Ebersole (Grey Gardens, Blithe Spirit, 42nd Street), who appeared in the City Center Encores! staging of Strouse's musical Applause, headlines the 8 PM Applause! Applause! gala performance.

Strouse, the composer of the scores to Annie, Bye Bye Birdie, Rags and Golden Boy, is the 2011 recipient of the Johnny Mercer Artist of Distinction Award for his mentorship of young songwriters in the tradition of the late composer.

Ebersole is joined on stage by Strouse, Craig Carnelia, Marcy Heisler and Lari White. The evening promises a medley of Strouse's hits, performed by the composer, Ebersole and special guests, as well as songs by Mercer and new material by writers participating in the annual Mercer Songwriters Project.

The gala is part of the American Music Theatre Project at Northwestern University and the Johnny Mercer Songwriters Foundation.

For tickets, priced $40, phone (847) 491-7282. The gala concert will take place at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, located at 50 Arts Circle Drive, on Northwestern University’s Evanston campus.

For information visit Northwestern.