Liza Minnelli Makes Special Appearance At 'Cast Party'

Following Klea Blackhurst’s & Billy Stritch’s sold-out Broadway at Birdland performance on Monday night, Jim Caruso’S CAST PARTY, a popular weekly soiree of Broadway’s elite, kicked off in true style with an unexpected performance from the incomparable, Liza Minnelli who sang an impromptu arrangement of "It Amazes Me" and "Music That Makes Me Dance," with Billy Stritch at the piano. MINNELLI’s unsurprisingly flawless performance was received with a standing ovation.

As the evening drew in, so did some of Broadway’s top glitterati. Lead singer of The Crystals, LALA BROOKS, performed a medley of hits including “Da Doo Ron Ron Ron” and “And Then He Kissed Me”. Ann Hampton Callaway demonstrated her off-the-cuff abilities when she crafted a song on the spot incorporating the names of those seated in the audience including Jenna Russell & Daniel Evans (stars of Sunday In The Park With George), lyricist David Zippel (City of Angels and Woman in White), choreographer Ron Lewis (The Act) and ukulele-playing Nancy Anderson (Kiss Me Kate/ West End).

A perfect evening was made even better when singer/impersonator Christine Pedi gave an unforgettable performance of “Roses Turn” whilst impersonating some of the most memorable voices in the industry including Angela Lansbury, elaine stritch,Bernadette Peters and the unmistakable Joan Rivers. PEDI is currently scheduled to perform Broadway at Birdland June 23.

Jim Caruso's Cast Party is a wildly popular weekly soiree that brings a sprinkling of Broadway glitz and urbane wit to the legendary Birdland in New York City every Monday night. It's a cool cabaret night-out enlivened by a hilariously impromptu variety show. Showbiz superstars hit the stage alongside up-and-comers, serving up jaw-dropping music and general razzle-dazzle.

For the past five years, it's been the ultimate spot to mix and mingle with Manhattan show folk and their fans. Caruso guides the entire affair like a bubbly cruise director, musical genius Billy Stritch holds court at the ivories, Steve Doyle bops on bass, and the audience is invited to participate in the festivities! It's the party that would happen if somehow David Letterman and Ed Sullivan threw a hip house party around the nine-foot concert grand piano! www.CASTPARTYNYC.com

Created by acclaimed performer, writer, producer & presenter Jim Caruso, BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND is a weekly concert series on Sunday and Monday evenings, showcasing legendary Broadway performers and composers, as well as up-and-coming musical theater talents. Started as a companion piece to the hugely popular and hilarious weekly impromptu variety show Jim Caruso’s Cast Party (which follows Mondays at 9:30pm). BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND has recently hosted such diverse performers as Jason Robert Brown, Lucie Arnaz, Christine Ebersole with Billy Stritch, and Melissa Errico – as well as the benefit concert Chita Rivera LOVES BROADWAY CARES, which sold out two shows in record time. www.BIRDLANDJAZZ.com

Photo by Steve Sorokoff