Johnny Mercer News

Mike Stoller, of the legendary Grammy Award-winning songwriting team of Leiber & Stoller, will appear for a book signing of "Hound Dog: The Leiber and Stoller Autobiography" at 1:00 p.m., followed by a Question and Answer Session and screening of the 1957 Warner Bros. classic film (originally made by MGM), "Jailhouse Rock" starring Elvis Presley at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 19, 2012 at the American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Calif. The screening will celebrate the life of The King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Presley, while simultaneously commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the late singer's passing.

After a four year, 45-city run, actor Joseph Leo Bwarie, critically- acclaimed for his starring role as Frankie Valli in the 1st National Tour of the hit musical Jersey Boys, will depart the production today, August 12, 2012 to begin work on his second solo studio album.

For 12 years, Merkin Concert Hall's Broadway Close Up series has been taking audiences behind the scenes of classic musicals old and new with eye-opening interviews and inspiring performances. The annual Bound for Broadway show hosted by Liz Callaway gives theater lovers sneak peeks at some of the best new shows in production. This season's line-up includes:

Jim Gaffigan is on top of the world with the release of his new CD, Mr. Universe, to be distributed by Comedy Central Records on August 28th. The Mr. Universe CD is classic Gaffigan-from in-depth discussions of fast food and having four kids to lengthy insights about whales, his hilarious takes on the mundane never disappoint. Fans can now visit www.getmruniverse.com where they will be treated to an exclusive download of 10 minutes of material from the special.

THE OJAI PLAYWRIGHTS CONFERENCE (OPC), one of the most prestigious and acclaimed new play development programs in the United States, will celebrate its 15th Anniversary Season with a stellar program of playwrights, new play workshops, special performance events and guest artists during its Summer New Works Festival from tonight, August 8-August 12, 2012 in Ojai.

That great incubator for cabaret and musical theater, The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Cabaret & Performance Conference will present a very special evening in tribute to one of America's greatest and most prolific songwriters. Johnny Mercer, "AC-CENT-TCHU-ATE THE POSITIVE", A Johnny Mercer Celebration on Friday, August 3 at 8:00 PM at the O'Neill Center's Dina Merrill Theater.

MOONRISE KINGDOM will begin showings at Forum Theatre in Metuchen, NJ, tomorrow, Friday, July 27 at 7:30, Saturday, July 28 at 5:30 & 7:30 and Sunday, July 29 at 4pm.

One for My Baby, set to a score of some three dozen Harold Arlen classics and billed as "a song-and-dance celebration ofbig-city nightlife at the end of World War II," will have a private, industry-only workshop at the New 42nd Street Studios, 229 West 42 Street, this October 11 and October 12.

Artistic Director Michael Bush presents the final schedule of performances for the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's 2012 Cabaret & Performance Conference. Beginning today, August 1, the ten-day conference will feature performances nightly, with the Grand Finale on Saturday evening, August 11.

Shaina Taub plays Rockwood Music Hall on Monday July 30th at 8 PM, featuring brand new original music and songs off her record, What Otters Do.

MOONRISE KINGDOM will begin showings at Forum Theatre in Metuchen, NJ, tomorrow, Friday, July 27 at 7:30, Saturday, July 28 at 5:30 & 7:30 and Sunday, July 29 at 4pm.

THE OJAI PLAYWRIGHTS CONFERENCE (OPC), one of the most prestigious and acclaimed new play development programs in the United States, will celebrate its 15th Anniversary Season with a stellar program of playwrights, new play workshops, special performance events and guest artists during its Summer New Works Festival from August 8-12, 2012 in Ojai.

Artistic Director Michael Bush announced today the final schedule of performances for the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's 2012 Cabaret & Performance Conference. Beginning August 1, the ten-day conference will feature performances nightly, with the Grand Finale on Saturday evening, August 11.

Shaina Taub plays Rockwood Music Hall on Friday July 13th at 7 PM, featuring brand new original music and songs off her record, What Otters Do.

For the first time ever, Cape May Stage presents two-time Tony-winning Christine Ebersole and jazz violinist Aaron Weinstein on Monday, July 30 at 8 p.m. for an evening showcasing new arrangements of classic songs by Fats Waller, Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer, and Cannonball Adderley.

Gennaro Productions in association with The Midtown International Theatre Festival present Vincent Gorliormella's new outrageous comedy WHATTA YA NUTS! directed by Charles Messina, choreographed by Tricia Brouk, with musical Direction by Ray Naccari and songs by Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler, John Fogerty, Johnny Mercer, Henry Mancini, Wham!, Tom Jones, Les Reed, Geoff Stephens, and Neil Diamond. The show stars Al Sapienza, Ernest Mingione, Alex Ishkanian, Gina Ferranti, Autumn Ready Potter, Steven LaChioma and Valerie Smaldone. WHATTA YA NUTS! plays July 19 - August 5 at the June Havoc Theatre (312 West 36 Street - between Eighth & Ninth Avenues).

Is He Dead? is open at the Creede Repertory Theatre! Jean-Francois Millet, a young painter of genius, is in love with Marie Leroux but in debt to a villainous picture-dealer, Bastien Andre.