Your host Jim Caruso, a dashing, often overdressed male model clutching a clipboard, starts collecting names around 9:00. Keep in mind performers won’t necessarily be called upon in the order they signed on. If you have a time restraint, let your genial host know and he will try his best to work with you. Although we’d love to stay until dawn to hear everyone, there is usually a cutoff point and a waiting list implemented.

Please bring sheet music or a chord chart in the correct key! Yes…our musicians are brilliant and all…but it’s just no fun for them to transpose on the spot. If you bring three copies, our bass-man and drummer will love you forever, as they won’t risk scoliosis craning to see the piano player’s music.

Now…this is important…remember it’s a party! An evening of weepy ballads is no fun for anyone except Edith Piaf, and she rarely attends. Try to pick material that is fun, upbeat, swingy, zesty and bursting with verve and pluck. The audience and host will thank you with hearty applause and perhaps even a warm handshake.

If you play an instrument, plan on amplifying said instrument with a microphone, and not plugging into the house sound system. Even though that’s “not how it’s done,” it keeps the party running smoothly and tightens up those pesky between-song lulls.

Seventeen-minute personal journeys or in-depth biographical information on ‘Mister Cole Porter’ is strictly prohibited and should be inflicted only on your psychologist or the audience at your cabaret act.

Above all, have a great time! Cast Party is a celebration of the Broadway, jazz and nightclub communities. As Jim says, it’s where “you can see and hear some of the best performers in the world. Also other people.” Come cheer them all on, sing, drink, eat, and schmooze! We can’t wait to see you!