Photo Coverage: Liza Minnelli, Marilyn Maye and More at Jim Caruso's Cast Party at Birdland, 9/10
By: Stephen Sorokoff
Jim Caruso's Cast Party has been jokingly called "the Ellis Island of Cabaret," because at one time or another, all great talent seems to come through the historic Birdland doors. Monday night, September 10th, was certainly no exception, and even a little more star-filled than usual. Long-time Cast Party stalwart, Liza Minnelli showed up with concert superstar Michael Feinstein to celebrate her return to "Arrested Development," and his new gig as lead conductor of the Pasadena Pops. At the next table, Feinstein's current singing partner, Marilyn Maye caught up with friends before taking the stage so sing and swing.
Check out photos from the evening below!Singer/composer Ann Hampton Callaway held court on and off-stage, and created an impromptu musical masterpiece celebrating her anniversary living in New York City. Erich Bergen arrived after rehearsing for the national tour of Anything Goes, in which he'll play the role of Billy Crocker. His performance of Larry O'Keefe's "Sensitive Song" had the packed house howling. Christina Bianco did her spot-on impression of Celine Dion singing "Cabaret," prompting a standing-o from Liza.
Bring It On cast members Casey Jamerson and Janet Krupin both sang their hearts out, Aussie singer/composer Matthew Robinson sang his hilarious "Boyband" song, Brazilian jazzer Denise Reis performed from her new cd, and tapper Andrew Nemr reminisced about his mentor Gregory Hines.
Regulars Natalie Douglas, Marvin Parks and Jenna Esposito entertained from their favorite stage. Even the singer Suede, who had sold out the Broadway at Birdland series with her concert earlier in the evening, stuck around to entertain the crowd with one more song.
Jim Caruso and the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra (Tedd Firth, Steve Doyle and Carmen Intorre) hosted the open mic well into the wee hours, as they do every Monday.
Photo Credit: Stephen Sorokoff
Ann Hampton Callaway
Cast Party Symphony Orchestra
Gianni Valenti and Liza Minnelli
Jim Caruso and the Cast Party Symphony Orchestra
Liza Minnelli and Michael Feinstein
Marilyn Maye and Ann Hampton Callaway
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