Dream, the Johnny Mercer musical revue, flopped on Broadway, but it might've sparked more interest had the cast included Petula Clark, Tyne Daly, Sally Struthers, Davis Gaines and Marilu Henner. They'll be appearing in a starry Los Angeles benefit of the show, March 8-10. The 18th annual S.T.A.G.E. benefit raises money for AIDS-related causes in the L.A. area.

Joining the headliners are Linda Purl (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer), Margaret Whiting, Rod McKuen, Carole Cook, Nancy Dussault, Betty Garrett (Follies), Sam Harris (The Life), Dale Kristien (The Phantom of the Opera), Pat Marshall, Brian Beacock, Franc D'Ambrosio (The Phantom of the Opera), Kaitlin Hopkins (Bat Boy), Lee Lessack, Linda Michele, Tonya Pinkins (The Wild Party, Play On!), Joan Ryan, Jodi Stevens (Jekyll & Hyde), Jason Graae and Tami Tappan.

Whiting was featured in the Broadway run of Dream. The show compiles some 42 hit songs by Mercer including "Jeepers Creepers," "In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening," "Blues in the Night," "Moon River," "Come Rain or Come Shine" and "On the Acheson, Topeka and the Sante Fe."

David Galligan directs, his 18th benefit for Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event (S.T.A.G.E.). Musical director is Ron Abel.

Tickets range from $30-$200. The Luckman Fine Arts Complex is located at 5151 State University Drive on the campus of Cal State Los Angeles. For reservations, call (323) 656-9069. — By Christine Ehren