Jim Caruso’s Cast Party with Billy Stritch at the Piano

Jim Caruso’s Cast Party is a wildly popular weekly open mic night that has brought a sprinkling of Broadway glitz and urbane wit to the legendary Birdland in New York City every Monday night since 2003. It’s a cool open mic night and hilariously impromptu variety show in which showbiz superstars hit the stage alongside up-and-comers, serving jaw-dropping music and general razzle-dazzle. Cast Party is the ultimate spot to mix and mingle with talented show folk and their fans. The buoyant, sharp and charming Caruso guides the entire affair, while musical genius Billy Stritch (Liza Minnelli, Tony Bennett) holds court at the ivories. The best part is that the audience is invited to participate in the musical festivities.  Whether you want to perform, or just sit back and be entertained by some wildly talented people, Cast Party is THE place to be!  

“Cast Party is a freewheeling off-hours Broadway playground.” – Stephen Holden, New York Times

“Jim Caruso’s Cast Party celebrates talent. Big talent. Very big talent.”– Jeryl Brunner, Forbes Magazine

“SHOW BUSINESS HEAVEN!” – Stephen Holden, New York Times

“Cast Party is show biz mecca!”– Los Angeles Times

“Caruso plays equal parts showman, maestro, wizard, concierge, and positive force for musical good.”– Cabaret Scenes

“Let’s call this an open mic on steroids….it’s cultural roulette!”– Cultural Attaché

“Jim Caruso is the Talent Whisperer!”- Forbes Magazine

“The gold standard of open mic nights. ”  – Wall Street Journal

“The Kings of Showbiz host the mother of all open mic nights…required watching for anyone in the live music and entertainment business!  Jim Caruso has some of the slickest commentary and quickest comebacks I’ve ever heard.  Billy Stritch is one of the finest, most entertaining singer/pianists on the planet.”   – London Jazz News

“Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch turn up the heat bringing Cast Party to sultry South Beach.”– Steve Rothaus, Miami Herald

“A Monday night institution.”  – Cabaret Confidential

“…an extreme open mic!”   – ABC TV

“Jim Caruso is uber-talented!”  – Entertainment Tonight