Ilene Graff News

'Ballroom With A Twist' at the El Portal Theatre drew, quite possibly, the most eclectic audience in the history of the landmark venue.

This past Wednesday and Thursday, host Jim Caruso and musical director Billy Stritch oversaw another Hollywood edition of Cast Party, the wildly successful open mic night, which tours the country celebrating local talent.

On October 14, as part of the If It Only Even Runs A Minute concert series, the Broadway musical Truckload will have a mini-reunion on stage at the American Theatre of Actors.

This past Wednesday and Thursday, host Jim Caruso and musical director Billy Stritch oversaw another Hollywood edition of Cast Party, the wildly successful open mic night, which tours the country celebrating local talent. The event, made up of impromptu musical performances, has been running every Monday at Birdland in New York City for the past eight years.

On October 14, as part of the If It Only Even Runs A Minute concert series, the Broadway musical Truckload will have a mini-reunion on stage at the American Theatre of Actors.

The multiple Emmy and Grammy winning Composer, Charles Fox, may not receive accolades for his melodic vocal abilities, but his story telling and skills on the piano are worthy of his iconic status in the music industry, as witnessed at his cabaret début on Sept 28th at Cabaret At The Castle.

You may not instantly recall his name, but music lovers and TV audiences everywhere will immediately recall the work of Charles Fox.

You may not instantly recall his name, but music lovers and TV audiences everywhere will immediately recall the work of Charles Fox.

CABARET AT THE CASTLE Presents, from London, Mari Wilson on Sunday, August 22 at The Inner Circle at the Magic Castle (Franklin Ave., LA, CA 90028) Tickets cost $25 and are available through boxoffice@magiccastle.com or 323-851-3313 x303

CABARET AT THE CASTLE Presents, from London, Mari Wilson on Sunday, August 22 at The Inner Circle at the Magic Castle (Franklin Ave., LA, CA 90028) Tickets cost $25 and are available through boxoffice@magiccastle.com or 323-851-3313 x303

On Wednesday and Thursday, July 21 and 22, Jim Caruso's Cast Party traveled West for the third time! For the third time in as many months, the extreme open mic has been jamming The Magic Castle in Hollywood with extraordinary talent, and these two nights were no exception to the rule!

If there were an International Idol ... The José Iturbi International Music Competition would be it. José Iturbi was recognized as the world's greatest classical pianist during the 1930's - 1970's. He appeared in several Hollywood films of the 1940s, notably playing himself in the 1943 musical, Thousands Cheer and in the 1945 film, Anchors Aweigh. He worked with legendary talents including Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Cornel Wilde, and many more. Today, the name José Iturbi has a legacy that still lives through The José Iturbi International Music Competition. It is appropriate that one of the most sought after awards by those who have devoted their lives to music, be dedicated to this remarkable man.

The José Iturbi International Music Competition awards over $100,000 in cash prizes includes two first place prizes of $10,000 in each category (one for a pianist and one for a singer). In addition to the traditional prizes awarded, there are two People's Choice prizes of $5,000, which are voted on during the final competition round by the 'live' audience.

The José Iturbi International Music Competition awards over $100,000 in cash prizes includes two first place prizes of $10,000 in each category (one for a pianist and one for a singer). In addition to the traditional prizes awarded, there are two People's Choice prizes of $5,000, which are voted on during the final competition round by the 'live' audience.

As the theatrical community of NY gathered on the Great White Way to celebrate their own for the 2010 TONY AWARDS, the Los Angeles thespian society congregated 3000 miles away to cheer their colleagues via a LIVE feed, courtesy of Direct TV, as THE ACTORS FUND and host Tommy Tune honored TONY Award-winner Brian Stokes Mitchell at their 14th Annual Tony Awards Party with the Julie Harris Award. Former High School chum and dance partner Annette Bening presented the award in recognition of not only 'Stokes' theatrical accomplishments, but also his leadership as Chairman of the Board of The Actors Fund. The gala, which included a memorable performance of 'You Made Me Love You' by Lorna Luft dedicated to the evening's honoree, was produced and written by Marc Cherry and David Rambo.

The José Iturbi International Music Competition awards over $100,000 in cash prizes includes two first place prizes of $10,000 in each category (one for a pianist and one for a singer). In addition to the traditional prizes awarded, there are two People's Choice prizes of $5,000, which are voted on during the final competition round by the 'live' audience.

Hot on the heels of their Hollywood debut of CAST PARTY, Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch packed THE MAGIC CASTLE on Wednesday, May 26 with a record number of talented guests.

Members of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the Hollywood theatrical community were on hand to help cut the ribbon for the Grand Re-opening of Off Vine Restaurant, including Nancy Dussault, Ilene Graff, Kate Linder and JoAnne Worley among others.

It was an abundance of family, friends, fashion and philanthropy as celebrated TV and movie Moms Florence Henderson (Brady Bunch), Ilene Graff (Mr. Belvedere) and Kim Rhodes (Suite Life of Zach & Cody), Nancy Dussault (Too Close for Comfort) and Dee Wallace (ET: Extra-Terrestrial) as well as other industry elite gathered for a pre-Mothers Day celebration at the Hollywood Museum for a special evening featuring the world famous Hollywood Graffiti Gown by Randy McLaughlin and Jerry Skeels of JERAN Design.

S.T.A.G.E.-the annual Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event-marks its 26th presentation with a change in concept and a return to a familiar venue. Rather than its traditional salute to the music of a particular composer, this year's S.T.A.G.E. is entitled ORIGINAL CAST and will feature artists from theater, television and cabaret performing songs they originated in musical productions.