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Last Week
September 24 , 2009
THE MONDAY NIGHT BURKELL/LOESEL CONCERT BROUGHT A JAM-PACKED HOUSE to the Broadway at Birdland stage – and why not? These two brilliant songwriters showed off their treasure trove of songs with a cast of first-rate Broadway stars! That’s our musical team Scott and Paul (left), with Stephanie J. Block, Jason Danieley, Marin Mazzie, Sebastian Arcelus, Lisa Howard, and Allison Seidner (missing from the pix: Kate Baldwin and Daniel Reichard). 
THE MONDAY NIGHT BURKELL/LOESEL CONCERT BROUGHT A JAM-PACKED HOUSE to the Broadway at Birdland stage – and why not?  These two brilliant songwriters showed off their treasure trove of songs with a cast of first-rate Broadway stars!  That’s our musical team Scott and Paul (left), with Stephanie J. Block, Jason Danieley, Marin Mazzie, Sebastian Arcelus, Lisa Howard, and Allison Seidner (missing from the pix: Kate Baldwin and Daniel Reichard).  We were proud to have so much talent on display, and even prouder to showcase Burkel and Loesel’s songs.  Come back soon, guys!  Check out BroadwayWorld.com for more fantastic photos by our very own Stephen Sorokoff, who generously gave us the photos for this newsletter!
Our old friend Mark Aaron James (left) visited us all the way from London, England, Europe to serve up a great tune.
Where do they come from? Every Monday, someone (or many someone's) comes through the Birdland door for Cast Party for the first time and knocks everyone's socks off.  (So much trouble sorting the socks after that, but it is soooo worth it.)  On Monday night, with Mr. Funny Pants (Scott) Siegel guest-hosting in my stead, in came Mark Watson who only sang at Carnegie Hall earlier this year.  Big voice.  Even bigger applause.  Our old friend Mark Aaron James (left) visited us all the way from London, England, Europe to serve up a great tune.  Jazz singer Shari Pine dropped in for the first time, too, and what a set of pipes that girl's got. A handful of young, talented performers from Scott's Rising Stars concert at Town Hall showed up and galvanized the audience, but the heart of the evening was the parade of loyal regulars like Aaron Weinstein, Fred Barton, Scott Coulter, Sue Matsuki, Janet Fanale, and the multi-voiced Christine Pedi that made the night so much fun.  Where would we be without our regulars?  So thanks to the new folks for showing up and thanks to the loyal core.  I'm still in Vegas, working with Liza, so Scott (with or without his funny pants.. ) will be joining Tedd Firth and Steve Doyle to give it another go.  So go!
- Jim!
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Theatermania.com are proud to present: Broadway at Birdland
JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY IS PROUD TO PRESENT STEVEN BRINBERG as SIMPLY BARBRA in “Love is the Answer...But What Was the Question?” Brinberg celebrates Streisand's latest recording and her appearance at the Village Vanguard in his return to Birdland. He will feature songs from the album as well as some of the 800 songs recorded but not used! Brinberg, who was chosen by the diva herself to sing at Donna Karan's birthday bash…will also duet with some very special guest stars.
JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY IS PROUD TO PRESENT STEVEN BRINBERG as SIMPLY BARBRA in “Love is the Answer...But What Was the Question?”  Brinberg celebrates Streisand's latest recording and her appearance at the Village Vanguard in his return to Birdland.  He will feature songs from the album as well as some of the 800 songs recorded but not used!  Brinberg, who was chosen by the diva herself to sing at Donna Karan's birthday bash…will also duet with some very special guest stars.

Steven Brinberg writes and stars as Simply Barbra which is updated annually as he travels the globe with the show.  This year he appears with Marvin Hamlisch and the Symphony Orchestras of Dallas, Milwaukee, Buffalo and Norfolk.  Prior appearances with Mr. Hamlisch include one with Barbara Cook and the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center and another at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh.  He recently narrated the New York City Gay Men's Chorus concert at Avery Fisher Hall, written especially for him by Terrence McNally.  Mr. Brinberg has performed at Stephen Sondheim's birthday concert at the Library of Congress; at Carnegie Hall with Uptown Express; and on Broadway in the concert version of Funny Girl with Whoopi Goldberg.  Simply Barbra has twice toured Australia, New Zealand, and England, last year ending in a West End run at the Arts and Playhouse Theatres. The show has also played Singapore; Hong Kong; Sag Harbor (Bay Street Theatre); Philadelphia (Walnut Street Theatre), San Francisco (New Conservatory Theatre), Los Angeles (Cinegrill); Sun Valley (Bruce Willis' Liberty Theatre), Atlantic City (Taj Mahal), Windsor, Ontario (Windsor Casino); Provincetown (Town Hall); Miami Beach (Colony Theatre): Houston (Theater Lab Houston); Albany (Empire Center); Arlington (Signature Theater); St. Louis (Sheldon Concert Hall); Chicago (Davenport's); and 3 sold out turns at The Mohegan Sun Casino.  A two time Mac and Bistro award winner, Mr. Brinberg's CD Simply Barbra Live in London is available on Jay Records.

STEVEN BRINBERG AS SIMPLY BARBRA: “Love is the Answer...But What Was the Question?”

WHEN: Monday, October 5 at 7:00 pm
WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
TICKETS: $25 General Admission, $35 Premium, $10 food/drink minimum
RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com

Then…coming up on Monday, October 12, the triumphant return of MIRANDA SINGS! 
Our Sponsors
NOT BAD FOR 100 YEARS OLD, right? No, not JENNIFER SHEEHAN. The GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK! It's approaching its 100th birthday and Jennifer wants you to join her in celebrating the best music and lyrics ever written, as she presents "YOU MADE ME LOVE YOU: A New Generation Captivated by The Great American Songbook Celebrates its 100th Birthday!" The Julie Wilson Award winner, Juilliard grad, and Andrea Marcovicci protegée will sing the songs - and the praises - of America's most inspired songwriters— from Berlin to Bucchino and Gershwin to Guettel. James Followell is music director. Friday, Sept. 18 at 8 pm; Sunday, Sept. 20 at 7 pm; and Friday, Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. at The Laurie Beechman Theatre - 42nd and 9th. Cover: $15 plus $15 food and drink min. Reservations: 212.695.6909. Click: www.JenniferSheehan.com.
NOT BAD FOR 100 YEARS OLD, right? No, not JENNIFER SHEEHAN. The GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK!(1)
SUE MATSUKI, CAST PARTY REGULAR, Multi-MAC Award Winner (one for Female Jazz Vocalist) & the 1st Julie Wilson Award recipient in her first solo show in over 2 years! Sue is going back to her musical roots, a jazzier vibe. Featuring: Gregory Toroian, piano; Steve Millhouse, bass & Ron Tierno, percussion. Directed by: Eric Michael Gillett. Saturday, September 12th & 26th at 8:00 pm & Sunday, September 13th & 27th at 7:00 pm. The Laurie Beechman Theatre at the West Bank Café - 407 W. 42nd Street (off of 9th Ave.) $20 Cover Charge ($15.00 MAC/Hotline) $15 Food/Drink Minimum. Reservations: 212-695-6909 (a must.) Click: www.suematsuki.com
Sue Matsuki, Cast Party regular, Multi-MAC Award Winner (one for Female Jazz Vocalist) & the 1st Julie Wilson Award recipient in her first solo show in over 2 years! Sue is going back to her musical roots, a jazzier vibe. Featuring: Gregory Toroian, piano; Steve Millhouse, bass & Ron Tierno, percussion. Directed by: Eric Michael Gillett. Saturday, September 12th & 26th at 8:00 pm & Sunday, September 13th & 27th at 7:00 pm. The Laurie Beechman Theatre at the West Bank Café - 407 W. 42nd Street (off of 9th Ave.) $20 Cover Charge ($15.00 MAC/Hotline) $15 Food/Drink Minimum. Reservations: 212-695-6909 (a must.) www.suematsuki.com (4)
LOVE MUSICALS? DON'T MISS THE NEW YORK MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL! Hailed by Time Out as the "Sundance for musical theater," NYMF hits town September 28 - October 18 with more than 30 hot new musicals. NYMF is where Altar Boyz, [title of show] and Next to Normal all got their start so get your tickets today to catch the hits of tomorrow! For more info visit www.nymf.org. Also be sure to catch exclusive previews of NYMF shows at Cast Party, every week during the festival!
LOVE MUSICALS? DON'T MISS THE NEW YORK MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL! Hailed by Time Out as the "Sundance for musical theater," NYMF hits town September 28 - October 18 with more than 30 hot new musicals. NYMF is where Altar Boyz, [title of show] and Next to Normal all got their start so get your tickets today to catch the hits of tomorrow! For more info visit www.nymf.org.
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
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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