Johnny Mercer News

The Sheldon Art Galleries in St. Louis announces a major retrospective exhibition of the work of St. Louis-born artist Al Hirschfeld to open on Friday, September 7, 2012 as part of The Sheldon's 100th anniversary celebration. Accompanying program:?In Conversation: David Leopold and Louise Hirschfeld, Saturday, September 8, 10:30 a.m., admission free. David Leopold, Archivist, Al Hirschfeld Foundation, and curator of the exhibition Al Hirschfeld's Jazz and Broadway Scrapbook will share stories and with Al Hirschfeld's wife and historian Louise Hirschfeld, illuminating the life and career of the illustrious artist. The exhibition is made possible by Mary Strauss and Terry Schnuck.

The Associated Press reports that at age 91, 'Hal David died of complications from a stroke Saturday morning in Los Angeles, according to Jim Steinblatt, spokesman for the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.'

Vital Theatre Company has announced the world premiere of Fancy Nancy The Musical, opening September 29th, 2012 at the McGinn/Cazale Theatre at 2162 Broadway. With a book by Susan DiLallo, music by Danny Abosch, and direction and choreography by Sam Viverito, Fancy Nancy The Musical is based on the bestselling children's book series by Jane O'Connor and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. This magnifique musical-that's fancy for great show-begins performances on September 29th, 2012 with a "pink carpet" press opening.

The Development Wing which has dedicated itself to nurturing new musicals via partnerships with regional, not for profit theaters will hold an exclusive, intimate one-night-only benefit concert featuring Broadway stars singing songs from three new musicals at the historic Tewksbury, New Jersey home of Cherie King and her husband composer, lyricist and book writer, Jonathan Brielle, Artistic Director of The Development Wing.

The Sheldon Art Galleries in St. Louis announces a major retrospective exhibition of the work of St. Louis-born artist Al Hirschfeld to open on Friday, September 7, 2012 as part of The Sheldon's 100th anniversary celebration.

Shaina Taub plays a rare solo acoustic concert tonight, August 28th at Room 5 Lounge at 8:30 PM, featuring brand new original music and celebrating the one-year anniversary of her record, What Otters Do.

The Sundays In Summer Cabaret Concert Series at the Arthur Newman Theater continues today, August 26th with singer/songwriter and winner of the Johnny Mercer Songwriting Award, Michele Brourman. Ms. Brourman has written numerous contemporary standards that have been recorded by Michael Feinstein, Olivia Newton-John, Cleo Laine, Margaret Whiting, Rita Coolidge, Donny Osmond, and Sheena Easton. For the cabaret-set, her songs have been recorded by and performed by some of the best in that genre including Heather MaCrae, Karen Mason, Sharon McKnight, Sally Mayes, Billy Stritch, and her frequent collaborator Amanda McBroom.

American Traditions Competition (ATC) is now searching for singers to submit applications for their 2013, annual competition held January 15-19 in Savannah, Georgia. Deadline for applications is October 15, 2012. A downloadable application is available on the American Traditions website, www.americantraditionscompetition.com, on the Contestants Information page, along with complete American Traditions Competition details.

Rising superstar Jake Owen revealed to fans in Detroit over the weekend that he will return to Motor City as the next headliner of the 11th annual CMT ON TOUR, with special guests Love and Theft and Florida Georgia Line.

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. today, 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.

Shaina Taub plays a rare solo acoustic concert on Tuesday August 28th at Room 5 Lounge at 8:30 PM, featuring brand new original music and celebrating the one-year anniversary of her record, What Otters Do.

Michael Weber, Artistic Director of Porchlight Music Theatre, announced casting for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, February 2 - March 10, 2013 and Pal Joey, April 20 - May 26, 2013, both at Stage 773, 1225 W Belmont and the naming of new Artistic Associates and members to the Advisory Board. Alexis J. Rogers will play "Billie Holiday" in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, by Lanie Robertson to be directed by Porchlight Artistic Associate Rob Lindley.

The Sundays In Summer Cabaret Concert Series at the Arthur Newman Theater continues on August 26th with singer/songwriter and winner of the Johnny Mercer Songwriting Award, Michele Brourman. Ms. Brourman has written numerous contemporary standards that have been recorded by Michael Feinstein, Olivia Newton-John, Cleo Laine, Margaret Whiting, Rita Coolidge, Donny Osmond, and Sheena Easton. For the cabaret-set, her songs have been recorded by and performed by some of the best in that genre including Heather MaCrae, Karen Mason, Sharon McKnight, Sally Mayes, Billy Stritch, and her frequent collaborator Amanda McBroom.

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: