of swing, and charismatic presence have impressed audiences, critics and fellow musicians all over the world. "She's as good as they come," raved legendary jazz saxophonist Stan Getz. Carol will be joined by pianist, vocalist and composer Bob Dorough, who is best known as the voice and composer behind the popular animated series "Schoolhouse Rock!" Call Birdland now for reservations! 212-581-3080 or www.BirdlandJazz.com.

AND...


Jim Caruso's Cast Party is proud to announce the return of MALCOLM GETS to the Broadway at Birdland concert series.
Jim Caruso's Cast Party is proud to announce the return of MALCOLM GETS to the Broadway at Birdland concert series. Gets will be celebrating the release of his new cd, “The Journey Home” (PS Classics) on Monday, June 1 at 7pm. Composer/pianist/Emmy winner JOHN McDANIEL will serve as Musical Director for the evening.

Malcolm Gets has often said that his career happened because of the record cabinet in his parents' living room…specifically, the cast albums of the 1950s and '60s that were stored there. Gets was studying to be a classical pianist, but instead of practicing, would end up playing selections by Rodgers & Hammerstein. Now, after forging an acclaimed career as a star of Broadway (Amour, A New Brain and The Story of My Life) and television (“Caroline in the City” and HBO's “Grey Gardens”), Gets retraces his musical roots in his debut solo album, “The Journey Home.” Rediscovering his diverse musical touchstones, Gets digs deep into beloved classics like “You Are Beautiful” and “Long Before I Knew You,” takes on anthems both raucous (“It's a Fine Life”) and romantic (“Look to the Rainbow”), and mines the passion and pathos in newer ballads like William Finn's “Anytime.”

Malcolm Gets recently starred opposite Will Chase in the Broadway musical The Story of My Life and was seen as George 'Gould' Strong in the HBO film “Grey Gardens.” He played opposite Kristin Chenoweth in the Encores! production of The Apple Tree, and starred in the Broadway musical Amour. His off-Broadway credits include Polish Joke, Boys and Girls, A New Brain, Hello Again, Merrily We Roll Along, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Finian's Rainbow and the Encores! The Boys From Syracuse. He is perhaps best known for his work on the television series “Caroline in the City.”
Conductor, composer, orchestrator, record producer, Grammy and two-time Emmy Award-winner John McDaniel has enjoyed a lively career on Broadway and on television.
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.


MALCOLM GETS: THE JOURNEY HOME WITH JOHN MCDANIEL


WHEN: Monday, June 1st at 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
CHARGE: $25 General/$40 Premium,; plus $10 food/drink minimum
RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com

THEN... June 8 - Natalie Douglas, June 15 - “The Divas Sing Scott Alan”, June 22 - Shoshana Bean, June 29 - Ron Abel
Our Sponsors
BARBARA COOK AND THE NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC -- ONE NIGHT ONLY:  Saturday, May 30 at 8:00 PM, 20% OFF ALL TICKETS!  Last season Barbara Cook celebrated her 80th birthday by giving a sold-out performance with the Philharmonic. Of that unforgettable concert The New York Times's Stephen Holden wrote:  "a transcendent American voice sharing the wisdom she has gained in 80 well-lived years with a tenderness and honesty that could break your heart and mend it all at once." This is the concert you won’t want to miss. Tickets: $35-$125, take 20% off when you mention promo code: cook-cp. Call 212-875-5656 or visit nyphil.org/cook-cp to reserve your seats today!
BARBARA COOK AND THE NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC -- ONE NIGHT ONLY: Saturday, May 30 at 8:00 PM, 20% OFF ALL TICKETS! (1)
JOIN JAMIE DEROY & FRIENDS FOR SONGS FROM TONY-AWARD WINNING MUSICALS! When: Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Where: Metropolitan Room, NYC, 34 West 22nd St. Tickets: $30 Cover; 2 Beverage Minimum. Featuring: Jamie deRoy, Loni Ackerman, Dee Hoty, Robert Klein, Michael Longoria, Karen Mason, Kerry O'Malley, Chip Zien and David Zippel. With Musical Director: Ian Herman; Director: Barry Kleinbort. To buy tickets, click: here or call 212-206-0440. And don't forget to watch Jamie deRoy & friends on TV, every other Sunday at 7:30 p.m., Time Warner Channel 56 or RCN 83!
JOIN JAMIE DEROY & FRIENDS FOR SONGS FROM TONY-AWARD WINNING MUSICALS! When: Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Where: Metropolitan Room, NYC, 34 West 22nd St.
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
SQUIGS DRAWS THE STARS. Justin 'Squigs' Robertson is quickly becoming known far and wide for capturing show biz folk in pen and ink. 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 onstage. Squigs is currently posting a fresh weekly sketch or two celebrating the American theatre on his Facebook page, 'Squigs Knows His Lines.' Drop by and become a fan. You can also visit Squigs' website for a look at his 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. Vist Squigs on Facebook, too!

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!
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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