Broadway at Birdland
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Last Week
March 11, 2010
BROADWAY LEADING LADY KATE BALDWIN (left, by Stephen Sorokoff) showed off her glorious voice and superstar qualities in a ravishing Broadway at Birdland concert on Monday night.
BROADWAY LEADING LADY KATE BALDWIN (left, by Stephen Sorokoff) showed off her glorious voice and superstar qualities in a ravishing Broadway at Birdland concert on Monday night. There were loads of cast members from Finian’s Rainbow in the house cheering her on, including Kevin Ligon, Steve Schepis, Leslie Flasner, and Grasan Kingsberry, and it only added to the excitement of the evening. One show highlight was a performance of “The Rhythm of Life,” from Sweet Charity, complete with Finian’s folk including Devin Richards, James Stovall and Bernard Dotson. Many thanks to Kate, musical director Rob Berman and company for a magical, Glocca Mora evening!
Cameron Thompkins (left, thanks to Stephen Sorokoff) played a great sax.
The night continued with yet another wild, wacky and wonderful Cast Party. The legendary Chita Rivera thrilled the crowd with a quick Chita-Drive-By. As I was onstage yammering on about something or someone, the front door opened, and a razzle-dazzling Rivera ran into the room, up onto the stage – kissed me on the cheek – and ran back out. She had come from a star-studded evening celebrating composer John Kander, was walking home, and had to say hi! It just goes to prove that you never know WHO will show up at Cast Party! (And isn't that what a really good soiree is all about?) The on-stage entertainment was pretty spectacular, let me tell you. Clare Burt and Nigel Lilly came all the way from London to serenade us, a very swinging Martha Capone showed up from Rome, Trevor McQueen Eaton and John Michael Weiss made fabulous CP debuts, and Marvelous Marilyn Maye proved she was worthy of a recent New York Times rave for her Feinstein’s gig! Gregory Nalbone served us a little Billy Joel, Maia and Arrielle Fromm showed why they’re “Popular,” and Cameron Thompkins (left, thanks to Stephen Sorokoff - see our Flickr page for more great Cast Party pics!) played a great sax. There were oodles of beloved regulars, many newcomers and Tedd Firth, Steve Doyle and Steve Bakunas kicked musical ass as the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra. The good news is that we do it all again this coming Monday, with the extra-added fun of Mr. Billy Stritch at the piano! You’re coming, right?
You can also click here to see fantastic footage of JRB, shot by our pal Ken Kleiber and hosted by Music Theatre International!
If you read further, you’ll find out all about this next week’s Broadway at Birdland concerts (including Meredith Patterson and Jason Robert Brown). You can also click here to see fantastic footage of JRB, shot by our pal Ken Kleiber and hosted by Music Theatre International! Check out their MTI ShowSpace if you’re a musical theatre fan – you will have found a new cyber-home, believe me! THANKS, MTI!

Jim Caruso
Jim Caruso's Cast Party and Theatermania.com are proud to present: Broadway at Birdland
Jim Caruso’s Cast Party is once again proud to present composer JASON ROBERT BROWN in concert for four nights on Sunday, March 14 at 7pm and Tuesday through Thursday at 7pm.
TONY-WINNING COMPOSER JASON ROBERT BROWN AND GORGEOUS LEADING LADY Meredith Patterson on our stage all in one week?! Read on, faithful reader!

Jim Caruso’s Cast Party is once again proud to present composer JASON ROBERT BROWN in concert for four nights on Sunday, March 14 at 7pm and Tuesday through Thursday at 7pm. These concerts are part of the long-running Broadway at Birdland concert series, which highlights performers and composers from the Great White Way on the stage of the historic music room.

Pianist, singer and Tony Award-winning composer JASON ROBERT BROWN will be featuring brand new material in addition to songs from his shows, including The Last Five Years, Songs for a New World, Parade, and 13, as well as his solo album “Wearing Someone Else’s Clothes.” This is a very rare up-close-and-personal evening with JRB – no band, no hype, just one guy at a piano sharing his art and his music.

JASON ROBERT BROWN

WHEN: Sunday, March 14 at 7pm and Tuesday – Thursday, March 16 – 18 at 7pm
WHERE: Birdland
, 315 West 44 Street, NYC
TICKETS: $30 and $40 with $10 food/drink minimum
RESERVATIONS: 212.581.3080 or BirdlandJazz.com
Broadway’s Meredith Patterson, Emmy nominated Musical Director Rob Berman, and celebrated jazz pianist Ross Patterson have all collaborated on Sweet Old Fashioned Girl, which promises to be a fresh and exciting evening of jazz standards.
Broadway’s Meredith Patterson, Emmy nominated Musical Director Rob Berman, and celebrated jazz pianist Ross Patterson have all collaborated on Sweet Old Fashioned Girl, which promises to be a fresh and exciting evening of jazz standards. Drawing from childhood memories with her jazz percussionist father Bill Patterson (who studied with the great Bob Sodor), Meredith will bring together her musical theatre with and jazz roots. Sweet Old Fashioned Girl contains a 14 song set, musical directed & arranged by the Emmy nominated Rob Berman & and co-arranged by the gifted jazz pianist Ross Patterson.

Meredith Patterson has established herself as one of Broadway's most sought after triple threats. Recently, Ms. Patterson made her soap opera debut as Francesca on ABC's “All My Children,” was featured in the critically acclaimed documentary “Every Little Step,” and originated the role of Judy Haynes on Broadway in Irving Berlin's White Christmas. She made her hilarious primetime television debut as Missy Tiggs, opposite Tom Selleck & Candace Bergen on ABC’s “Boston Legal,” garnered glowing reviews as Polly Browne in The Boy Friend under the direction of the legendary Julie Andrews, and received critical acclaim in her Los Angeles theater debut starring in Steve Martin’s play The Underpants. Ms. Patterson is best known in the theater world for her amazing life imitating art story of being plucked out of the chorus to star as Peggy Sawyer in her first Broadway musical, 2001’s Tony Award winning revival of 42nd Street.

MEREDITH PATTERSON in SWEET OLD FASHIONED GIRL

WHEN: Monday, March 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
Our Sponsors
MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL. Join our vibrant new community to connect with theatre practitioners and fans from around the world. Share advice, photos, videos, sets, props, costumes and a whole lot more to bring your next production to life. Visit MTI ShowSpace by clicking: www.mtishowspace.com.
Visit MTI ShowSpace by clicking: www.mtishowspace.com.
MICHAEL FEINSTEIN. DAME EDNA. ALL ABOUT ME. Written by Christopher Durang, Barry Humphries and Michael Feinstein, directed by Casey Nicholaw. One Megastar...One Gigastar... A 12 piece orchestra. And 22 ladies’ rooms. It all adds up to a dame fein Broadway show. Special discount offer for Cast Party Newsletter readers! $69.50 Select Orchestra & Mezzanine Seats; $49.50 Select Mezzanine Seats. In one corner there's the internationally acclaimed MICHAEL FEINSTEIN, the sensational singer/pianist whose dazzling interpretation of the Great American Songbook has won awards and hearts around the world. In the other corner stands DAME EDNA EVERAGE, the toast of Melbourne society and an international gigastar whose classic performance of the Great Australian Songbook is not only catchy, it's shorter than the American version. If these two colossal mega-talents are to share the spotlight, that spotlight better be GINORMOUS! See how it all plays out at Henry Miller's Theatre, 124 West 43rd St. THREE EASY WAYS TO GET YOUR DISCOUNTED TICKETS: ONLINE: Click here or visit BroadwayOffers.com and use code AMMKT27. BY PHONE: Call 212.947.8844 and mention the code AMMKT27. IN PERSON: Bring this offer to Henry Miller's Theatre box office, 124 West 43rd Street. Visit BroadwaysBestShows.com for more information. Valid through 4/18/10.
KLEA BLACKHURST’S “EVERYTHING THE TRAFFIC WILL ALLOW – The Songs and Sass of Ethel Merman” BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!! (4)
KLEA BLACKHURST’S “EVERYTHING THE TRAFFIC WILL ALLOW – The Songs and Sass of Ethel Merman” BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!! – Klea Blackhurst's acclaimed tribute to Ethel Merman, "Everything the Traffic Will Allow," at The Snapple Theater Center! This knockout show continues to take NY by storm and features many of Merman’s signature songs such as “I Got Rhythm,” “Blow, Gabriel Blow,” and “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” as well as rarely performed obscurities including “Just A Moment Ago,” “I’ve Still Got My Health,” and “World Take Me Back.” “Trust us – this is one show you just can’t miss.” – Time Out New York. "The kid of show I could see every week because it's better than sex or drugs." - David Hurst, Next Magazine/Cabaret Scenes. PERFORMANCES EVERY SATURDAY AT 5:00 PM, SNAPPLE THEATER CENTER, 210 W 50th St. (at Broadway).TICKETS: 212-921-7862 or www.ticketmaster.com
KLEA BLACKHURST’S “EVERYTHING THE TRAFFIC WILL ALLOW – The Songs and Sass of Ethel Merman” BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!! (4)
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. ROCK OF AGES is 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.
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!
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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

Click for more featured concerts! www.castpartynyc.com/Concerts.htm