Billy Stritch & Jane Monheit
Written by: Linda Amiel Burns
For the past nine years, Jim Caruso has hosted his open mic “Cast Party” at Birdland on Monday nights, where people from the worlds of Broadway, Cabaret, jazz, comedy “and others” get up to perform. The festivities begin about 10PM and it’s usually a mixed bag, but always fun! Last year Scott Siegel asked Jim if he could bring “Cast Party” to The Town Hall for an Actor’s Fund Benefit featuring some of his “regulars” and favorite performers. The event was a success in 2011, so on February 23, 2012, the 2nd Annual Cast Party Benefit was held with Jim Caruso hosting, Billy Stritch on the piano, Tom Hubbard on bass, Daniel Glass on drums and Rick Hinkson directing.
For those who remember The Ed Sullivan TV Hour, the evening felt like a “variety show” in that tradition. However, Jim is a funny and genial host who also sings, certainly no resemblance to Mr. Sullivan.
Stephanie J. Block & Jim Caruso
There were 22 performers on the bill that ranged from a juggler (the terrific Marcus Monroe), a jazz violinist (Aaron Weinstein), a clown (Rudi Macaggi), tap dancers (Andrew J. Nemr with Cats Paying Dues in a Tribute to Gregory Hines), and many singers. A standout was David Ippolito, known as the “Guitar Man of Central Park,” who sang a song he wrote called “A Different Cowboy’s Lament” about a cowboy who doesn’t like country music. Composer John Bucchino accompanied Holly Near on his song “If I Ever Say I’m Over You.” Liz Mikel was an audience favorite with Ruth Brown’s sexy “If I Can’t Sell It, I’ll Keep Sittin’ On It.” The remarkable Marilyn Maye scored with an interesting medley of “Lazy Afternoon” and “Country Boy.” Actress Linda Lavin closed the first act with a Latin arrangement of “It Might As Well Be Spring” that could have used more subtlety and less movement.
Another audience favorite was Erich Bergen, a handsome young man, who sang the campy “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman.” Famed composer Frank Wildhorn played for Laura Osnes (the star of his recent Bonnie & Clyde) “Someone Like You” from Jekyll and Hyde that is soon to be revived on Broadway. The cast also included Janis Siegel (Manhattan Transfer), Julia Murney, Stephanie J. Block, comedianne Lisa Lampanelli (the Queen of Mean), Terri Klausner, Jane Monheit and Paulo Szot (star of the recent revival of South Pacific).
Congrats to Scott Siegel and Jim Caruso for raising money for The Actor’s Fund and creating an enjoyable, spontaneous evening that you could only find in New York!
*Photos: Maryann Lopinto
Posted by Sandi Durell
on February 25, 2012. Filed under Cabaret,Cabaret and Interviews - Sandi Durell,CHARITY BENEFIT,COLUMNS,ENTERTAIMENT.
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