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Last Week
 
April 17, 2008
Natalie Douglas's new show celebrating Café Society is absolutely one of her best, and you can be sure you'll see it on our stage again soon.
Come on, now.  An evening combining a sold-out Natalie Douglas concert (left, thanks to Applause Video) with an open mic showcasing a brand new up-coming Broadway musical, along with performers like Barrett Foa, Lisa Howard, Michael Winther, Amanda Green, Colleen McHugh, Christine Lavin, Natalie Joy Johnson…all culminating with a birthday song from Marilyn Maye?  Are you kidding me?  But yes, that's what Monday at Birdland was all about.  Natalie's new show celebrating Café Society is absolutely one of her best, and you can be sure you'll see it on our stage again soon.  The material, the arrangements and her glorious voice made for a perfect show - tailor-made for Birdland!
Aussie superstar Tim Minchin
The following Cast Party started with a sneak preview of a new musical coming to Broadway in May. Librettist James Gardiner, composer Nick Blaemire and arranger Jesse Vargas (left), brought their crazily-talented cast to show off the title tune from Glory Days, which we'll be able to cheer at Circle in the Square Theater. We're so happy for these guys!  Tedd (About-To-Be-A-Father) Firth and Steve Doyle were brilliant as always as the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra, and helped keep everyone swinging until 1am!
Aussie superstar Tim Minchin
Next week's Cast Party will be one for the books! Maestro Billy Stritch will return to the piano for the night, along with the lovable Steve Doyle on bass. As if that weren't enough reason to celebrate, the screamingly funny Julie Halston will be on hand to do a reading from the new book she's co-written with Donna Daley, Monologues for Showoffs! They have created 74 fun, bold and brassy original monologues for men and women, and is every aspiring and established actor's dream. The book also includes helpful performance notes and smart advice on auditioning from top industry professionals. If you're in the biz, you have to come buy the book and get it signed by our two dazzling authoresses! They'll have a slew with them just for you!

We're also excited that Broadway vets Seth Rudetsky and Brad Oscar will perform two songs from The Road to Qatar, written by Stephen Cole and David Krane. The musical tells of the writers' crazy-but-true personal Bob Hope-Bing Crosby 'road picture' that took them to Dubai, Qatar, London, Bratislava and back to the USA after writing and presenting a huge original musical for the Emir of Qatar and one thousand of his invited guests. Another Cast Party first!
"The Battery's Down" chronicles the life of young actor Jake Wilson in New York City. (photo: Dirty Sugar Photography)
As if all that weren't enough, we'll be celebrating “The Battery's Down,” a new online television series, which can regularly be seen on YouTube featuring a slew of Broadway guest stars.  Filmed in a style similar to "Curb Your Enthusiasm" or "The Office," "The Battery's Down" chronicles the life of young actor Jake Wilson (left, thanks to Dirty Sugar Photography) in New York City. Each twenty-minute, two-part episode premieres at 12:01AM the first of every month and includes fellow performers portraying themselves. Visit the site at www.thebatterysdown.com.

Then, if you have the energy and urge to read about me, your charming host Jim Caruso, and my life and times - kindly click on CaB Magazine Online! Many thanks to Andrew Martin for inviting me to be part of his online masterpiece!
- Jim!
 
Coming Up
 
John Tartaglia (pictured), the Tony-nominated star of Avenue Q, will again host this celebration of stellar male singers and actors from Broadway and cabaret. 
We're thrilled to tell you that “Leading Men III,” a benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, is totally sold out this coming Monday night.  John Tartaglia (left), the Tony-nominated star of Avenue Q, will again host this celebration of stellar male singers and actors from Broadway and cabaret.  Seth Rudetsky, the Emmy-nominated writer, host and comic, also returns as its musical director as does director Alan Muraoka (NAATCO's “Falsettoland”).  The concert is produced by Wayman Wong, who edits entertainment for the New York Daily News.  This year's lineup consists of: Tom Andersen (5-time MAC Award winner), Michael Arden (The Times They Are A-Changin), Skylar Astin (Spring Awakening), David Burnham (Wicked) Jim Caruso (Jim Caruso's Cast Party), Jonathan Groff (Spring Awakening), Norm Lewis (The Little Mermaid),  Michael McElroy (Rent), Skie Ocasio (Bombay Dreams), Sean Palmer (The Little Mermaid), Aaron Ramey (Curtains), Robb Sapp (Wicked), Christopher Sieber (Spamalot), Marcus Simeone (2-time MAC Award winner), Bobby Steggert (110 in the Shade) and Jim Walton (Merrily We Roll Along).
The following Monday, April 28, we're thrilled to present Mo Rocca 'Cross America!
The following Monday, April 28, we're thrilled to present Mo Rocca 'Cross America! Who would beg to differ with Lee Greenwood when he sang "I'm proud to be an American?" (No one, except perhaps those freaky secessionists up in northern Vermont.) But sometimes in loving America, we forget to love our individual states. Each has its own state bird, flower, tree, even soil and seashell. (Oregon's is the Hairy Triton. Gross.). In "Mo Rocca 'Cross America," humorist and actor Mo Rocca pays tribute to the specialness of our states. It's an evening of fun, factoids, prize giveaways and song, as Mo's friends sing about their home states. Country Roads, Take Me Home To...California, Here I Come, Right Back...Home Again in Indiana! As any singer can tell you, a nation is only as strong as its weakest state. Mo's special guests will be Charles Osgood, Annaleigh Ashford, Julian Fleisher, Brian O'Brien & Stanley Bahorek.

Mo Rocca--contributor to NBC's "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and CBS' "Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood"--is known for his off-beat news reports and satirical commentary.  A former correspondent for Comedy Central's "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," he can be heard regularly on NPR's hit weekly quiz show "Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me" as well as "All Things Considered."  Ceator and host of AOL's "Mo Rocca 180°" (www.morocca180.com), Rocca's blog provides side-splitting and insightful observations on everything from the Presidential election to pop culture news.  Call Birdland at 212-581-3080 for reservations, or click on www.BirdlandJazz.com.
 
Our Sponsors
 
CABARET PERFORMER AND PRODUCER JAMIE DEROY WILL PRESENT A SPECIAL EVENING WITH LARRY GATLIN AND THE GATLIN BROTHERS on Tuesday, April 29th (9:30PM) at the New York hotspot Metropolitan Room. Renowned for their mastery and art of perfect family harmony that spawned some of country music’s most memorable hits, Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers rekindled their ole’ gospel music flame with the 2005 release of “Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers Sing Their Family Gospel Favorites,” and in so doing, lit the way towards their 9th Grammy nomination. Visit www.gatlinbrothers.com for more information. An evening with Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers at Metropolitan Room (34 West 22nd Street /between 5th and 6th Avenues) has a $35 cover charge plus a $15 minimum. For reservations, please call (212) 206-0440. Program is subject to change.
JAMIE DEROY & FRIENDS AT THE METROPOLITAN ROOM: JOIN US TUESDAY, APRIL 1ST AT 7:30 P.M.
MANHATTAN USER'S GUIDE (MUG) COVERS THE BEST IN ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT, food and wine, information, services and shopping.   A must read for the well-informed New Yorker.

Click here to subscribe.  

BROADCAST YOURSELF...BEFORE SOMEONE DOES IT FOR YOU. Introducing... "I."An ongoing collaborative web series.  (pictured: ichannel welcome page)
BROADCAST YOURSELF...BEFORE SOMEONE DOES IT FOR YOU. Introducing... "I." An ongoing collaborative web series. A story told in snippets. At www.youtube.com/ichannel -OR- www.connectwithi.com. "I." (also referred to as "iChannel") is an ongoing interactive web series in which a man's life is taken over by an online audience - YOU. Together, Sebastian Arcelus (Jersey Boys), Craig DiFolco, and Michael Izquierdo (New Jerusalem) have forged a path into the world of truly interactive television by directly linking the "subject" to his "audience" in this comically existential adventure. With 34 episodes already filmed and more on the way, they invite you to join in and connect with "I." Is your life worth watching? Check out "I." PLEASE NOTE: Texts that appear in "quotes" within the episodes are actual user comments. If you comment or post a video response, it may very well appear in a future episode.
BROADCAST YOURSELF...BEFORE SOMEONE DOES IT FOR YOU. Introducing... "I."An ongoing collaborative web series.  (pictured: ichannel welcome page)
THE BROADWAY SEASON IS IN FULL SWING and one of the most exciting new openings of the year is the official launch of Audience Rewards, the only experiential rewards program created for theatergoers and patrons of the performing arts. Audience Rewards is proud to offer premiere experiences and entertainment benefits to the loyal fans of Broadway.  All you have to do is join. Membership is FREE. And, as a fan of Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Broadway at Birdland, we will give you a gift of 500 points to get you started toward earning Broadway tickets, unique memorabilia, special experiences and tickets to arts and entertainment events. Membership also includes invitations to VIP receptions and special offers on dining, travel and, of course, Broadway shows. Visit www.AudienceRewards.com to sign up to get many exciting benefits including special presentations and offers brought to you by Jim Caruso and Audience Rewards.
Audience Rewards logo
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
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!

April 26 Guadalajara, Mexico  
April 28 Mexico City Auditorio National Theater
April 29 Puebla, Mexico  
May 3 Dallas/Fort Worth, TX Bass Performance Hall
May 9 Biloxi, MS Beau Rivage
May 25-27 London, England English National Opera
May 30 Nothingham, England Nothingham Royal Concert Hall
June 2 Manchester, England Bridgewater Symphony
June 4 Birmingham, England Birmingham Symphony
June 6 Glasgow, Scotland Glasgow Clyde
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'
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?).
 
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

TheaterScene.net
01/12/2008
Outstanding Cabaret of 2007
By: John Hoglund

1 - Jim Caruso: Broadway to Birdland Series – Birdland

Jim Caruso's savvy concept has turned into the weekly tour de force event presenting some of today's leading performer's from the Great White Way. The impressive list of guys and dolls singing show tunes, jazz, pop and all points in between is like no other happening in Manhattan and has evolved into an integral part of New York nightlife – like his wildly popular weekly Cast Party which follows after the show. This talk of the town carnival of talent allows rabid fans to cheer on their favorites up close and personal like: Nancy Anderson, Darius de Haas, Christine Ebersole, Melissa Errico, Sam Harris, Linda Lavin, Christine Pedi and a truckload of other major talents at this legendary jazz club on West 44th.
TheaterMania.com:
"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."

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


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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