Chait will join Kevin Duda, Louisa Flannigan, Danielle Garner, Jackie Jay Patterson and Ted Bouton for the production, which plays Florida Rep Oct. 15-Nov. 7. Jack Wrangler will direct the Mercer musical with wife Margaret Whiting serving as musical consultant. Louise Westergaard is the co-conceiver of the Florida engagement, which features musical arrangements by Barry Levitt.

In a statement director Wrangler said, "Johnny Mercer's overwhelming output of American popular songs is truly staggering. It is almost impossible to get through a day without hearing at least one Johnny Mercer song on the radio, television, in movie houses, theatres or cabarets all over the world."

Florida Repertory Theatre Producing Artistic Director, Robert Cacioppo added, "This is certainly an exciting opportunity for Florida Rep. I don't think I am alone in saying that I was seduced by the music of Johnny Mercer long ago. His songs recall a time of satin gowns on baby grands, white dinner jackets and a smoky smoothness that recaptures Mercer's own old-fashioned roots. Florida Rep's long awaited Johnny Mercer musical will be worth the wait. We are proudly opening our seventh season with it."

Dream played Broadway's Royale Theatre March 11, 1997 through July 6, 1997. With direction and choreography by Wayne Cilento, the company included Lesley Ann Warren, John Pizzarelli, Margaret Whiting and Jessica Molaskey. Cilento was Tony-nominated for his choreography.

On Broadway Melissa Bell Chait has been seen in Wicked, Titanic, Grease, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Thoroughly Modern Millie. She also appeared in the national tour of Titanic and created the role of Ariele in the world premiere of Maury Yeston's In the Beginning. Melissa Bell Chait is married to actor Marcus Chait. For tickets, call (239) 332-4488 or (877) 787-8053. Visit www.floridarep.org for more information.