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Last Week
January 7, 2010
Zach Braff and Aaron Weinstein
ON MONDAY NIGHT, JAZZ VIOLINIST/COMEDIAN/PAL AARON WEINSTEIN made his New York City solo debut on the Broadway at Birdland stage. Joining Aaron were two of the most revered performers in the history of jazz vocal music: Janis Siegel from The Manhattan Transfer, and the legendary "King of Vocalese," Jon Hendricks. Each had a solo or two with Aaron and his band (Tedd Firth on piano and Steve LaSpina on bass), then everyone joined in for a thoroughly swinging "Jeepers Creepers." In the house were fans from the Broadway scene (Christine Ebersole, Klea Blackhurst, Billy Stritch, Ted Sperling), television (Zach Braff, left), folk (Christine Lavin) and film (Alan Rickman). Check out more photos by Stephen Sorokoff on the Flickr site! There’s even a really grainy video of “Jeepers Creepers” that will blow your socks off! (Many thanks to me for the rotten footage. Someone bring a better video camera, please.)
Karen Oberlin
The following Cast Party continued it’s long tradition of entertaining the masses in style. (We’ve been at this for seven years, kids!) Lots of the afore-mentioned Aaron fans stuck around, so he just had to grace the stage again, as did cabaret types like Karen Oberlin (left), Jenna Esposito, Sue Matsuki, Barbara Porteus, Gabrielle Taryn, Doug Anderson, Jenny Lynn Stewart, Stephen McGee, Michelle Colleary and Dylan Johnston. Folk-star Neal Schulman borrowed Christine Lavin’s guitar and charmed the crowd, Klea Blackhurst was her usual sparkling self, David Rasche (Mr. Sledge Hammer himself!) was witty as hell, Courtney Beebe returned after way too long, Hilary Kole was jazz-tastic, George Stella played his horn, and Kate Awesome was our very first classical pianist/mime.
Karen Oberlin
Ben Cassara thought it only right to grease the palm of the Cast Party host (me) with a present, which is always encouraged, of course. That gift…the original Donny & Marie dolls! Now really, what says “Get me on stage before 4am” better than Barbie-sized replicas of America’s (still) favorite brother/sister act (in the original boxes)? Many thanks, Ben…you are always invited back! And you can sing, too!

Jim Caruso
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Theatermania.com are proud to present: Broadway at Birdland
Caroline O'Connor

JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY IS DELIGHTED TO WELCOME INTERNATIONAL STAR OF STAGE AND SCREEN Caroline O’Connor to the Broadway at Birdland series on January 17 at 6pm.

Hailed by the New York Post as “a major discovery for New York theatergoers,” Caroline will bring her intoxicating blend of rich vocals and bewitching tales to the Birdland stage in this rare, intimate night of unforgettable cabaret. This special evening will feature musical theatre classics by Kander and Ebb, Jerry Herman, Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein, and pay homage to some of Caroline’s inspirational ladies of song - Judy Garland, Edith Piaf, Ethel Merman and more.

As Nini in Baz Luhrmann's Oscar-winning film “Moulin Rouge,” and Ethel Merman in the Cole Porter bio-pic “De-Lovely,” Caroline came to the attention of audiences all over the world. Having won accolades across three continents for her dramatic and comedic stage performances, Caroline is one of the most sought after musical theatre performers treading the boards of Broadway, the West End, the Royal Albert Hall and Sydney Opera House. Her signature stage roles include Edith Piaf in Piaf, Judy Garland in End of the Rainbow, Velma Kelly in Chicago, Anita in West Side Story and Mabel in Mack & Mabel. Caroline has released four solo CDs and appeared on numerous cast recordings.

The Girl From Oz: An Evening With Caroline O’Connor
Musical Director and Arranger: Daniel Edmonds; Bass: Tom Hubbard; Sax & Woodwind: Barrie Shaw; Drums: Ray Marchica

WHEN: Sunday, January 17th, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Birdland
, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
TICKETS: $30 and $40, with $10 food/drink minimum
RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com
Our Sponsors
SOMETHING FRESH TO START THE NEW YEAR!!! 4 PERFORMANCES ONLY!!! Drama Desk Nominee and star of Songs From An Unmade Bed, Michael Winther teams up with the dynamic, acclaimed, jazz pianist, Dan Tepfer (2006 Montreux Solo Jazz Piano Winner and 2007-2009 Cole Porter Fellow in Jazz) for a unique set of well-known standards, as well as contemporary popular songs that explores the intersection between jazz improvisation, musical theatre and popular music. “A first-rate singing actor, Mr. Winther’s singing is strong but refined, with perfect intonation and a warm sound that becomes incandescent when he raises the volume.” (Stephen Holden, The New York Times) “He sings like a dream…” (Frank Rizzo, Variety) PERFORMANCES: Sunday, January 10th, 9:30pm; Monday, January 11th, 9:30pm & Sunday, January 17th, 7:00pm. Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St., bet. 5th and 6th Avenue. TICKETS: 212-206-0440 or www.metropolitanroom.com
Michael Winther
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. Now thru January 31, 2010 Use code FRMKT85 at Broadwayoffers.com for discount tickets! : Tues-Thurs. $69 (reg. $122); Fri-Sun $85 (reg. $127). Click here to purchase your tickets now; call 212-947-8844 and mention code FRMKT85, click here, print out the coupon and bring to the St. James Theatre box office, 246 West 44th St.
GET A SPECIAL OFFER TO FINIAN'S RAINBOW, New York City Center Encores! Sold-out Smash Hit is Coming to Broadway!
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.
INTERNET SENSATION MIRANDA SINGS is proud to announce the release of her four-song holiday EP called, appropriately, “Christmas With Miranda Sings.” The songs are available for purchase digitally through www.MirandaSingsChristmas.com. The dazzling diva has put her rather unique spin on Christmas favorites “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer,” “Here Comes Santa Claus,” “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” and the haunting “Carol Of The Bells,” which she sings with herself. Miranda’s current YouTube video, created as an infomercial promoting the new recording, already has over 30,000 views! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY8D-prWXG4)
INTERNET SENSATION MIRANDA SINGS is proud to announce the release of her four-song holiday EP called, appropriately, “Christmas With Miranda Sings.”
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.
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
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.
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.
TRAVERSE CITY WEB DESIGN - BRINGING YOU THIS VERY CAST PARTY NEWSLETTER, offers a full line of web design and online marketing services. We have a wide range of packages and services ideal for entertainers and performers - from one-page "portfolio" sites, to press kits, to full online archives, we can create and host a site that's perfect for you. We also offer marketing services, such as online mass mailings, and can help maximize your site's presence in search engines. Friends & family discount! Mention the Cast Party Newsletter and receive 10% off. Get online with us!
TRAVERSE CITY WEB DESIGN - BRINGING YOU THIS VERY CAST PARTY NEWSLETTER, offers a full line of web design and online marketing services. Click: www.traversecitywebdesign.com
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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