(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- Hackensack Performing Arts Center will host the Hackensack debut of the wildly popular open mic night/variety show “Jim Caruso’s Cast Party” on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 7:30pm. The evening will feature local performers and special surprise guests. Musical director Billy Stritch (Liza Minnelli, Tony Bennett) will hold court at the ivories, with Steve Doyle on bass.

“Jim Caruso’s Cast Party” has brought Broadway glitz and urbane wit to the legendary Birdland in New York City every Monday night since 2003. Showbiz superstars hit the stage alongside up-and-comers, serving up jaw-dropping music and general razzle-dazzle.  It’s the ultimate spot to mix and mingle with show folk and the people who love them!  Showman Jim Caruso guides the entire affair with razor-sharp humor and the unbridled enthusiasm of an uber-fan.  But the real fun starts when the audience participates in the onstage festivities. Broadway legends, jazzers, cabaret divas, starry-eyed tourists, and kids right off the bus storm the stage to entertain each other. If you have a voice, a dream, and some sheet music, your “Cast Party” moment awaits.

Performers interested in singing should email caruso212@aol.com for details.

The Hackensack Performing Arts Center is located at 102 State Street in Hackensack. Tickets may be purchased at HACPAC.com or by calling 201-820-3007.

“Jim Caruso’s Cast Party” has been honored with four BroadwayWorld Awards, two MAC Awards, a Bistro Award, and a Nightlife Award. The Wall Street Journal raved “Cast Party” is “the gold standard of open mic nights,” The New York Post called it “the coolest thing ever,” and Time Out New York exclaimed “this Party is a vital pulse point of the musical theater bloodstream.”

On the occasion of the 20th Anniversary Cast Party at Birdland, Eric Adams, the Mayor of the City of New York, proclaimed, “Whereas, I am enormously proud to lead a city renowned as a global capital of the arts. Jim Caruso's Cast Party has enriched our dynamic cultural landscape since 2003, and on the occasion of its 20th anniversary, I am pleased to recognize the weekly show's tremendous contributions to our performing arts and nightlife sectors."

The Main Street Business Alliance is a public/private partnership formed as an alliance between the business community and the city of Hackensack. Its mission is to address the issues facing the business community with the goal of improving the local economy and the overall business climate in Hackensack. The Alliance’s programs and services are underwritten by a special assessment collected from property owners. These fees are billed and collected by the city of Hackensack and turned over to the Alliance, which then delivers the services like Clean & Green programs to maintain the cleanliness of Main Street, maintenance of the trees and plant beds, Visual Improvement Programs, the Facades and Signage grant program, retention and recruitment of businesses, vehicle and pedestrian circulation/parking, and marketing and public relations. The SID extends along Main Street from Clinton Place to Sussex Street. There are 160 commercial properties and more than 375 businesses within the district. SBA is governed by an 11-member board of directors elected by the members of the district, along with liaisons from the Chamber of Commerce, Johnson Public Library, and City Council.