Broadway at Birdland
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Last Week
June 11, 2009
WAS IT THE ELEVENTH TIME NATALIE DOUGLAS TOOK TO THE BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND STAGE? The seventeenth?  The forty-ninth?  We have no idea, because we lost count.  All I know is that once again, she packed the room with crazed fans and friends - all of whom could not get enough of her blues-tinged vocals, fabulous material and snappy patter.
WAS IT THE ELEVENTH TIME NATALIE DOUGLAS TOOK TO THE BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND STAGE? The seventeenth? The forty-ninth? We have no idea, because we lost count. All I know is that once again, she packed the room with crazed fans and friends - all of whom could not get enough of her blues-tinged vocals, fabulous material and snappy patter. Musical director Mark Hartman was there, as always, to provide accompaniment and musical know-how, and the band rocked. The photo at left is by our friend Todd Foreman, who's been following Nat's career for a long time! Thanks to all involved, and we can't wait for the next one!

The Party started with a duet by ex-Wicked cast member Natalie Weiss and the Superstar Of The Interweb, Miss Miranda Sings.  It was a memorable sound, to be sure, and the Miranda fans ate it up like candy.  It was fun to follow that performance with one by newcomer Jason Maniscalco, who sang his “Ode to Miranda” - a semi-sweet lovesick tribute to our favorite professional sinGer.  He was rewarded by a quasi-awkward kiss by Miss Sings, which seemed to make his night.
The following Cast Party was pronounced “one of the all-time best,” which is saying something, since it was # 337 in a row. I'm so not kidding you. The Party started with a duet by ex-Wicked cast member Natalie Weiss and the Superstar Of The Interweb, Miss Miranda Sings (left). It was a memorable sound, to be sure, and the Miranda fans ate it up like candy. It was fun to follow that performance with one by newcomer Jason Maniscalco, who sang his “Ode to Miranda” - a semi-sweet lovesick tribute to our favorite professional sinGer. He was rewarded by a quasi-awkward kiss by Miss Sings, which seemed to make his night. We were also thrilled by a duet by Colleen Ballinger and Jonathan Hawkins (left), wonderful special material by Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, Mary Foster Conklin and Mark Winkler, swinging singing by Deb Berman and David Sanborn and a guitar/sax duet by Sean Harkness and Eric Knight. John Prouix proved why Michael Feinstein invited him to open for the successful act he's doing with Broadway's Cheyenne Jackson at Feinstein's at the Regency - and we can't wait to hear more from him! Billy Stritch brought in the cast from his crazily successful “Lyrics & Lyricists Tribute to Mel Torme,” starring Marilyn Maye, Hilary Kole, LaTanya Hall and Johnny Rodgers. They were extraordinary!

The night ended with us boys from the (drum roll) Tony-winning “Liza's At The Palace!”  It was fun to sing, once again, with my 'brothers' Cortés Alexander, Johnny Rodgers and Billy Stritch.  By the way, many thanks to all of you who wished us good luck at the Awards - it worked!  We are all thrilled that the show was honored, and that Liza May Minnelli proved once again that she is a force to be reckoned with!  We had a ball at the Tonys (this photo by Joe Marzullo) - and hope you watched and enjoyed!
The night ended with us boys from the (drum roll) Tony-winning “Liza's At The Palace!” It was fun to sing, once again, with my 'brothers' Cortés Alexander, Johnny Rodgers and Billy Stritch. By the way, many thanks to all of you who wished us good luck at the Awards - it worked! We are all thrilled that the show was honored, and that Liza May Minnelli proved once again that she is a force to be reckoned with! We had a ball at the Tonys (left, photo by Joe Marzullo) - and hope you watched and enjoyed!

Whatever you do, come to this Monday's benefit for Greenwich House Music School, “Come Rain Or Come Shine - The Songs of Johnny Mercer!” It stars Christine Ebersole, Klea Blackhurst, Billy Stritch and myself, with very special guest Aaron Weinstein! It'll be at the Cherry Lane Theatre, and if you click on Come Rain or Come Shine, you'll get all the information. I can't tell you how fun it's going to be…you'll just have to see for yourself!
- 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 THE RETURN OF COMPOSER/LYRICIST SCOTT ALAN, as part of the Broadway at Birdland concert series, June 15 at 7pm.
JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE RETURN OF COMPOSER/LYRICIST SCOTT ALAN, as part of the Broadway at Birdland concert series, June 15 at 7pm.

“Just Me…And Them: The Songs of Scott Alan,” will feature Alan at the piano, performing song selections from his two CD's, “Dreaming Wide Awake” and “Keys.” Special musical guests joining Alan for the evening will include Broadway performers Will Chase (The Story of My Life), Eden Espinosa (Wicked), Christiane Noll (Jekyll and Hyde), Megan Hilty (9 To 5), Caissie Levy (Hair), Tracie Thoms (Rent) and The Broadway Boys.

Scott Alan wrote the book, music and lyrics for the musical Detour in Los Angeles. Since returning to New York City five years ago, many of Broadway's elite have sung his music, including Liz Callaway, Shoshana Bean, Adriane Lenox, Stephanie J. Block (who features Alan's “Never Neverland (Fly Away)” on her PS Classics debut CD, “This Place I Know”), Cheyenne Jackson, Eden Espinosa and more, all of which can be found featured on his debut CD “Dreaming Wide Awake: The Music of Scott Alan,” now available on his website and iTunes. He has sold out concerts of his music in New York City at The Duplex Cabaret Theatre, The Laurie Beechman Theatre and Birdland, and his forthcoming sold-out concert in London's West End Duchess Theatre. In October 2008, Alan released the follow up CD, “Keys,” which features more of Broadway and West End elite singing his work, including Sutton Foster, Norm Lewis, Kerry Ellis, Randy Graff, Megan Hilty, Hadley Fraser, Julia Murney and many more. His current theatre projects include Piece, which was featured at the 2003 Palo Alto TheatreWorks festival, 2005 NAMT festival and 2006 Seattle Theatre Festival and The Warmth of the Womb, a new song cycle. He concieves and produces the acclaimed monthly series, “Monday Nights, New Voices” at the Duplex Cabaret Theatre, which is now heading into this fifth year. The series honors and celebrates new vocalists and new writers in the theatrical community. www.scottalan.net

JUST ME...AND THEM: THE SONGS OF SCOTT ALAN


WHEN: Monday, June 15th 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 22 - Shoshana Bean, June 29 - Ron Abel
Our Sponsors
2008 AND 2009 MAC AWARD NOMINEE JENNA ESPOSITO PRESENTS HER NEW SHOW, Jenna Esposito Sings Connie Francis, in an exclusive engagement at The Metropolitan Room. Join Jenna as she celebrates the music of "America’s Sweetheart,” including such favorites as "Where The Boys Are," "Stupid Cupid," and "Who’s Sorry Now," as well as some lesser-known gems! Directed by Lennie Watts, with musical direction by Fortune Esposito. Performances are June 23rd, June 30th, July 7th and July 14th at The Metropolitan Room (34 W. 22nd Street, NYC). All shows at 7 p.m. $20 cover + 2 drink minimum; please call 212-206-0440 for reservations!
2008 AND 2009 MAC AWARD NOMINEE JENNA ESPOSITO PRESENTS HER NEW SHOW, Jenna Esposito Sings Connie Francis, in an exclusive engagement at The Metropolitan Room.(5)
"THE ART OF VOCAL TECHNIQUE": JULIE BUDD FULLY UNDERSTANDS THE DEMANDS OF LIVE PERFORMANCE, and the toll those rigors can take on the professional instrument. To protect, preserve and enhance the instrument of the serious vocal musician, she has developed a Master Class study course, and one-on-one private classes. Julie Budd works constantly in live performance, TV, film, and sings with symphonies all over the country. She knows that it is vital to learn to protect your instrument. That is what "The Art Of Vocal Technique” is all about. For more information regarding private vocal instruction, Ms. Budd can be reached at (917) 445-8799, or private messages can be left on her web site in the forum section, under "Private Message Section”. www.juliebudd.com
"THE ART OF VOCAL TECHNIQUE": Julie Budd fully understands the demands of live performance, and the toll those rigors can take on the professional instrument. (12)
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.
CALIFORNIA NATIVE CORTÉS ALEXANDER HAS JUST RELEASED HIS DEBUT SOLO CD, SWELL. It's an eclectic mix of musical styles including pop, jazz, electronica and even a touch of country. Broadwayworld.com has called SWELL “...stunning, spectacular, new, and edgy. 5 out of 5 stars!” Cortés is the recipient of 2 MAC awards and a Backstage Bistro award for his work with the vocal group The Tonics. He spent the last two years touring the world singing and dancing with Liza Minnelli, culminating on Broadway in the Tony award winning extravaganza, “Liza's At the Palace.” SWELL is available on itunes & at CDbaby.com. For more, visit www.cortesalexander.com
CALIFORNIA NATIVE CORTÉS ALEXANDER HAS JUST RELEASED HIS DEBUT SOLO CD, SWELL. It's an eclectic mix of musical styles including pop, jazz, electronica and even a touch of country.  Broadwayworld.com has called SWELL “...stunning, spectacular, new, and edgy.  5 out of 5 stars!”
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. Visit 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!

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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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