Jim Caruso
Jim Caruso is an omnipresent force in New York's vibrant entertainment scene. He made his Broadway debut last year in Liza Minnelli's smash hit show, Liza's at the Palace. He's won awards for his nightclub act, sung at Carnegie Hall four times, performed at President Clinton's White House, produced his own radio show, written for InStyle magazine, and has made a slew of memorable television appearances. His CD, Caruso Live and in Person, is available at www.Jim-Caruso.com.
Each Monday night, he can be seen at Birdland hosting his very own award-winning showbiz bash called “Jim Caruso's Cast Party,” which ABC-TV described as “an extreme open mic.” He also has his own concert series at Birdland called “Broadway at Birdland”, which features some of the hottest names in Theaterland. To stay on top of the always-dazzling line-up of stars, check out www.birdlandjazz.com often!
Q: What do you consider to be your best asset?
A: My uncanny ability to do seventy-three things at once.
Q: What was your proudest moment?
A: I’m very proud of the success of the Broadway at Birdland series, and the fact that Cast Party has been showcasing talented people for seven years!
Q: What is your favorite drink?
A: I enjoy a frosty Coca-Cola. In a can. If it’s morning, I’d like a Triple Grande Skim Cappucino, please.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: I love the burgers at Five Napkin Burger, and most anything at Spice Market.
Q: What is your favorite condiment?
A: I don’t cook, but I’m pretty sure cilantro would help most any food.
Q: What is your current obsession?
A: Belgian loafers.
Q: If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
A: Belgian loafers.
Q: What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
A: I’d love to bring Cast Party to a television near you.
Q: What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
A: Two words: Ralph Lauren.
Q: What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
A: Facebook. God help me.
Q: What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
A: The aforementioned Coca-Cola.
Q: What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
A: ‘Cleanliness is next to godliness’ and hand-written thank you notes.
Q: What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
A: The whole cleanliness thing, which tends to drive people a little crazy.
Q: What in the world most thrills you?
A: Hearing a really, really good vocalist can make me pretty happy. A secluded beach. New York City at night. There are other things, but we shouldn’t discuss them here.
Q: What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
A: The televised slamming of talent or lack-of-talent is fairly unattractive to me.
Q: What was the single most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
A: I performed as a Dancing Tampon for the Kimberly Clark Convention in Dallas. Happily, this was not a recent gig.
Q: What is your favorite place in the world?
A: I’m partial to the Turks & Caicos Islands in the Caribbean. Santorini runs a very close second choice.
Q: What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
A: Their presence.
Q: Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
A: I enjoy an occasional dog.
Q: What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
A: “Hello, Jim? It’s me, Liza. Sit down. The Palace Theatre wants us back for a six-month run!”
Q: What is your personal motto?
A: The Clown’s Creed: “A little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants.”