Broadwayworld.com has just announced that Jim Caruso’s Cast Party, Manhattan’s “extreme open mic night,” is set to return to Chicago’s Mayne Stage on Wednesday, Aug. 3 at 9:30 p.m.

I had the opportunity to interview Caruso prior to his show’s Windy City premiere at the Mayne Stage in April, and he indicated that he hoped it would become a regular thing. Well, with this return engagement, it looks like he may get his wish!

I also attended that packed first show, and while I did have some quibbles (the length, the over-reliance on NY talent and a somewhat arrogant NYC attitude that slipped out on occasion), overall it was a fun, lighthearted experience — both for performer and audience. And with jazz icon Billy Stritch at piano (Stritch will again be joining Caruso in August), how can you go wrong?