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January 24, 2008
The winners of the Chinese version of “American Idol” (called “My Show”) brought three tables worth of entourage, fans and camera crew! 
Check out our new feature, "I AM CAST PARTY" below!!

Cast Party has never been more international.  Monday night saw hoardes of talent from such far-flung places as China, Australia, England, Canada and New Jersey.  The winners of the Chinese version of “American Idol” (called “My Show”) brought three tables worth of entourage, fans and camera crew!  They also brought great energy, gangsta chic (left) and one of the strangest pop songs we've ever heard, complete with a boy soprano aria.  Needless to say, they were a hit, and we wish them all the luck in the world.  The kids from Oz, Matthew Carey, Katrina Ryan and Mike Haines performed brilliantly, with the Deputy Premier of South Australia, Kevin Foley, in the house!  Fiona Farmilowe, definitely a great Brit, purred a definitive “Fever.”
I'd have to say that the hit of the night was Saska-tune-meister Ari Weinberg (left with Christine Lavin and Malan Breton), who sang a newish ditty called “Chutzpah a Gogo.”
I'd have to say that the hit of the night was Saska-tune-meister Ari Weinberg (left with Christine Lavin and Malan Breton), who sang a newish ditty called “Chutzpah a Gogo.”  (Funny - it didn't sound newish.)  It's one of the better pieces of special material ever, and we look forward to Ari's return!  We were also thrilled to see brilliant instrumentalists like cellist Trevor Exter, trumpet-guy Dominick Farinacci, sax-dude Nathan Childers, and pianists Rich Siegel and Tony DeSare burning up the Birdland stage.  Of course Tedd Firth and Steve Doyle accompanied the masses on piano and bass quite brilliantly!  You can see proof of all the fun on our Flickr! site!!

This coming Monday you'll be happy to know that we do it all again, with David Budway and Mr. Doyle performing as the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra.  Dig out a zippy tune, dust off your zither, and join us, won't you?- Jim!
 
 
On Monday, January 28 at 7pm, we'll be dee-lighted to welcome back the gorgeous and witty Amanda Green to our stage, where she will ask the musical question, “Does This Song Make My Ass Look Phat?” 
On Monday, January 28 at 7pm, we'll be dee-lighted to welcome back the gorgeous and witty Amanda Green to our stage, where she will ask the musical question, “Does This Song Make My Ass Look Phat?”  Joining Mandy in the musical naughtiness will be Brooks Ashmanskas (The Club, The Producers), Jenn Colella (Urban Cowboy, High Fidelity), Jonathan Dokuchitz (Hairspray), Jeny Foote (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) and Amy Spanger (The Wedding Singer).  You probably know that Amanda co-composed the Broadway score to High Fidelity, and is one of our all-time favorite writers.  The winner of MAC Awards, Bistro Awards, and a Jonathan Larson Award for excellence in songwriting, Amanda's considerable talent and passionate following comes as no surprise, given her parentage: she's the daughter of the late, great writer, lyricist and performer Adolph Green (“Singin' In The Rain,” “The Band Wagon,” On The Town) and the fabulous actress Phyllis Newman.  Of Amanda's work, the Wall Street Journal said, “Green is a master of the craft.  She specializes in murderously witty songs that crackle with Sondheim-style wordplay.”  Call Birdland for reservations at 212-581-3080 or click on www.BirdlandJazz.com.  You'll be glad you did!
On February 4, Curtains star Jason Danieley (left) will perform “Love: A Work In Progress.”
Then, on Monday, February 4, Broadway leading man Jason Danieley will make his Birdland debut with “Love: A Work In Progress.”  Danieley, currently starring on Broadway in Curtains, will bring a unique combination of Blues, Country, Folk, Showtunes and Standards, all delivered with a healthy dose of Americana flavor.  Joining him will be Dan Lipton on piano, Christian Hebel on fiddle, Mark Vanderpoel on bass, Michael Aarons on guitar/banjo/mandolin, Damien Bassman on percussion and Theresa McCarthy on backing vocals.  In addition to singing, Danieley will join the band on tenor guitar.  Raves the New York Times, Jason Danieley is “a natural charmer… his singing is sensitive, pure and gorgeously robust.”

Jason Danieley is currently starring on Broadway as Aaron Fox in Kander & Ebb's Curtains, a role he originated in the show's March 2007 premiere.  He made his Broadway debut over ten years ago, as the title character in theater legend Harold Prince's production of Candide, for which he received Theatre World and Drama League Awards, as well as a Drama Desk nomination.  In 2000, he famously took it all off for the hit production of The Full Monty, in both the original Broadway and West End casts.  A frequent guest of New York's highly acclaimed City Center Encores! Series, Danieley has scored leading roles in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and Strike Up The Band.  Recent Off-Broadway appearances include: The Trojan Women: A Love Story; Dream True; and Adam Guettel's Floyd Collins.  Jason has also performed, by special invitation as a guest artist, alongside many of the country's leading orchestras, including the New York, Boston and Philadelphia Pops, the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, and the St. Louis, Utah, Minnesota and Boston Symphonies.  Call Birdland for reservations - 212-581-3080 or click on www.BirdlandJazz.com.

Thinking ahead to future Broadway at Birdland concerts: Capathia Jenkins and Louis Rosen (February 11), Billy Stritch Sings Mel Torme (February 18), "Under the Covers With Victoria Shaw" (February 25), Beverly & Kirby Ward (March 3), The Marcy & Zina Show (March 10).

 
 
the always perky, always sparkley, always adorable Jenna Esposito:
Cast Party would be nothing without the amazing talent that storms our stage every week.  We thought it would be fun to ask some of our beloved regulars to share a memory about their fave Monday night hang.  They can wax poetic, qvell or rant about anything they like, as long as it's Party-centric.  Our very first guest is the always perky, always sparkley, always adorable Jenna Esposito:

When I first started “Cast Party-ing,” I knew virtually no one in the city.  I would attend every week and sit at the bar by myself, eagerly awaiting the moment my name would be called.  Ah, what a difference 3 years makes!  I have to say, though, that my favorite “Cast Party moment” actually did not take place at Cast Party.  I was attending a friend's Memorial Day bar-b-q last year, and one of the other attendees was Broadway hoofer Jeffry Denman (of whom I'm a big fan!).  I knew who he was right away, and introduced myself.  He gave me a funny, puzzled look and said, “Jenna Esposito…why do I know that name?”  Suddenly, his girlfriend piped in and said, “Oh, I know - from Cast Party!” - at which point they both broke into the “Jenna Esposito, You Got Me On The Go” theme song (as created by Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch).  Stardom at last!

-- Jenna Esposito
 
 
ENJOY AN INTIMATE SPECIAL EVENING with one of the world’s most celebrated instrumental musicians when Kenny G performs February 12 at Rose Theater in the Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center on Broadway at 60th Street, New York City.  Hear familiar songs from his best-selling albums and new material from Rhythm & Romance, a tantalizing album that blends Samba, Salsa and Bossa Nova love songs with the sensual sound of Kenny’s signature saxophone. Get tickets at Lincoln Center Box Office (Broadway at 60th Street, Ground Floor), by calling CenterCharge at 212-721-6500, or online at www.jalc.org.
Kenny G.

BILLY STRITCH HAS A NEW CD AND A NEW WEBSITE! At last, Billy Stritch has his own dot-com - and a brand-new album to boot! While you're at the site (created by the Cast Party Webmistress, Kate Botello), peruse Billy's bio, find out where he's playing and read reviews. Listen to clips of Billy's latest, Billy Stritch Sings Mel Tormè, and pick up a copy for yourself and someone you love.

For everything Billy Stritch: www.billystritch.com .

Billy Stritch Sings Mel Torme - and more, at www.BillyStritch.com
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.

Make Me a Song: the Music of William Finn
ELAINE PAIGE , THE "FIRST LADY OF BRITISH MUSICAL THEATRE," HOSTS AN ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS WEEKLY RADIO SHOW on BBC Radio 2 every Sunday night.  The program is devoted to musical theatre and film music from Hollywood, Broadway and the West End.  The celebrated star of Evita, Cats, Chess and Sunset Boulevard has interviewed a host of stars including Angela Lansbury, Sir Elton John, and Michael Feinstein, and continues to delight audiences with a unque mix of show music and juicy interviews. Click on BBC: Elaine Paige on Sunday to hear the current show.

Make Me a Song: the Music of William Finn
SING LIKE YOU MEAN IT! So, you sing pretty- so what? If you don't know what you're singing about…no one cares. Be ready for your next audition -- come to my class. With the help of pianist and coach, Jamie Reed, we will make sure you are ready and relaxed enough to rock your auditions.

Mondays, 4pm to 7pm at Ripley Grier Studios; 4-week session =$240 (we’ll start as soon as we fill the class)
for more information, write me at singmeanit@aol.com
for more information about me- www.nancyanderson.name
for more information about Jamie- jamieRB326@aol.com

P.S. -- If you have scheduling conflicts, write and we can work it out!

Sing like you mean it! With Nancy Anderson and coach Jamie Reed
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.
MINNELLI & CARUSO: TOGETHER AGAIN… I'm beyond excited to tell you that I'll be performing on the road with myamazing friend Liza Minnelli quite a bit this next year! We're re-creating Kay Thompson and the Williams Brothers' historic nightclub act that took the world by storm in the late 40's and early 50's. Cortes Alexander, Johnny Rodgers, Brian Lane Green and I are working hard to approximate the blend and unique sound that Bob, Dick, Don, and Andy Williams brought to Kay's ingenious vocal arrangements, with Billy Stritch will be at the piano. Watch this space for details… hopefully we'll be coming to a theater near you!


February 21  Santa Barbara, CA Chumash Casino
March 14 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Hard Rock Hotel
March 16  Jacksonville, FL Times Union Center
March 28 Ft. Myers, FL Barbara Mann PAC
March 30 Melbourne, FL King Center


MINNELLI & CARUSO: TOGETHER AGAIN
ON THE CD, AT THE MOVIES, DAVE KOZ, A MULTI-GRAMMY NOMINATED SAX PLAYER with two gold albums and ten top 5 hits to his credit, takes center stage on eight instrumentals: "Over The Rainbow," "As Time Goes By," "The Pink Panther," "Summer of '42," "Cinema Paradiso," "Schindler's List," "It Might Be You" and " The Shadow of Your Smile." The 40-piece orchestra enlisted by Koz and producer Phil Ramone provides a majestic, sweeping soundscape for the saxophonist and his guest vocalists, including Vanessa Williams, who contributes an exquisite version of "The Way We Were," and Johnny Mathis, who perfectly captures the bittersweet quality of "The Shadow Of Your Smile," from The Sandpiper. Other highlights include Anita Baker's elegant rendering of "Somewhere," from West Side Story and Donna Summer's shimmering version of "A Whole New World," from Disney's Aladdin. Barry Manilow duets with Koz on a hip arrangement of Henry Mancini's " Moon River," and India.Aire delivers a deeply personal performance of "It Must Be You," from Tootsie. At The Movies is a must-have for music and film lovers everywhere. Disappear into another world and spend some time At The Movies.
DAVE KOZ
SQUIGS DRAWS THE STARS. Justin 'Squigs' Robertson is well known in the Los Angeles theatre community for capturing show biz folks in pen and ink, and his acclaim is quickly spreading across the country. 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 as an actor and entertainer. You can visit for a look at Squigs' 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

Squigs draws the showbiz! www.squigsink.com - this week's pic - Christine Ebersole as Little Edie in 'Grey Gardens'
CHARLIE LAPSON'S SIGNATURE COLLECTION is the culmination of years of training, world travel, and professional experience as one of Hollywood's top designers. His luxurious handbags and men's wallets are produced by factories in Tuscany, Italy made of fine Italian leather. Lapson's handbags and clutches have been worn by the elite of Hollywood to numerous red carpet events and on camera as well. Celebrities such as Felicity Huffman, Eva Longoria, and Debra Messing can be seen at award shows adorned with Charlie Lapson Jewelry. The collection is created by using the most brilliant diamonds and precious gemstones mixed with 18 kt gold, and molding them into works of art. Celebrities dazzle with glamorous bold statement pieces. Look for large colored gemstones and mixes of textures with unique shapes. Style fit for a star!

Charlie Lapson: Style fit for a star!
OUR UPDATED T-SHIRT is now available in Tootsie-Roll brown with safety-cone orange trim, as seen at left, where Jim reveals his secret identity as -- Superhost! Show your love for a certain Monday night Open Mic extravaganza by wearing this 100% cotton, Peruvian-made, American-printed piece of art! The wry "Got Mic?" logo is on the front, and our logo is on the back. They're only $20 and available if you click http://www.castpartynyc.com/Goods.htm.

Jim Caruso ferociously models the official Cast Party t-shirt
The Cabaret Exchange
As always, many thanks to our corporate and private sponsors:
Gianni Valente & Hilary Kole, Randy Swartz & Stage Step, Jamie deRoy & friends, Michael Estwanik, Todd Forman, Steven Minichiello, Matthew Gilbert and Wild Oats Productions, as well as our Birdland sound guru Sean Corcoran and Brian Wilson at SoHa Media. We can't do it without you!

Click here to advertise with us. It costs less than the average banner ad, and you're guaranteed to be seen by tons of fabulous people (look, you're reading this right now, yes?).
 
 
Look at all the illustrious people!

"The Party simply glows with New York nightlife ambiance. It feels like a throwback to another era but it has this era's top-notch entertainers dropping in to schmooze, sing, eat, and drink. Caruso consistently provides a flow of exciting singers, and he's definitely hip, cool and classy all by himself."

-THEATERMANIA

When: Every Monday at 9:30pm ! Where: BIRDLAND
315 West 44th Street (between 8th & 9th), NYC

212.581.3080

Bookings for Jim Caruso's Cast Party® for theaters, arts presenters,
corporations and private events:


Ligeti Artists LLC
Peter Ligeti

mrligeti@aol.com
212.396.1111

For online booking information, click: The Show Store

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