Geoffrey Mark's tome, entitled "Ethel Merman: The Biggest Star on Broadway," is set to hit book stores around the country Sept. 25. The 288-page hardback is being published by Barricade Legends/Barricade Books Inc. The new biography of the late Broadway star offers an "in-depth portrait [which] details her career, marriages, affairs and her children. It includes a complete glossary of all of Merman's appearances."
Ethel Merman made her Broadway debut in 1930 in Girl Crazy. She became one of the biggest Broadway stars of her era, a woman whose name became synonymous with the musical theatre. Her many other theatrical credits include George White's Scandals; Take a Chance; Anything Goes; Red, Hot and Blue; Stars in Your Eyes; DuBarry Was a Lady; Panama Hattie; Something for the Boys; Annie Get Your Gun; Call Me Madam; Happy Hunting; Gypsy and Hello, Dolly! Merman was nominated for Tony Awards for her performances in Gypsy and Happy Hunting and won the Tony for her work in Call Me Madam. She also received a Special Tony Award in 1972. Merman died Feb. 15, 1984.
"Ethel Merman: The Biggest Star on Broadway" has a list price of $24.95. Pre-orders, for $16.47, are currently being accepted on amazon.com.