The workshop, also sponsored by the Johnny Mercer Foundation, will culminate in an Aug. 18 public concert entitled Mercer Melodies featuring Northwestern alumnus Brian d'Arcy James (Carnelia's Sweet Smell of Success and Lippa's The Wild Party). The guest faculty members, songwriters and Northwestern students will also be involved. The program will include Mercer songs along with the various participants' original compositions.
The week will also include three public Conversations and Cabarets, hosted by Michael Kerker, director of musical theatre for ASCAP, with Carnelia on Aug. 14; McBroom on Aug. 15; and Lippa on Aug. 16. On Aug. 17, the Songwriter Showcase will feature the songwriters who are selected for the workshop.
Submissions for the workshop must be postmarked by May 4. All selected participants will be notified by May 25. There is no fee for the workshop for the approximately 12 writers or writing teams selected. Some stipends will be offered to cover travel and boarding expenses.
McBroom is a cabaret performer and songwriter who wrote "The Rose," popularized by Bette Middler. Carnelia wrote the lyrics for Sweet Smell of Success and Imaginary Friends and wrote songs for Is There Life After High School? and Working. Lippa has written songs for The Wild Party and Asphalt Beach, among other musicals. White appeared on Broadway in Ring of Fire, served as a producer on Toby Keith's platinum album "White Trash with Money" and is also a recording artist.
The American Music Theatre Project is a new initiative at Northwestern University dedicated to the development of new musicals and musical theatre education. For a workshop application and more information, visit the American Music Theatre Project Web site at www.amtp.northwestern.edu or call (847) 467-0333. For more information on the foundation visit www.johnnymercerfoundation.com.
The public events will be held in Northwestern's Josephine Louis Theatre, 20 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston campus. Reservations for the events will be taken after June 1 at the Theatre and Interpretation Center box office at (847) 491-7282.
