C: Is for life is a Cabaret

The legendary Birdland has become one of the hottest places in town to see emerging and established musical talent. You aren't a New Yorker until you experience the legendary Birdland's Monday nights with Jim Caruso's "Cast Party". A wildly popular weekly soiree which mixes the glitz of Broadway's best with those who see themselves as cabaret up-and-comers. This three year soiree has become the ultimate spot to mix and mingle with theater celebrities and their fans. Caruso guides the entire affair like a bubbly cruise director while musical genius Billy Stritch holds court at the ivories. The audience is invited to participate in the festivities! It's the party that uniquely happens only in NY. If you are a star in the making sign up begins at 9:15. There is a cutoff and a waiting list. Most performers line up around 6:30. Bring sheet music in the correct key and at least 2 copies as there is a bass player. 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. However you will see Liza Minnelli and James Taylor who are frequent attendees. 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 and also other people." Price for this marvelous time $10 with a two drink min. Now that's a bargain!
Over at FEINSTEIN'S at the Regency Hotel, Tony Award winning singer and actress Betty Buckley will perform starting March 27th through April 7th. Her new show "Singin' For My Supper" will include a blend of theater, contempary and classic standards. Buckley who won her Tony meowing in Cats and was nominated for Triumph of Love is an aclaimed cabaret Diva. In London she was nominated for an Olivier in Sunset Boulevard and is a cult favorite for her roles in Stephen King's Carrie, Oz and is a favorite to the baby boomer generation who know her as "Abby" in the hit series "Eight is Enough." Completing eight CDs, her next recording, Quintessence, will be released later this year. I have seen Betty several times and her show is a must for anyone who loves cabaret. Expensive her show carries a $60 cover and a $40 minimum.
I have the pleasue of being friends with the next two who triumphed in their THE ALGONQUIN OAK ROOM salute to Jule Styne, Dorothy Fields and Cole Porter. KT Sullivan and Mark Nadler now turn their spotlight on to "Make Someone Happy: Remembering Betty Comden & Adolph Green" which opens March 20th. Multiple award-winning international cabaret, concert and musical theater artists KT Sullivan and Mark Nadler's recent Oak Room shows have elicited praises from critics and audiences alike. Cabaret has become like B'way "Pricey" there is a $60 cover charge for this show as well plus a $25 minimum. I wrote this column because music sooths the soul and in a sea of cabaret listings these are the best for this month. I also recommend THE BROADWAY BOYS March 19 @ 7pm (this group includes performers from Jersey and Alter Boys,Hairspray and others, THE MARCY & ZINA SHOW (Terrific songwriters and performers March 26 @ 7pm and MERCEDES HALL CD Release Celebration
March 27 these shows all at Birdland carry a $25 cover and the standard 2 drink min.
Remember life is a cabaret so make it a F.A.C.T to join in.