“The gold standard of open mic nights.”
The Wall Street Journal

Think “American Idol” meets “The Tonight Show.”  Imagine Martin Short and Liza throw a hip house party around the baby grand…and you’re invited!

Cast Party is a wildly popular happening that has brought Broadway glitz and urbane wit to the legendary Birdland in New York City every Monday night since 2003.  It is the ultimate spot to mix and mingle with show folk and the people who love them. Cast Party is a hilariously impromptu open mic/variety show where showbiz superstars and up-and-comers deliver jaw-dropping musical performances and razzle-dazzle.

Legendary showman Jim Caruso guides the entire affair with razor-sharp humor and the unbridled enthusiasm of an uber-fan. Musical Director Billy Stritch holds court at the ivories, along with Steve Doyle on bass, and Daniel Glass on drums...but the real fun starts when the audience participates in the onstage festivities.  Broadway legends, jazzers, cabaret divas, starry-eyed tourists and kids right off the bus take to the stage and entertain each other.  If you have a voice, a dream and some sheet music, your Cast Party moment awaits.

Caruso and Stritch have also taken the show on the road, celebrating talent in London, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Chicago, Austin, Dallas, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Miami, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Provincetown, and Delray Beach, and on two Dave Koz Jazz Cruises, as well as very special all-star events at The Town Hall and Jazz at Lincoln Center in Manhattan.  

Cast Party has been honored with eleven BroadwayWorld Awards, seven MAC Awards (including Show of the Year, 2022), a Bistro Award, and two Nightlife Awards.  On the occasion of the 20th Anniversary, New York City Mayor Eric Adams proclaimed July 24th "Jim Caruso's Cast Party Day," the State of New York named the date "Cast Party Appreciation Day," and New York City Council celebrated the show "for it's outstanding contributions to New York City and the American theatre."

"Whereas, I am enormously proud to lead a city renowned as a global capital of the arts. Jim Caruso's Cast Party has enriched our dynamic cultural landscape since 2003, and on the occasion of it's 20th anniversary, I am pleased to recognize the weekly show's tremendous contributions to our performing arts and nightlife sectors."
Eric Adams, Mayor of the City of New York