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Last Week
October 22, 2009
Chita Rivera and John Stamos
IT WAS A RAZZLE-DAZZLING WEEK AT BIRDLAND! To have Chita Rivera, an American theatre icon, singing and dancing on our stage for six shows, was as thrilling for us as it was for the throngs of fans who jammed the house. As you can see (left), John Stamos, currently starring in Bye Bye Birdie, came to pay homage to the original Rosie. Chita commented, “Yesterday, I walked down Broadway and saw a poster for Bye Bye Birdie. Then I saw a bus emblazoned with West Side Story. Then I saw a huge billboard with a girl in a short skirt advertising Chicago. I thought…shouldn’t I have somewhere to be at 8pm?!” We were proud to be that place!
Joining Ms. Sings onstage were Broadway's Shoshana Bean, who subjected herself to an onstage critique, and radio host/comic Seth Rudetsky, who helped define Miranda's unique style with a vocal deconstruction. Photo: Steve Sorokoff
Monday’s tribute to Michael Jackson, “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough,” was another spectacular extravaganza brought to us by Amy Birnbaum. Backed by an extraordinary eight-piece band, Broadway performers like Destan Owens, Anwar Robinson, Kendrick Jones, Sophia Stephens, Kenny Williams, Jasmine Walker, Crystal Monee Hall, Asmeret Ghebermichael, Badia Fahra, Chasten Harmon, Emma Hunton and Harry Thompson wailed, spun and moonwalked all over the club! Songwriter Larry Grossman told of his experiences with the King of Pop, then Darius de Haas sang Larry’s gorgeous “Gone Too Soon.”

Our new bff Corbin Blue (left), who has starred in all three “High School Musical” films showed up to watch, and was cajoled into joining tapper extraordinaire Kendrick Jones in a dance-off. Then, Capathia Jenkins stopped the unstoppable show with a blazing “Wanna Be Starting Something,” proving that the brilliance of MJ will never be stopped!

Our old pal Brian Nash got a standing ovation from none other than Chita Rivera (enjoying her night off back at the club). His “Les Mis” impressions had the entire room flipping out, and we can’t wait to hear who and what he skewers next!
If all of that couldn’t be topped, the following Cast Party jazzed on into the wee hours, with many thanks to Tedd Firth and Steve Doyle on piano and bass! Our old pal Brian Nash got a standing ovation from none other than Chita Rivera (enjoying her night off back at the club). His “Les Mis” impressions had the entire room flipping out, and we can’t wait to hear who and what he skewers next!
But it was newcomer Matthew Robinson (left) who stole the show with a completely hilarious original song called “Boy Band.”  This Australian import is a triple threat – singing, dancing and composing.
Marilyn Maye killed with more Johnny Mercer, Natalie Douglas snapped a delicious “Fever,” William Blake has never been more thrilling, Alex Getlin was pure showbiz, and Olof Valsdottir favored us with a Russian Tango (one of the first on our stage, I’m sure). But it was newcomer Matthew Robinson (left) who stole the show with a completely hilarious original song called “Boy Band.” This Australian import is a triple threat – singing, dancing and composing. He’ll be back over the next few weeks – so you have to come see him and all the rest of our crazy Cast Party family. There’s nothing like it in the world!

Check out all the fun on our FLICKR site – every week, we add more photos! Many thanks to Stephen Sorokoff for all the pictures in this week’s newsletter! You can’t say we don’t document this stuff!
- Jim!
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Theatermania.com are proud to present: Broadway at Birdland
ANDY SANDBERG (TONY AWARD WINNING PRODUCER OF HAIR) AND JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY are excited to present WING at BIRDLAND, a limited, two-night engagement of this international recording and internet sensation at New York’s premier concert venue. The Hong-Kong native and 'Asian Sensation' will make her triumphant return to New York as part of the Broadway at Birdland series on October 25th and 26th at 7:00PM. The Broadway cast of Hair will join Wing in an onstage performance of one of the show's most beloved songs!
ANDY SANDBERG (TONY AWARD WINNING PRODUCER OF HAIR) AND JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY are excited to present WING at BIRDLAND, a limited, two-night engagement of this international recording and internet sensation at New York’s premier concert venue.

The Hong-Kong native and ‘Asian Sensation’ will make her triumphant return to New York as part of the Broadway at Birdland series on October 25th and 26th at 7:00PM. The Broadway cast of Hair will join Wing in an onstage performance of one of the show’s most beloved songs!

Wing made her New York debut last year at Birdland in a one-night-only concert, where she received standing ovations from a sold-out audience that included the likes of Michael Feinstein, as well as Blake Lively and Penn Badgley of “Gossip Girl” fame. This fall will mark Wing’s third visit to the United States, and who knows what celebrities will be in attendance this time? She will be performing some of her most popular favorites, including the first live performances of songs from her newly released Michael Jackson/Celine Dion album entitled “Beat It.”

Wing achieved cult status through her unique vocal stylings, mastering hit songs by Michael Jackson, Andrew Lloyd Webber, ABBA, the Beatles, Elvis Presley, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Mariah Carey, AC/DC, and so many more! With millions of fans worldwide, she has taken the globe by storm. Wing has been compared to Florence Foster Jenkins, who raised alternative singing into an art form. Before “American Idol” even hit the air, Wing was already a worldwide phenomenon, outshining the success of “Idol” star William Hung and putting Clay Aiken to shame with her eighteen hit CDs. Recently, she was immortalized with her very own episode of “South Park,” the animated series.

Join the festivities at Birdland in what is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as this goddess among men, who’s making the trip from her home in New Zealand especially for the occasion, takes the Big Apple by storm and gives ‘alternative music’ a whole new meaning. Sponsored by Affinia Hotels.

WING

WHEN:
Sunday, October 25th, 2009, at 7:00PM
Monday, October 26th, 2009, at 7:00PM
WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
TICKETS: $30 General, $40 Preferred, $10 food/drink minimum
RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com
Our Sponsors
MAUREEN TAYLOR BRINGS HER NEW SHOW TO THE METROPOLITAN ROOM: TAYLOR MADE: BOB MERRILL. From “How Much Is That Doggie In The Window” to “People”, Bob Merrill’s vast amount of work spans the simple to the sublime. Bob Merrill celebrated the “ordinary” man. TAYLOR MADE celebrates the “extraordinary” BOB MERRILL! Directed by MAC Award winner Peter Napolitano, with musical direction by Matt Castle – accompanied by Joe Brent on guitar and mandolin. OCT 25,26 & NOV 8,9. 2 SUNDAYS @4PM, 2 MONDAYS @7PM. Where: Metropolitan Room (34 West 22nd St.) Reservations: 212.206.0440. Cover: $20 plus 2 drink minimum. ($15 MAC, Cabaret Hotline, AEA, AFTRA, SAG) Click: www.MaureenTaylorNYC.com
MAUREEN TAYLOR BRINGS HER NEW SHOW TO THE METROPOLITAN ROOM: TAYLOR MADE: BOB MERRILL.  (4)
GET A SPECIAL OFFER TO FINIAN'S RAINBOW, New York City Center Encores! Sold-out Smash Hit is Coming to Broadway! Tony Award® winner Jim Norton (The Seafarer) stars as the loveable Finian, with Kate Baldwin (Wonderful Town) as his plucky daughter Sharon, Cheyenne Jackson (Xanadu) as Woody, the boy who falls under her spell and Christopher Fitzgerald (Young Frankenstein) as Og the leprechaun. To learn more, please click: http://www.FiniansOnBroadway.com/castparty.html. Use code FRBOW75 at Broadwayoffers.com to get tickets as for as little as $55! October 8th through October 28th pay just $55 for all shows; October 30 through December 20 get $59 tickets (Tues-Fri) and $75 tickets (Sat & Sun). Click here to purchase your tickets now or call Telecharge at 212-947-8844
GET A SPECIAL OFFER TO FINIAN'S RAINBOW, New York City Center Encores! Sold-out Smash Hit is Coming to Broadway!
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
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!
Nite Life Exchange: It's All About Entertainment!
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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
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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