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Last Week
June 17, 2010
Christine’s bff Rosie O’Donnell showed up to cheer, along with actress Natasha Lyonne! Thanks to Stephen Sorokoff, as always, for the great photos.
OH, HOW WE LOVE CHRISTINE EBERSOLE. Every time she returns to the Broadway at Birdland stage, we adore her just a little bit more, too. Her concert on Monday was a reprise of last year’s spectacular “Garage Band Fantasy,” in which she recalls her fave music growing up – all written by some of the most prolific female songwriters in the business, including Carly Simon, Joni Mitchell, and Bonnie Raitt. Bette Sussman returned as Christine’s musical director for the event, along with an extraordinary band and Tabitha Fair on backup vocals. Aaron Weinstein made a few appearances with his swinging violin, too. It was all way too good, and we promise you they’ll all be back again, and soon. As you can see (left), Christine’s bff Rosie O’Donnell showed up to cheer, along with actress Natasha Lyonne! Thanks to Stephen Sorokoff, as always, for the great photos. You can click on our FLICKR site to see more!
We were stunned and awed by “Die Roten Punkte” (which means “The Red Dots” in German), the cult-hit music and comedy show that stars a dysfunctional German sibling act! They sang. They danced (left). They played a cowbell. They’re currently enjoying a successful run at the Barrow Street Theater, and we’re pretty sure you better go see them, because there’s nothing in the world quite like “Die Roten Punkte!”
The following Cast Party was a continuation of the fun! We were stunned and awed by “Die Roten Punkte” (which means “The Red Dots” in German), the cult-hit music and comedy show that stars a dysfunctional German sibling act! They sang. They danced (left). They played a cowbell. They’re currently enjoying a successful run at the Barrow Street Theater, and we’re pretty sure you better go see them, because there’s nothing in the world quite like “Die Roten Punkte!”
The grand finale was a rare appearance by Grammy-winning Nashville singer/songwriter Lari White (left, with performers J.P. Hartmann and Christina Bianco)
We were also dee-lighted to see our old pal…you know him, you love him, you can’t live without him – Mr. Paul Shaffer (left). He sang a rock and roll classic, then accompanied his pal Susan Collins, who blew us away with her bluesy chops! Young composer Tucker Caploe sang one of his tunes, delighting everyone (including a few tables of groupies)! Former “Seinfeld” writer and story editor Tom Leopold did a great original piece, Mark Aaron James sang a new tune that was inspired by the Cast Party-ers called, “And Other People,” Charlie Puth made a long-awaited return, and Randi Driscoll & Noah Heldman showed why they’re one of the top college concert draws in the country. Do I even need to tell you that the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra was dazzling, as usual? No, I didn’t think so. We do it all again this coming Monday, and you just better be there!

Jim Caruso
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Theatermania.com are proud to present: Broadway at Birdland
JIM CARUSO IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT BROADWAY'S DEE ROSCIOLI will be performing “Decidedly Dee,” her cabaret debut, at Birdland on Monday, June 28 at 7pm. 
JIM CARUSO IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT BROADWAY'S DEE ROSCIOLI will be performing “Decidedly Dee,” her cabaret debut, at Birdland on Monday, June 28 at 7pm.  He’s also thrilled to tell you that Dee’s show has been sold out for a few weeks now, so keep reading this newsletter to see about her return and order your tickets early!

THEN...
Broadway and "American Idol" alumna Diana DeGarmo

Jim Caruso is proud to present "Singin' in the Shower: Songs from Behind the Bathroom Door," starring Diana DeGarmo, Miranda Sings, Travis Nesbitt, Kenny Holcomb, Elizabeth Jones, Jessalyn Gliebe, Jermaine Miles and hosted by Bradley d. Gale. This event is part of the Broadway at Birdland concert series.
Jim Caruso is proud to present "Singin' in the Shower: Songs from Behind the Bathroom Door," starring Diana DeGarmo, Miranda Sings, Travis Nesbitt, Kenny Holcomb, Elizabeth Jones, Jessalyn Gliebe, Jermaine Miles and hosted by Bradley d. Gale. This event is part of the Broadway at Birdland concert series.

"Singin' in the Shower” is a behind-the-scenes look into the one place where stage fright doesn't exist and clothing isn't required. Join us as we pull the shower curtain back to reveal the stage where today's entertainers debuted their talents: The Shower.

Broadway, television, nightlife and the internet's past, present and future stars will align for one night only to sport their best bathroom attire and sing their favorite shower show tunes all to raise money for the Nashville Flood relief effort. Hosted by professional bathtub belter and dinnertainment's Bradley d. Gale, “Songs from Behind the Bathroom Door” will feature Broadway and “American Idol” alumna Diana DeGarmo, internet sensation Miranda Sings, Altar Boyz’ Travis Nesbitt, Nightlife's Kenny Holcomb, Elizabeth Jones from "The Most Interesting Show in the World,” Jessalyn Gliebe, and Jermaine Miles. Musical direction by Carnegie Mellon's Dan Radzikowski.

SINGIN' IN THE SHOWER

WHEN: Monday, July 5, 2010 at 7pm
WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
TICKETS: $25 Cover/$10 food and drink minimum
RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com

COMING UP: Annaleigh Ashford (July 12), Amanda Green & Friends (July 19), Rebecca Spencer & Philip Fortenberry (July 26).
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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. ROCK OF AGES is 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.
HERE'S OUR FRIEND Ben Ross cavorting on a cold Canadian beach, but keeping warm in the newest, freshest version of the Cast Party t-shirt! Can you believe this 100% cotton beauty can be yours for a mere $20 plus $5 for shipping? They come in S, M, L and XL! Click: CastPartyNYC.com/Goods.
HERE'S OUR FRIEND Ben Ross cavorting on a cold Canadian beach, but keeping warm in the newest, freshest version of the Cast Party t-shirt! Can you believe this 100% cotton beauty can be yours for a mere $20 plus $5 for shipping? They come in S, M, L and XL! Click: CastPartyNYC.com/Goods.
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.
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.
Coming Up

Copyright Jim Caruso's Cast Party®, All Rights Reserved, 2006-2008. Newsletter by: Traverse City Web Design

Click for more featured concerts! www.castpartynyc.com/Concerts.htm