The plan…

I depart for NYC shortly. I am going to see Liza Minnelli in Liza’a at the Palace on Broadway. However, I decided to go a day early ’cause it was cheaper all around if I started my trip on Monday instead of in and out on Tuesday as I originally planned.

I needed a plan for Monday night. So, I emailed a new acquaintance (and fantastic singer) named Ann Calloway. Ms. Calloway has won Tony’s, written songs recorded by Babs Streisand and Carole King and she thinks I am a great singer. I met her at The Rush Fashion Show at Orchestra Hall back back in September. Anyway, she highly encouraged me to get the heck “out there” and quit “hiding in Chicago” and so I emailed her for suggestions of things to do in NYC on a Monday night. She told me about “Cast Party” at Birdland.

Birdland is a famous jazz club in Midtown Manhatten (and just minutes from my hotel) and on Monday nights they hold an open mic, a kind of pro jam for all of the Broadway performers. (the stages are black on Monday) And so I have decided to take advantage of this night and go sing a tune, if I can. You have to sign up to perform and it’s a “first come, first served” kinda set up.

Well, I decided to do a little investigating and found out that the host of “Cast Party” is a fellow named Jim Caruso who happens to be “Mr. Broadway” He’s done it all and happens to be featured in Liza’s show! The piano player for “Cast Party” is named Billy Stritch, who happens to be Liza’s MD (musical director) and piano player who has worked with her for years.

I decided to contact Mr. Caruso via email and included a link to my web site. I just wanted to introduce myself beforehand so I wasn’t the “little nobody from Chicago” who knew no one. I figured if he replied – great – if not, at least I tried. Anyway, he emailed back and he was so gracious! He checked out my site, told me I sounded great and couldn’t wait to meet me and hear me sing. And he put me on the guest list!! Wow!

So now I’m committed.

Singing at “Cast Party” will be my introduction to Broadway talent. I hear it is a very popular night and the place to be in New York on a Monday night – if you are into this kind of thing. The press says:

“…a vital pulse point of the musical-theater bloodstream: Every week a star or a standard might be born” Time Out New York

“…a hot spot where Broadway & Hollywood tip, twirl and hit the mic. It’s become the place to cruise, schmooze, sing and be seen.” Playbill

I got my trombone player to make a piano and bass chart so the musicians can play the tune I want to sing, which happens to be “the Big Fat Woman” (the official song title: “It Takes A Great Big Woman”) I figure if I can get all of the show folks to participate – you know- scream back “BIG FAT WOMAN” then I will make a good first and lasting impression. I want it to last until I go back again. I am kinda nervous, but this won’t be my first rodeo. Right? Wish me luck.

Then Tuesday, I see Liza Minnelli!!

NOTE: Saturday, December 20th at the Green Dolphin Street is gonna rock cause Mama is gonna be all fired up!!! I will be blogging from the Big Apple so stay tuned to hear how it all turns out… I hope that I will have happy news.

Wish me luck my darlings…