Photo Flash: JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY Takes Over Las Vegas

Jim Caruso's Cast Party stormed Las Vegas for one night only, on Friday, July 26. The "extreme open mic," which celebrates musical and variety talent, returned to Myron's Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center.

This marked the eighth Vegas appearance for the Manhattan mainstay, hosted by Caruso and musical director Billy Stritch. Jim Caruso's Cast Party is a wildly popular open mic night that has been bringing a sprinkling of Broadway glitz and urbane wit to the legendary Birdland in New York City every Monday night for the past seventeen years. It's a cool cabaret night-out and a hilariously impromptu variety show. Showbiz superstars hit the stage alongside up-and-comers, serving up jaw-dropping music and general razzle-dazzle. The buoyant, sharp and charming Caruso guides the entire affair like an uber-fan, musical genius Billy Stritch holds court at the ivories, and the audience is invited to participate in the festivities! Over the years, happy Cast Party audiences have been entertained by the likes of Liza Minnelli, Ariana Grande, Natalie Cole, Martin Short, Carol Channing, Hugh Jackman, Donny Osmond, Chita Rivera, Michael Feinstein, Jon Bon Jovi, Tony Bennett, Paul Shaffer, Ricki Lake, Melissa Manchester, Larry Gatlin and Dame Edna!

For many years, Caruso and Stritch have taken the Party on the road, celebrating extraordinary local talent in London, San Francisco, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Dallas, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Austin, and on the high seas. Cast Party was also part of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Songbook Series, celebrating the Golden Age of Hollywood with an all-star cast.

Photos Credit: Ed Foster