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Last Week
October 29, 2009
We had quite a Sunday/Monday extravaganza this past week, as the New Zealand diva herself, Wing, came to our shores to entertain the masses.  This internet sensation, with many thanks to producer Andy Sandberg, brought with her a slew of hits, including the always popular “Dancing Queen,” “Phantom of the Opera,” and her tribute to the King of Pop, “Man In The Mirror.”  She was even joined onstage by Jim Rado, one of the creators of Hair, and some of his more daring cast members (left, with Wing herself), to sing a rousing “Aquarius!”
HAPPY HALLO-WING EVERYONE! We had quite a Sunday/Monday extravaganza this past week, as the New Zealand diva herself, Wing, came to our shores to entertain the masses. This internet sensation, with many thanks to producer Andy Sandberg, brought with her a slew of hits, including the always popular “Dancing Queen,” “Phantom of the Opera,” and her tribute to the King of Pop, “Man In The Mirror.” She was even joined onstage by Jim Rado, one of the creators of Hair, and some of his more daring cast members (left, with Wing herself), to sing a rousing “Aquarius!” You don’t see that every day. Really. It was a hilarious way to kick off the scary season!
Christine Lavin sang an original song about fireflies, enlisting Ray Jessell and Aaron Weinstein to join in her antics, complete with wings, antennae and glow sticks.
The following Cast Party had it's share of Halloween frights and musical goblins! Christine Lavin sang an original song about fireflies, enlisting Ray Jessell and Aaron Weinstein to join in her antics, complete with wings, antennae and glow sticks (left). Jerry Fishman brought two finalists from his Take 2 musical competition, Joan Crowe sang “Spooky,” Uptown Express crooned in 4-part harmony, Marilyn Maye kicked up her heels and a lot of musical butt, there were some swell newcomers and a buncha beloved regulars. We even got to celebrate our own resident photographer, Steve Sorokoff, who graced us with a birthday song at the piano!
On a jazz crawl through Manhattan, the Hothouse Music School performed a rip-roaring version of “LOVE,” with audience participatory choreography.
Then, the Birdland doors opened and we were sent scrambling for a table for 66 people. No lie. Dozens of young musicians from Derby, England entered the scene with instruments and loads of energy, and we were thrilled to learn that they wanted to join in the musical fun! On a jazz crawl through Manhattan, the Hothouse Music School performed a rip-roaring version of “LOVE,” with audience participatory choreography (left). We had an absolute blast with them, and hope to see them again and again! Of course, Tedd Firth and Steve Doyle were kept busy accompanying the masses in the most spectacular way, just as they will next week! Will we see YOU there?
- 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 songwriters Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich to the Broadway at Birdland stage on Monday, November 2 at 7pm.
JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE the return of songwriters Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich to the Broadway at Birdland stage on Monday, November 2 at 7pm.

To celebrate the release of their new CD "Marcy & Zina: The Album," (Yellow Sound Label), Goldrich and Heisler will perform along with special guests including Alan Cumming, Stephanie J. Block, Scott Coulter, Jill Abramovitz, Elena Shaddow and Stephen Bogardus. Following the release of the album, tour dates in Los Angeles, Chicago, Waco and other cities will be announced. For more information please visit www.birdlandjazz.com.

With "Marcy & Zina: The Album," these hopeless romantics invite listeners to join them on their search for love from Antarctica to Baltimore, with a big stop smack in the middle of Manhattan. Assisted by some of the best musicians on the New York scene, this recording is a true collaboration of style, sentiment and toe-tapping melodies. Marcy & Zina: The Album is a collection of some of the duo’s most celebrated works, an exciting offering for existing fans, and a fantastic introduction of their talent to the rest of the world.

Collaborators since 1993, lyricist Marcy Heisler and composer Zina Goldrich are responsible for some of the New York concert scene’s most lovable character songs, including “Taylor, the Latte Boy,” made famous by Kristin Chenoweth, and “Alto’s Lament.” The pair earned a 2009 Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Music and Lyrics for their work on Dear Edwina, which will be returning to New York’s DR2 Theater this winter. They were also recipients of ASCAP’S 2002 Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award and were nominated for the 2005 Lucille Lortel Award for their Off-Broadway musical Junie B. Jones.

THE MARCY AND ZINA SHOW - MARCY & ZINA: THE ALBUM

WHEN: Monday, November 2nd at 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
TICKETS: $30 General, $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
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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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