Party Crashers want to be at your next event!

Is your event worth crashing? The Las Vegas Visitors and Convention Authority were the latest victims of these audacious wanna-bes! They slipped by security with ease, and were surprisingly greeted with squeals of delight. Everyone (including the happy guests pictured here) wanted their photo op with these two. The "Party Crashers" were happy to oblige, then loaded up from the buffet table, and borrowed cab fare for the ride home. Aren't they just amazing?

Gate Crashers are a Smash Hit!

The minute they entered the party, everyone wanted to be seen with them. Cameras popped constantly, as DC folks latched on to the latest status symbol -- being photographed with the notorious Gate Crashers! This shot, with guest Ron Corado, was at the Association of General Contractors annual holiday party.

Beef up your security detail, they are coming your way...is YOUR event worth crashing?

Santa gets around!

This weekend our Santas appeared in the following places: on stage with Marvin Hamlisch and the National Symphony Orchestra, The Sequoia, Chevy Chase Country Club, The Shops of Georgetown Park, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Shoppes of Bethesda, Rockville Town Center, Pentagon City Nordstroms, Potomac private party, Hyatt Regency Reston, Four Seasons Washington DC, and a McLean private party!

Wow! So much energy!

Our contortionist appeared at Facebook's party in San Francisco!

We bent over backwards to entertain the guests at Facebook's party in San Francisco, thanks to our client, Rudolfi Artists!

"Gate Crashers" added to our Cast of Thousands!

Is your event worth crashing? We have the fame hungry Salaheehee couple ready to worm their way into your next event, though we doubt they were invited! A perfect addition to our Obama lookalike appearances, they will add a touch of drama as they sail past your security and attempt to stage a photo op with the Prez!

(And a touch of irony here, the "real" Gate Crashers still owe our company for entertainment at "America's Polo Cup" last May.)

Isn't Karma wonderful?

Light the lights! Jingle the bells! Holiday Season off to a Great Start at Santana Row in San Jose!

Our holiday stilt characters added fun to the festivities at Santana Row on November 17th. No one mentioned the R-word, and instead just enjoyed the music, the dancing, the singing -- all building up to the arrival of Santa, and the lighting of the huge tree in Valencia Park.

A great time was had by all!

Halloween Party at California Academy of Sciences

Our friendly Octopus gave out free hugs at the Donors' Party last night. The Jellyfish found some new friends too!

"Innovators" featured at event at Stanford University

Amelia Earhart, along with Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, and Leonardo DaVinci added spark to a technical conference at Stanford University in September. At the Cantor Art Museum, they directed attendees from a reception into a party room where there was a great band from Innovative Entertainment (how appropriate!) The client was "very pleased" and so were we!

Busy weekend--does this mean that the economy is picking up, guys?

Today's lesson: Remember to feed the performers

We did twelve events, from coast to coast, this weekend! Huge company picnic in Maryland, kept going joyfully inspite of the heavy downpour! Obama look-alike appeared at a fundraiser for an African charity, and was inspiring and inspired! Our Clinton impersonator kept them laughing at a small party on the Potomac, while our Robin Leach impersonator was a hit at a 50th birthday party. Lion Dancers rocked at the California Academy of Sciences on Saturday. Then on Sunday, a Chinese dance troupe at Cal. Academy. A safari theme for a toddler on his first birthday, where the only mishap was a llama eating a potted plant. Juggler on stilts for a retail store, face painters at the Smithsonian, lovely women handing out chips at a casino party, spies at the Spy Museum, and a face painters at a Farmers' Market.

Did I leave anything out????

Do you know what a beat box juggler is?

Neither did I, till I saw Bronkar perform! Yesterday he showed off his unique skills, compliments of Cast of Thousands, to an audience of ISES-Northern California members at the beautiful Fox Theater in Oakland. He rocked.

This was a tough audience of "been there, done that" event planners, entertainment producers, and other professionals involved with special events.

Linda Thompson of Cappa-Graham exclaimed, "I was immediately captivated!"

Since blogs are supposed to be short, it's hard to describe what he does, so just contact Cast of Thousands for more info! Or call me at 888-277-2278!

Strolling Buffet and Cigarette Girl at Roe Restaurant

A big internet conference was in town, and it was wall to wall techies (mostly male) at the trendy Roe Restaurant, in SOMA, San Francisco. The guys were talking excitedly about servers, usb's and quad cores...so, a feminine touch was needed!

Enter the strolling live buffet and a perky cigarette girl, colors coordinated, per client request, with the Roe decor. (And natch, we were handing out chocolates, not cigarettes!)

Best ISES Team Effort Esprit Award!

Here we are! Best ISES Team Effort,

Budget $75,000 to $200,000 Kelley Gillespie, CSI-DC, Gary Jones of Gary Jones Presents,

and Jan Kearney, Cast of Thousands Entertainment Co.

Okay, I know, I've mentioned this maybe a few dozen times now, but here is the photo proving that we really did win, and also proving that Jan is still short! The award, however, is very tall!

Marilyn Monroe hits one out of the park!

Our Bay Area Marilyn was the surprise ingredient of a recent birthday dinner in a posh neighborhood of San Francisco. We customized the performance to specifically honor the "Man About Town."

Here's what the client had to say:

"...throughout the day we have been getting 'thank-you-calls' and absolutely EVERYBODY loved M.M. !!!! Such style, such a witty, clever, wonderful entertainer, - those were some of the comments! And as I told you, my husband and I together with all our friends were totally delighted! So once more a million thanks to you, Cast of Thousands, and to the great Marilyn Monroe !!!!!"

Strolling Buffets add colorful fun!

At a recent event, at our favorite Bay Area venue (California Academy of Sciences) we provided three strolling buffet tables to match some of the attractions of the Academy. Butterflies flutter not only in the 4 story rain forest, but on the grassy "living roof" as well. We also created a Moon table and a Stars table, to signify the amazing planetarium. And the grape vines on stilts were also back by popular demand!

As always, at Cast of Thousands we create entertainment customized to each client's specific vision!

Our West Coast Obama awards Kemble

At Event World, 2009, in San Francisco, our West Coast Obama Impersonator awarded Steve Kemble with the "Presidential Medal of Freedom," commenting that Kemble has demonstrated time and time again the freedom to be Steve Kemble, and above and beyond the call of duty to be OUTRAGEOUS!

We won an ISES Esprit Award!!!

Venue: Southwest School for Art and Craft, San Antonio, Texas; Client: GEM Associates, Kelley Gillespie, for her client: L'Oreal Cosmetics, USA

Team Members: Kelley Gillespie, GEM Associates, Gary Jones of Gary Jones Presents, and Jan Kearney, Cast of Thousands Entertainment Co.

The setting was lovely, on a patio garden along San Antonio's "River Walk." The guests were 400 dermatologists relaxing after a medical trade show. The atmosphere was magical, due to the perfect blend of expert planning, decor, tenting, lighting, costumes, and very talented performers.

Event World Rocks!

Having a great time at Event World! Last night we took part in Steve Kemble's "Happy Hour" event, and interrupted the talk show format with our Obama impersonator (west coast version) presenting Steve with a "Presidential Medal of Freedom!" All went well, and comments afterwards included, Jackie Bernstein of Empire Force Events saying, "Hilarious!" Steve Kemble, "Perfect!" Romaine Pereira, of International Corporate Events, "Dead on!"

What can I say? "Obamas R Us!"

Pamela and Steve are Engaged!!!

Have you heard the news? Pamela is engaged to be married to Steve Moore! It happened on June 20th, and this announcement is for those of you who have been on a desert island somewhere and did not receive this momentous news. I met Steve on a recent visit to DC and found him to be absolutely terrific! A wonderful, warm hearted person who is very easy to get to know and who obviously adores Pamela. We are all very very very happy for Pamela and Steve.

Hotel W comes to DC!

We had the honor and the extreme fun to be a part of staff training at the new Hotel W. On the first day of training we offered Abe Lincoln on stilts welcoming the new trainees in Pershing Park, directly in front of the newly renovated hotel. They followed Abe to the hotel for a reception including Marie Antoinette costumed as a strolling buffet table, and a very sexy version of George Washington.

On the last day of training, the trainees were entertained by our Obama lookalike, Secret Service agents, sexy George, a body builder "Colonial Gentleman," and a feminine version of sexy George based on the Cindy Crawford cover of the former "George" magazine.

We are excited that this hip new venue, only a block from the White House, is going to be a great new addition to the events scene in Washington DC!

Dancin' Through the Decades!

On June 9, Pamela Burton produced a dance show on stage at the National Portrait Gallery, for an international audience. She pulled in some top talents from the world of popular dance, and crafted the various acts into a seamless "Dancin' Through the Decades" production. Starting in the 50s with nationally known Lindy and Swing dancers, and then moving to the 60s with slick tap dancing to "Mr. Bojangles," performed by a former cast member of "Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk." Next up, the 70s, with world champion Hustle dancers performing their hot version of "Disco Inferno," followed by an amazing display of break dancing and hip hop from the 80s/90s. The show concluded with a rousing finish, when the entire ensemble, in red, white and blue costumes, danced to James Brown's "Living in America!"

Pamela had a great time, and had high praise for Jerry Jeffries of GEP Washington, his staff, the venue, and the vendors: All Stage and Sound, Atmosphere Lighting, Event Digital Photography, and Jenny Lehman Videography.

Pamela said, "Jerry was a dream to work with. He truly trusts his vendors. We gave him our best to produce a great result." For those of us in the event business, when all the pieces fit together, it's such a great pleasure!

Be a Hero! Hire Icons from the Past for your next Corporate Meeting!

Who could give a better motivational speech about leadership than Queen Elizabeth?
(as she did recently for a major corporate event)

Who could inspire and wow a group of very powerful women? Cleopatra, that's who!
(The client could not thank us enough for the performance, and signed up for the next two years for the same event!)

And how about Obama and Abe Lincoln discussing current events?
(all geared to the group's buzz words, issues, and key personalities)

Our performers are seasoned actors and impersonators. Our speech writers hit all your targets!

Can't afford an ex-president or cabinet member for your next meeting? Name your favorite personality from the past, and we'll provide a performance that will make your event go down in history!

In Memoriam: Gladys Jacobson

We are very sad to announce that on May 21st, Allison's mom, Gladys Jacobson, passed away after a long struggle with cancer. In the 11 years that Allison has been a part of Cast of Thousands, her mom has played a role from time to time. When we got swamped, she helped out in the office, answering the phone, and helping clients. Her background in real estate came in handy thanks to her excellent training in customer service! She also lent a hand at events now and then, in the dressing room, or just helping out wherever needed. And we always thought of her as a true friend of our company.

We will miss her, her warm hospitality and caring nature, and we know that her close-knit family will be missing her very deeply.

Here is the notice from the Washington Post:

JACOBSON GLADYS C. JACOBSON On Thursday, May 21, 2009, GLADYS C. JACOBSON of Rockville, MD. Beloved wife of Allen H. Jacobson; devoted mother of Gennifer A. (Marty) Stratton and Allison L. (Phil) Silberman; loving sister of Mona Cafaro and Bernard Safier; loving grandmother to Andy, Alexa, Ava and Samatha. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, May 24 at 3:30 p.m. at DANZANSKY-GOLDBERG MEMORIAL CHAPELS, 1170 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD. Interment Garden of Remembrance Memorial Park, Clarksburg, MD. Family will be mourning at her late residence through Wednesday, May 27. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

"Newspaper Man" wows guests at Newseum

Ever hear of a statue getting a standing ovation? It happened recently at Washington's most interactive museum, The Newseum! Our living statue was covered in newsprint, and posed reading a newspaper absolutely still. He would surprise passersby by suddenly putting down the paper, and waving, or tipping his hat. When his time on the pedestal was done, and he came down from his perch, he was very suprised to see all the guests standing and applauding for him. Thanks to Kelley Gillespie, of CSI-DC, our client, and kudos to our performer,Tim, our costumer, Anne Gorman, and the photographer, Jack Hartzman of Washington Talent Photography and Video.

Teamwork really pays off!

We're in Politico!

Wow! Great article about our Obama impersonator was published today in Politico!

Click here to see it!

Still celebrating our 30th year in the Biz!

Want to learn more about how we've been in the special event entertainment business for 30 years? C'mon, you know you do! Click on this!

Carnival Theme at L2 Lounge for ISES Benefit for SEARCH Foundation

Last week we were able to provide entertainment for an event close to our hearts. The DC ISES Spring Reception at L2 Lounge, raising money for the SEARCH Foundation. We provided a fortune teller, carnival barker and sword swallower, bringing the event's theme to life!

The happy client said, "...without them, I don't think people would have even known that it was supposed to be a carnival! You made that event what it was, and everyone had tons of fun. So, thank you so much. We raised a ton of money for SEARCH!"

The other vendors included: MarcParcValet (Parking), Blanken Photography, Talk of the Town (Carnival games) and Events Are Us, (Decor)

Earth Day Weekend at California Academy of Sciences

Our 8 foot tall "Clinging Vine" characters welcomed visitors to the California Academy of Sciences the weekend before Earth Day. They posed for photos, directed people to various special exhibits, and generally added some viney fun to the Earth Day celebrations.

Wild and Wonderful with Willy Wonka!

We were so happy to be included in a "pull out all the stops" children's event at the Ritz Carlton, Tysons Corner. The celebration, designed by Levine Fox Events from Los Angeles, honored two little girls, one turning 2 and one turning 4. Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder version) was the theme, and the whole event was a sugar lover's dream. We provided three adorable Ooompa Loompas, a candy sculptor, face painters, various characters, a balloon twister, a paper cutter artist, a fantastic bubble artist, and lots lots more! Everyone, including Pamela and Kathleen our fabulous on site producers, had an absolutely unforgettably wonderful time!

WE JUST WON OUR 18TH ISES AWARD!

Cast of Thousands DC President, Pamela Burton, was a member of the winning "Best ISES team!" Kelly Gillespie of GEM Associates hired us to create characters to portray the theme of "The Elements of Suprise" - Air, Water, Fire, and Earth. The top photo, courtesy of Monica Vidal, of Washington Talent and Video, is of our "Water Dancers."

Some of the winning team members, from left to right: Maris Angolia, Dale Harmon, Kelley Gillespie, Pamela Burton, Robert Sherman, and Alain Ikombo.

Congrats to the whole team!

Alain Ikombo
Atlantic Valet

Andrew Horodowicz

eventEQ

Annie Senatore
A Vista Events

Christine Cadima
Design Cuisine

Dale Harmon
Plants Alive!, Inc.

Dave Edwards, CSEP
Dave Edwards Events Inc.

Maris Angolia
Karin's Florist

Monical Vidal
Washington Talent and Video

Robert Sherman
Washington Talent and Video

We're in Biz Bash!

This year's Leukemia Ball was all about "Painting the Town Red." We added a bright touch at the very beginning of the party: two dashing red caped gentlemen to welcome arriving guests. This fabulous annual event, held at the Washington Convention Center, is always a lavish affair, and raises money for a worthy cause. The photo above was featured in the recent edition of Biz Bash DC, a e-zine devoted to the DC events scene.

Photo courtesy of Tony Brown Imijination Photograpy.

Key West Theme at West Belmont Place

We were invited to add to the fun at a client party hosted by Sharon Meyers of the National Conference Center in Lansdowne, Virginia. The NCC was showing off its new ballroom at West Belmont Place, and wanted a light hearted theme to take everyone's mind of the current economic situation. Our interactive characters included a couple of "Tacky Tourists" loaded down with cameras, guide books, and the requisite black socks being worn with shorts! An Island Greeter on stilts welcomed everyone and surprised them with his "air cannon" that shot foam balls high in the air. He also wore a big rubber ducky flotation device and led everyone on a hilarious conga line. Joe the Beach Comber had a bag of silly trinkets which he tried to trade for nice jewelry and watches worn by some of the guests. (They didn't fall for it, by the way!)

Here's what Sharon had to say after the event: "The Tacky Tourists, Joe the Beach Comber & The Island Greeter were the perfect blend of characters for our 2nd annual Client Event - Beach Party Theme! All of the guests really enjoyed them wondering through the crowd. It is always great working with you & your company!"

Crystal City becomes Emerald City

We recently added a theatrical touch to the annual benefit for Arena Stage in Crystal City. In the photo above, our Wizard of Oz characters are posing with Mitchell Schear, Charles E. Smith President, and Angie Fox, Crystal City Business Improvement District President. The fund raiser was held to benefit Arena's enrichment programs that serve 20,000 kids!

As most of you know, Arena stage is now mounting productions in two venues, one in Crystal City, at 1800 South Bell Street, Arlington, VA 22202, and at the Lincoln Theater, 1215 U Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009. These wonderful stages are being used while the new Mead Center for American Theater is being constructed on Arena's site at 6th and Maine St., SW.

At Cast of Thousands we all share a love of the stage, so we were more than happy to take part in this wonderful fundraiser for such a worthy cause: bringing the joy of theater to young people in the DC area.

WE'RE NOMINATED!

The Greater Washington DC ISES chapter recently announced the nominees for this year's Capital Awards, and we are nominated, not once, not twice, but three times!

A corporate holiday party is up for "Best Entertainment Production" for "An Enchanting Holiday Brunch." Pictured above is our delightful Sugar Plum Fairy. At the brunch, she was joined by many other enchanting performers, including a stage show, craft activities, photo ops, visits with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus and a whole team of sketch artists.

The second nomination is for "Best ISES Team," for a corporate event entitled "The Elements of Surprise." The photo is of a dancer depicting the element of water in a flowing costume designed for the occasion. Our characters portrayed the elements of Earth, Air, Water and Fire, bringing the client's theme to life in imaginative and colorful performances. Congratulations to all the other team members, and our client Kelly Gillespie of CSI-DC.

The third nomination is also for "Best ISES Team" and this event's theme was "An Evening in Tuscany." Cast of Thousands provided a living statue pouring wine, two "Fools" in the spirit of Commedia dell'Arte, and some costumed caricature artists. Hats off to the other fabulous team members, especially our client Ayran Kanter of Eventscapes.

For a complete list of nominees please click on DC ISES Nominees.

Photo of fools courtesy of Bryan Blanken Freed Photography, Inc.

Our "Obama" endorses Las Vegas

Our Obama lookalike dropped by "Strike Bethesda" on Tuesday, not to bowl, but to schmooze with 300 members of the PCMA. The fun party was hosted by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Association, and the "Prez" put in a good word for Las Vegas as a great place for meetings.

He reminded the event and meeting planners that Las Vegas is the #1 destination in the country for meetings and conventions. Here's why: Not just the flashy shows and casinos! Las Vegas has 6.7 million square feet of convention space, and an additional 3 million square feet at individual properties. Last year 22,454 conventions and meetings came to Las Vegas!

These meetings pumped 8.5 billion dollars into the economy. We call that some kind of stiumulus! And oh yes, lest we forget--Las Vegas is FUN!

Oh, the places we go, the creatures we see!

One of the many reasons I love my job, besides working with some of the greatest octopi and jellyfish in show business, is where we get to perform.

Last year, the California Academy of Sciences opened up in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Or should I say re-opened after years of extensive renovation.

What an amazing place! Butterflies fluttering on the grassy rooftop, while all sorts of sea creatures swim in the basement aquarium...a white crocodile near the back entrance, and a four story rain forest in between.

Our company was lucky enough to perform at several of the pre-opening parties, and has returned for more special events since then. The Jellyfish and Octopus are fun stilt characters who seem to fit right in with the spirit of the place.

The Academy isn't just a great place to learn about our environment--it's also a great place for a party!