Jim Caruso's "Cast Party" at Spaghettini And The Dave Koz Lounge

Jim Caruso’s Cast Party is a wildly popular soiree in New York and now it's come to the Legendary Spaghettini. His show is a sprinkling of Broadway glitz and urbane wit. It’s a cool cabaret night-out enlivened by a hilariously impromptu variety show. In New York, showbiz superstars hit the stage alongside up-and-comers, serving up jaw-dropping music and general razzle-dazzle. Since opening night in 2003, it’s been the ultimate spot to mix and mingle with show folk and their fans. Caruso guides the entire affair like a bubbly cruise director. Musical Director Billy Stritch hold court at the ivories and the audience is invited to participate in the festivities! Cast Party has been honored with two BroadwayWorld Awards, a MAC Award, Bistro Award and a Nightlife Award....

read more

Jim Caruso’s Cast Party is a wildly popular soiree in New York and now it's come to the Legendary Spaghettini. His show is a sprinkling of Broadway glitz and urbane wit. It’s a cool cabaret night-out enlivened by a hilariously impromptu variety show. In New York, showbiz superstars hit the stage alongside up-and-comers, serving up jaw-dropping music and general razzle-dazzle. Since opening night in 2003, it’s been the ultimate spot to mix and mingle with show folk and their fans. Caruso guides the entire affair like a bubbly cruise director. Musical Director Billy Stritch hold court at the ivories and the audience is invited to participate in the festivities! Cast Party has been honored with two BroadwayWorld Awards, a MAC Award, Bistro Award and a Nightlife Award.

HOW IT WORKS-
Step 1 The List:
Your host Jim Caruso, a dashing, often overdressed male model clutching a clipboard, starts collecting names around 9:30. Keep in mind performers won’t necessarily be called upon in the order they signed on. If you have a time restraint, let your genial host know and he will try his best to work with you. Although we’d love to stay until dawn to hear everyone, there is usually a cutoff point and a waiting list implemented.

Step 2 The Music:
Please bring sheet music or a chord chart in the correct key! Yes…our musicians are brilliant and all…but it’s just no fun for them to transpose on the spot. If you bring two copies, our bass-man will love you forever, as he won’t risk scoliosis craning to see the piano player’s music.

Step 3 The Vibe:
Now…this is important…remember it’s a party! An evening of weepy ballads is no fun for anyone except Edith Piaf, and she rarely attends. Try to pick material that is fun, upbeat, swingy, zesty and bursting with verve and pluck. The audience and host will thank you with hearty applause and perhaps even a warm handshake.

Step 4 The Musicians:
If you play an instrument, plan on amplifying said instrument with a microphone, and not plugging into the house sound system. Even though that’s “not how it’s done,” it keeps the party running smoothly and tightens up those pesky between-song lulls.

Step 5 SPEECHLESS:
Seventeen-minute personal journeys or in-depth biographical information on ‘Mister Cole Porter’ is strictly prohibited and should be inflicted only on your psychologist or the audience at your cabaret act.

Step 6 Love it!
Above all, have a great time! Cast Party is a celebration of the Broadway, jazz and nightclub communities. As Jim says, it’s where “you can see and hear some of the best performers in the world. Also other people.” Come cheer them all on, sing, drink, eat, and schmooze! We can’t wait to see you!

show less