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Last Week
July 9, 2009
Pictured, our fave folk-diva Christine Lavin.
IT JUST DOESN'T GET OLD. After 341 Cast Parties, this past Monday was just as exciting, bizarre, hilarious and musically satisfying as the very first one. With Tedd Firth and Steve Doyle as the extraordinary Cast Party Symphony Orchestra, nothing can go too horribly awry, musically speaking. And with appearances from our fave folk-diva Christine Lavin (left, thanks to Stephen Sorokoff), Eric Millegan, Patrick Oliver Jones and Legally Blonde co-composer Larry O'Keefe, the packed house was properly entertained, let me tell you! Of course there were lots of newcomers and loads of beloved regulars, as always. If you haven't joined us in a while, you just have to make a return visit soon! This next week, promises to be swell, so dust off your upbeat ditties and be there!

Look at the great photo of our pal Kyle Michael Kuhlman (left, by Callie Ann Lorenz)!  If that doesn't make you wanna order one of our brand-new Cast Party t-shirts, I'm not sure what will!  Of course, they're available at Birdland every Monday, or you can click on the website Jim Caruso's Cast Party - Get the goods! here and order one!  They're pretty snazzy, in summery 100% white cotton with Minnelli red ringer and logo.  You'll look damn cute in it!
Look at the great photo of our pal Kyle Michael Kuhlman (left, by Callie Ann Lorenz)! If that doesn't make you wanna order one of our brand-new Cast Party t-shirts, I'm not sure what will! Of course, they're available at Birdland every Monday, or you can click on the website here and order one! They're pretty snazzy, in summery 100% white cotton with Minnelli red ringer and logo. You'll look damn cute in it!
- Jim!
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Theatermania.com are proud to present: Broadway at Birdland
SHE'S BAAAAACK! Stephanie J. Block, currently starring on Broadway in the role of Judy Bernly in 9 to 5: The Musical, will be making a triumphant return to Birdland to celebrate the release of her debut album, “This Place I Know,” on Monday, July 13th at 7pm.  The show is totally sold-out, but we're telling all interested parties to show up and we'll try to find room for everyone!
SHE'S BAAAAACK! Stephanie J. Block, currently starring on Broadway in the role of Judy Bernly in 9 to 5: The Musical, will be making a triumphant return to Birdland to celebrate the release of her debut album, “This Place I Know,” on Monday, July 13th at 7pm. The show is totally sold-out, but we're telling all interested parties to show up and we'll try to find room for everyone!

As on the CD, Stephanie will gather an array of award-winning musical theatre songwriters to join her onstage to celebrate her debut solo album, “This Place I Know,” which is being released by PS Classics. Dominick Amendum acts as musical director and co-producer of the album. The Broadway at Birdland evening promises many surprise guest stars.

Stephanie reveals in the album's liner notes, “Hearing a composer play their own music is an extraordinary experience...one that is very personal. It's almost like you are listening in on a secret. I wanted to bring that experience to the recording studio. I asked some of my favorite composers and lyricists to not only lend me their music, but to perform with me on this album.”

Country music legend Dolly Parton joins vocal forces with Stephanie to reinvent her 1974 classic, “I Will Always Love You,” while Oscar, Grammy and Tony Award-winner Marvin Hamlisch accompanies and arranges his own “Smart Women,” cut from the Broadway play with music Imaginary Friends. Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell) accompanies Stephanie on “Making Good,” the driving ballad she originated in Wicked's initial workshops, while composer Stephen Flaherty (Ragtime) assumes the piano for the recording premiere of his “Something Beautiful.” In fact, every track finds the composer joining Stephanie to interpret his or her song; “This Place I Know” also features collaborations with Deborah Abramson, Scott Alan, Zina Goldrich, Marcy Heisler, Andrew Lippa, Paul Loesel, Steve Marzullo, and Claude-Michel Schonberg. Nine of the thirteen tracks are premiere recordings.

Stephanie J. Block comes to 9 to 5: The Musical straight from playing the role of Elphaba in the Broadway Company of Wicked. Broadway audiences also know her for her portrayal as Grace O'Malley in The Pirate Queen and Liza Minnelli opposite Hugh Jackman in The Boy From Oz. Stephanie also starred in the First National Touring Company of Wicked as Elphaba, for which she won the 2006 Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Actress. She is a proud member of The Musical Theatre Guild and has been a member of Actors' Equity since 1995. Visit www.stephaniejblock.com.

STEPHANIE J. BLOCK: THIS PLACE I KNOW

WHEN: Monday, July 6th at 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
TICKETS: $35 General Admission, $60 Premium
RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com

THEN... July 20: "The Marcy & Zina Show"
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)
MARK RAPP: TOKEN TALES "You should put some time aside and listen to what Rapp is doing." -Jazz.com The Mark Rapp Group has played sold out shows at the Blue Note (NY), Yoshi's (San Fran) and such venues as the JVC Newport Jazz Festival, Dizzy's, Jazztime Festival (Croatia), Jazzland (Vienna) and more. Mark was named a "top emerging trumpeter" by Downbeat Magazine, featured on a Travel Channel documentary and has played with Branford Marsalis (see) to Hootie and the Blowfish. His debut record Token Tales is receiving critical acclaim and was #20 on the Jazz Week Jazz Charts. GO SEE THE MARK RAPPP GROUP at the Jazz Standard on Sunday, July 5th! Every CD sold at the shows on July 5th, 90% will go directly to Project Sunshine, a nonprofit benefiting children facing medical challenges. Reserve your place now!
MARK RAPP: TOKEN TALES "You should put some time aside and listen to what Rapp is doing." -Jazz.com The Mark Rapp Group has played sold out shows at the Blue Note (NY), Yoshi's (San Fran) and such venues as the JVC Newport Jazz Festival, Dizzy's, Jazztime Festival (Croatia), Jazzland (Vienna) and more. Mark was named a "top emerging trumpeter" by Downbeat Magazine, featured on a Travel Channel documentary and has played with Branford Marsalis (see) to Hootie and the Blowfish. His debut record Token Tales is receiving critical acclaim and was #20 on the Jazz Week Jazz Charts. (4)
HERE'S THE NEWEST, FRESHEST VERSION OF THE CAST PARTY T-SHIRT (modeled here by our friend Kyle Michael Kuhlman)! Kids, it's 100% cotton (yes!) in snowy white, with a Minnelli red ringer, and accompanying black and red logo announcing your love for a certain Monday night soiree! We have them in S, M, and L! Get 'em while they're HOT! $20
HERE'S THE NEWEST, FRESHEST VERSION OF THE CAST PARTY T-SHIRT (modeled here by our friend Kyle Michael Kuhlman)! Kids, it's 100% cotton (yes!) in snowy white, with a Minnelli red ringer, and accompanying black and red logo announcing your love for a certain Monday night soiree!  We have them in S, M, and L!  Get 'em while they're HOT! $20
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!

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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