Broadway at Birdland
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Last Week
February 11 , 2010
On Sunday, Nicole Parker (from MAD-TV, Wicked and Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me) took on the persona of Jilane Jenkins (left), a semi-washed up sit-com star, in the faux-autobiographical "Suitcase Full of Lies." The show was completely hilarious, integrating improv with brilliantly scripted material – including a haunting ballad about…eczema.
THIS PAST SUNDAY AND MONDAY NIGHTS, THE BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND CONCERT SERIES WAS IN FULL SWING, showcasing two completely different, yet wildly entertaining acts! On Sunday, Nicole Parker (from MAD-TV, Wicked and Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me) took on the persona of Jilane Jenkins (left), a semi-washed up sit-com star, in the faux-autobiographical "Suitcase Full of Lies." The show was completely hilarious, integrating improv with brilliantly scripted material – including a haunting ballad about…eczema. The Birdland audience included Nicole’s old Wicked co-star Adam Fleming, as well as Brooks Ashmanskas (currently in Present Laughter), John Tartaglia (Imaginocean) and big-time TV producer/writer Alan Zweibel (SNL, Curb Your Enthusiasm).
The following night, our own singer/pianist/arranger Billy Stritch was singing and swinging with the 17-piece Michael Berkowitz Big Band, thrilling the packed house with arrangements originally performed by Sinatra, Mel Torme, Steve Lawrence and Dean Martin.
The following night, our own singer/pianist/arranger Billy Stritch (left, thanks to Stephen Sorokoff) was singing and swinging with the 17-piece Michael Berkowitz Big Band, thrilling the packed house with arrangements originally performed by Sinatra, Mel Tormé, Steve Lawrence and Dean Martin. As always, Stritch had a starry audience, which included Michele Lee, Julie Halston, Julie Budd and Marilyn Sokol!
Jim Caruso's Cast Party followed the Stritch concert, with special surprise performances by Ricki Lake (who sang a lovely song from They’re Playing Our Song as well as a Hairspray swinger with Carly Jibson)
Jim Caruso's Cast Party followed the Stritch concert, with special surprise performances by Ricki Lake (left, in a photo by Stephen Sorokoff, sang a lovely song from They’re Playing Our Song as well as a Hairspray swinger with Carly Jibson), Lance Horn, Yair Evnine, Matt Beilis, Zach Berger, Jody Shelton, Dorothy Bishop as Sarah Palin, and 13-year old Julliard student/jazz pianist Beka Gochiashvili, who recently won the Montreaux Jazz Festival. Talk about variety! Tedd Firth and Steve Doyle portrayed The Cast Party Symphony Orchestra with such conviction; you’da thought they WERE The Cast Party Symphony Orchestra! It all happens again next week, so be there!

Jim Caruso
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Theatermania.com are proud to present: Broadway at Birdland
JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT Natalie Weiss will make her second concert appearance within the month at Birdland on Monday, February 15 at 7pm, by popular demand.
JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT Natalie Weiss will make her second concert appearance within the month at Birdland on Monday, February 15 at 7pm, by popular demand. (Her January date sold out in record time!) This concert is part of the long-running Broadway at Birdland concert series.

Although many of Natalie Weiss’ performances are just a mouse-click away, audiences will now have the opportunity to see her live and in person. The concert will feature many of Natalie's Youtube hits, classic pop tunes, vocal impersonations, and songs written and accompanied by her favorite contemporary composers. Come celebrate an evening of laughter, heart, and some high belt mixing and riffing! Avenue Q's Mark Hartman will lead the five-piece band and Titus Burgess will direct.

Natalie Weiss was in the ensemble and understudied Elphaba in the 2nd National Touring Company of Wicked. She has performed at venues all over New York City including Birdland, the Duplex, and the Laurie Beechman Theatre. Regional appearances include the Kennedy Center, Pittsburgh CLO, and North Shore Music Theatre. Natalie can be heard on the recordings of Scott Alan's "Keys,” Goldrich and Heisler's "Dear Edwina,” and on the BMI songbook podcast. Other collaborators include Jason Robert Brown, Andrew Lippa, John Bucchino, Jeff Blumenkrantz, Jonathan Reid Gealt, Adam Gwon, Katie Thompson, Bobby Cronin, Paul Fujimoto, Jeremy Schonfeld, Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, Michael Kooman & Chris Dimond, and Jeff Thomson & Jordan Mann. Natalie was an American Idol semi-finalist but is most well-known for her YouTube videos. Her top hits ("And I Am Telling You,” "I'm A Star,” "Quiet,” "The Spark of Creation,” and "I Believe In You And Me") have collectively reached over half a million views. in their adaptation of Fuenteovejuna, and directed an original piece, Stuck.

NATALIE WEISS: OFFLINE

WHEN: Monday, February 15 at 7pm
WHERE: Birdland
, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
TICKETS: $25 and $35 with $10 food/drink minimum
RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com
Jim Caruso’s Cast Party is thrilled and mildly nervous to present the return of YouTube sensation MIRANDA SINGS in concert on Sunday, February 21 at 6pm.
Jim Caruso’s Cast Party is thrilled and mildly nervous to present the return of YouTube sensation MIRANDA SINGS in concert on Sunday, February 21 at 6pm. The event will be part of the award-winning concert series, Broadway at Birdland. You will not want to miss this lipstick-wearing, epileptic-eyebrowed, crooked-smiling beauty as she performs her magic at Birdland once again! Expect special guests, including Broadway’s Christopher Sieber, composer Scott Alan, onstage voice lessons, fashion makeovers and dramatic readings of hate mail.

Miranda Sings is an internet character created by Colleen Ballinger, and proliferated via YouTube. The character is a satire of increasingly common YouTube videos featuring mediocre or even bad singers who film themselves singing as a form of self-promotion. Miranda is supposedly from Tacoma, Washington, sings comically off-key, and, when confronted by viewers who take the videos seriously, uses the catchphrase "Haters back off!" The characterization includes facial tics, unusually active eyebrows and a crooked smile. She also wears lipstick drawn beyond all natural borders and often dances stiffly to the music she is performing. Ms. Ballinger's character has enjoyed widespread popularity, particularly among musical theatre fans, and has recently appeared as Miranda Sings at live club and theater venues in New York (The Minskoff Theatre, Jim Caruso’s Cast Party, The Town Hall), Los Angeles, London (Ambassador Theatre) and throughout Australia. Special guests have included the casts of Mamma Mia, Billy Elliott, Bye Bye Birdie, Ann Hampton Callaway, Shoshana Bean, Daniel Reichard, Seth Rudetsky, and Barret Foa.

MIRANDA SINGS

WHEN: Sunday, February 21 at 6pm
WHERE: Birdland
, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
TICKETS: $25 General Admission, $35 Premium, $10 food/drink minimum
RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com
Our Sponsors
Jamie deRoy and friends - THE OSCAR SHOW - Academy Award Winning Songs, and Songs from Academy Award Winning Films! Joining Jamie for this BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND evening will be: Drama Desk Award-nominee Christina Bianco (Forbidden Broadway Goes to Rehab) and currently on the boards in Newsical; Four-time TONY nominee Gregg Edelman (1776, Into the Woods, Anna Karenina, City of Angels); London’s beloved triple-threat, Bonnie Langford (Chicago-NYC and London companies); Conductor/composer 2-time Emmy Award-winner John McDaniel; acclaimed cellist Peter Sachon; and multi-award-winning singer Finian’s Rainbow sensation Terri White - plus a surprise guest! Barry Kleinbort will stage the evening & Lanny Meyers will serve as musical director. Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010 at 6:00 P.M. BIRDLAND - 315 W 44th St., NYC. Tickets: $35/$25; $10 minimum. 212.581.3080 or visit: www.birdlandjazz.com.
Jamie deRoy and friends - THE OSCAR SHOW - Academy Award Winning Songs, and Songs from Academy Award Winning Films!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
TRAVERSE CITY WEB DESIGN - BRINGING YOU THIS VERY CAST PARTY NEWSLETTER, offers a full line of web design and online marketing services. We have a wide range of packages and services ideal for entertainers and performers - from one-page "portfolio" sites, to press kits, to full online archives, we can create and host a site that's perfect for you. We also offer marketing services, such as online mass mailings, and can help maximize your site's presence in search engines. Friends & family discount! Mention the Cast Party Newsletter and receive 10% off. Get online with us!
TRAVERSE CITY WEB DESIGN - BRINGING YOU THIS VERY CAST PARTY NEWSLETTER, offers a full line of web design and online marketing services. Click: www.traversecitywebdesign.com
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. Visit 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!
Nite Life Exchange: It's All About Entertainment!
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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
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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