Broadway at Birdland
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Last Week
April 30, 2009
LAUREL MASSÉ'S MONDAY CONCERT WAS ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING WE HOPED IT COULD BE.
LAUREL MASSÉ'S MONDAY CONCERT WAS ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING WE HOPED IT COULD BE. Exquisite material, beautiful arrangements and a performance by one of the best vocalists we know. Laurel even included a clever medley of songs she helped take to the top of the charts with The Manhattan Transfer, which thrilled the crowd to no end! Many thanks to Laurel, her band and Wendy Lane Bailey for bringing such a great concert to the Broadway at Birdland series!

Super-impressionist Louise DuArt (doing her terrific Carol Burnett.
Stellar musical talent kept coming thru the big glass Birdland doors for Cast Party - like swinging jazz girls Ann Hampton Callaway, Adi Braun and Marilyn Maye, cabaret divas Baby Jane Dexter, Maude Maggart, and Klea Blackhurst, 13's Ariana Grande, R&B kids Chaz Langley and Kelli King, hip drummer Tijn, super-impressionist Louise DuArt (doing her terrific Carol Burnett, left), and the debut New York appearance of internet superstar Miranda! In the middle of a performance by Daniel Reichard (whom we loved when he starred in Jersey Boys and Candide), Miranda felt it was time for a musical intervention, and stormed the stage to give Reichard an impromptu on-stage coaching. Danny was only to happy to accept the daring diva's words of wisdom, and the packed house enjoyed seeing his progress. Then, Miranda showed the Cast Partiers how it's done, with her unique interpretation of the Rodgers & Hammerstein hit, "My Favorite Things," complete with choreography, top hat and scat section.
My personal favorite photo is seen at left, which shows an enthusiastic me singing for a critical Miranda.  She is a professional sinGer, though, and don't you forget it.  Haters, back off.
There are so many photos of the evening taken by Stephen Sorokoff and Kari Strand that have been posted on our Flickr site, and BroadwayWorld.com promises to have a video montage of the events up and running any second. My personal favorite photo is seen at left, which shows an enthusiastic me singing for a critical Miranda. She is a professional sinGer, though, and don't you forget it. Haters, back off.
- Jim!
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Theatermania.com are proud to present: Broadway at Birdland
JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY IS PROUD TO PRESENT the return of Tony Award-winning actress/singer CHRISTINE EBERSOLE in concert on Monday, May 4 at 7pm.  This evening is a continuation of the award-winning series, Broadway at Birdland.
JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY IS PROUD TO PRESENT the return of Tony Award-winning actress/singer CHRISTINE EBERSOLE in concert on Monday, May 4 at 7pm. This evening is a continuation of the award-winning series, Broadway at Birdland.

In this outing, called “Garage Band Fantasy,” Ms. Ebersole joins forces with musical director/pianist Bette Sussman (Bette Midler/8 years, Whitney Houston/11 years) to celebrate and re-live her favorite pop songs of all time, composed and performed by The Eagles, Joni Mitchell, Michael MacDonald, Sting, Susan Werner, and more. With an all-star band that includes Zev Katz on bass, Clint DeGannon on drums, Larry Saltzman on guitar and Tabitha Fair on background vocals, the evening is sure to rock the socks off of Christine's Broadway fans, yet still employ Ebersole's vast talents as an actor/singer.

Christine Ebersole is currently starring on Broadway in Blithe Spirit, and is a two-time Tony-Award winner for Grey Gardens and 42nd Street. She has also garnered universal critical acclaim for her interpretatiosn of beloved classics and standards in nightclubs. The New York Times called her recent performance in the dual roles of Edith Bouvier Beale and "Little" Edie Beale in Grey Gardens as, "one of the most gorgeous performances ever to grace a musical." In addition to stage, Christine Ebersole has delighted audiences with roles in films such as "Tootsie" and "Amadeus," and her television career includes cast roles in "Saturday Night Live" and "One Life to Live."

For this special one-night-only engagement, Christine Ebersole will be joined by Emmy-winning composer/singer/songwriter/producer/pianist and musical director Bette Sussman. Sussman has worked with artists such as Whitney Houston, Tim Curry, Aretha Franklin, and many more. She is currently on hiatus from “The Showgirl Must Go On,” Bette Midler's extravaganza at the 4200-seat Coliseum at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.

CHRISTINE EBERSOLE: GARAGE BAND FANTASY

WHEN: Monday, May 4 at 7pm
WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
COVER CHARGE: $40/$50 Premium; plus $10 food/drink minimum
RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com

THEN...
May 11 - Leading Men IV Benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, May 12 - Julie Halston, May 18 - Groove Lily, May 19 - Julie Halston, May 25 - Carol Fredette with Bob Dorough, June 1 - Malcolm Gets & John McDaniel, June 8 - Natalie Douglas, June 15 - “The Divas Sing Scott Alan”, June 22 - Shoshana Bean, June 29 - Ron Abel
Our Sponsors
UPRIGHT CABARET redefines the cabaret milieu for a new generation of audiences. Founded by producers Chris Isaacson and Shane Scheel in Los Angeles, Upright seeks to celebrate old style cabaret while simultaneously turning it on its ear, bringing young Broadway and Hollywood together in an intimate live setting. Next weekend witness this “new generation cabaret” in NYC for three special concerts featuring an eclectic cast lead by beautiful Tracie Thoms (Rent, CBS Cold Case, Devil Wears Prada, Grindhouse), Daniel Reichard (Jersey Boys, Radiant Baby), Brooks Ashmanskas (The Producers, Gypsy), Capathia Jenkins (Caroline or Change)and many more! Dir. Billy Porter, MD Chris Bratten. Fri-Mon, May 1, 2 & 4 at Joe’s Pub. Tickets available at www.joespub.com
UPRIGHT CABARET redefines the cabaret milieu for a new generation of audiences. Founded by producers Chris Isaacson and Shane Scheel in Los Angeles, Upright seeks to celebrate old style cabaret while simultaneously turning it on its ear, bringing young Broadway and Hollywood together in an intimate live setting. Next weekend witness this “new generation cabaret” in NYC for three special concerts featuring an eclectic cast lead by beautiful Tracie Thoms (Rent, CBS Cold Case, Devil Wears Prada, Grindhouse)
BLITHE SPIRIT - 4 DRAMA DESK NOMINATIONS, 4 OUTER CRITICS CIRCLE NOMINATIONS, including BEST REVIVAL and BEST FEATURED ACTRESS (Angela Lansbury). "A BRILLIANT MASTER CLASS IN COMEDY!" - John Lahr, The New Yorker. Broadway is in high spirits indeed, thanks to Noël Coward’s BLITHE SPIRIT. This uproarious comedy about laughs after death stars the legendary ANGELA LANSBURY, and together with her award-winning co-stars RUPERT EVERETT, CHRISTINE EBERSOLE and JAYNE ATKINSON, they’re conjuring up some of the biggest laughs on Broadway. And right now, you can raise your spirits with these special low prices: $69.50 Orchestra/Mezzanine; $36.50 Balcony. TO ORDER CALL 212-947-8844 and mention the code BSMU227. VISIT BroadwayOffers.com and use the code BSMU227. or BRING this offer to the Shubert Theatre box office, 225 West 44th Street. www.BlitheOnBroadway.com
BLITHE SPIRIT - 4 DRAMA DESK NOMINATIONS, 4 OUTER CRITICS CIRCLE NOMINATIONS, including BEST REVIVAL and BEST FEATURED ACTRESS (Angela Lansbury). "A BRILLIANT MASTER CLASS IN COMEDY!" - John Lahr, The New Yorker. Broadway is in high spirits indeed, thanks to Noël Coward’s BLITHE SPIRIT. (3)
ROB LANGEDER – Cast Party regular – played Ritchie Valens in the National Tour of Buddy, wowed cabaretgoers in The Question W Revue, Words Words Words & Music, and Private Events In Public Places, and has guest starred with such notables as Miles Phillips and Annie Hughes. Broadway Revival was Rob’s MAC Award-winning, hand-clappin’, foot-stompin’ celebration of the gospel of The Great White Way … and among the “Top 12 Cabaret Shows of 2006” chosen by TheaterScene.net! Beginning a run at The Metropolitan Room on April 18, Rob’s jazzy new Any Place I Hang My Hat... was just named one of Cabaret Scenes Magazine's "Picks of the Month!" For more details, visit RobLangeder.com.
Beginning a run at The Metropolitan Room on April 18, Rob’s jazzy new Any Place I Hang My Hat... was just named one of Cabaret Scenes Magazine's "Picks of the Month!" For more details, visit RobLangeder.com. (4)
"THE ART OF VOCAL TECHNIQUE": Julie Budd fully understands the demands of live performance, and the toll those rigors can take on the professional instrument. To protect, preserve and enhance the instrument of the serious vocal musician, she has developed a Master Class study course, and one-on-one private classes. Julie Budd works constantly in live performance, TV, film, and sings with symphonies all over the country. She knows that it is vital to learn to protect your instrument. That is what "The Art Of Vocal Technique” is all about. For more information regarding private vocal instruction, Ms. Budd can be reached at (917) 445-8799, or private messages can be left on her web site in the forum section, under "Private Message Section”. www.juliebudd.com
"THE ART OF VOCAL TECHNIQUE": Julie Budd fully understands the demands of live performance, and the toll those rigors can take on the professional instrument. (8)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
DAVID BUDWAY (CAST PARTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA) IS ONE OF THE MOST DISTINCTIVE PIANISTS ON TODAY'S INTERNATIONAL JAZZ SCENE. He is deeply rooted in Classical, Jazz and Rock and Roll Music. In 1992, David made his classical debut as soloist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. His recording credits include Hubert Laws, Branford Marsalis, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Clark Terry, Michael Brecker, Christiane Noll and others. David has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Liza Minnelli, Dizzy Gillespie, Stanley Turrentine, Ravi Coltrane, Jimmy Heath, Mark Murphy, Joe Pass, Roger Humphries, Art Farmer, Regina Carter, Dave Liebman and The Mingus Big Band. David composed music to the motion pictures “Lift”, and “Giant Steps”, and won two prizes in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition. Look for David's soon to be released Jazz CD “Strike Up the Bud”. Click: DavidBudway.com, or www.myspace.com/davidbudway.
DAVID BUDWAY (CAST PARTY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA) IS ONE OF THE MOST DISTINCTIVE PIANISTS ON TODAY'S INTERNATIONAL JAZZ SCENE.
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.
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.
LIZA'S AT THE PALACE...THE 2-CD SET! Two years of touring with the incomparable Liza Minnelli resulted in a triumphant run of Liza's At The Palace at The Palace Theatre. Check out the website for beautiful video footage, photos, and the brand-new 2-CD set of this unforgettable show. The first act is pure Liza at the top of her form, and the second act celebrates the late, extremely great Kay Thompson and the Williams Brothers' historic nightclub act that took the world by storm in the late 40's. Cortés Alexander, Johnny Rodgers, Tiger Martina and I worked hard to approximate the blend and unique sound that Bob, Dick, Don and Andy Williams brought to Kay's ingenius vocal arrangements. With old pal Billy Stritch at the piano, this project was an absolute dream come true! Hurry to: LizasAtThePalace.com for an exclusive preview of the 2-CD set available at The Palace Theater, online and in stores.
MINNELLI & CARUSO: TOGETHER AGAIN
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. Vist 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!
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

"...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
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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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