Tuesday, January 30, 2018

JIM CARUSO, BILLY STRITCH--CAST PARTY IN PALM SPRINGS



                   I LOVE CAST PARTY SO MUCH. 
       IT WAS STARTED IN NY BY JIM CARUSO TO PLAY                   EVERY MONDAY NIGHT AT BIRDLAND.

CAST PARTY was started on a Monday, because that's the off-night for Broadway show people. All kinds of stars and performers go to Birdland and just sing one, or maybe two songs. There's no rehearsal. They just hand their sheet music to Billy, talk a second and then sing.



This concept has become so popular, Jim and Billy have taken it to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and now Palm Springs (Annenberg Theatre). They have their "regulars," performers who so love the concept that they go to the different cities; they "pick-up" locals, too!


Jim, Yours Truly, and Billy


Palm Springs was treated to an incredible group---among them----Lucie Arnaz, Jane Monheit, Julie Garnye, Iris Williams, Karina Nuvo, and Alix Korey. It was a magical night of fantastic voices and Broadway memories. Barry Manilow sat in the back and had a great time.

And, our own Tony-winning David Zippel actually took the stage to sing one of his songs and he brought down the house!

After the show was over, many of us went right to Lulu's and celebrated!

Here's hoping the Annenberg will bring this back every year!

Jane Monheit sang a song from "City of Angels" written by David Zippel, left.
Iris Williams and Larry Luckinbill

Rick Montalbano, drummer for the whole show (and Jane's husband), Jane, Julie Garnye, and Jack Montalbano (front)

Terri Ketover wlecomed us all to the Annenberg

Lucie

Barbara Fromm, Alix Korey, Bernie Fromm, and Larry Luckinbill



Most important thing is to make sure you get your music back!



Rick Montalbano

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