Photo Coverage: Lauren Kennedy at Birdland & Cast Party

Lauren Kennedy, who played 'The Lady of the Lake' on Broadway in Monty Python's Spamalot and appeared as 'Nellie Forbush' in Trevor Nunn's Royal National Theatre production of South Pacific, celebrated her new CD "Here and Now" at Broadway at Birdland on Monday, November 5 at 7 PM. The series of Sunday and Monday night concerts, presented by Jim Caruso's Cast Party and TheaterMania.com, features top Broadway stars and theater songwriters performing at the legendary Birdland.

Lauren's debut album, "Songs of Jason Robert Brown", created quite a splash among show music aficionados. Now she takes on the newest crop of composers and lyricists currently shaping Broadway and popular song. "Here and Now" (on-sale now through PS Classics) is a pop-infused collection with arrangements tailored to Lauren's dynamic delivery. Included on the CD (and in her Birdland concert) are songs by David Yazbek, Andrew Lippa, David Kirshenbaum, Georgia Stitt, Adam Guettel, Frank Wildhorn, Marcy & Zina, Jeff Blumenkrantz, Dan Lipton and Jason Robert Brown, among others.

Lauren also appeared in the Broadway productions of Side Show, Sunset Boulevard and premieres of The Rhythm Club and White Christmas. She originated the role of 'Kathleen' in Jason Robert Brown's The Last Five Years.

Following the concert was Jim Caruso's "Cast Party." Birdland is located at 315 West 44th Street; www.birdlandjazz.com.

Photos by Mark Rupp