Gerald Schoenfeld Memoir to be Released April 2012; Will Feature Forward from Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman, whose year thus far includes announcements that he'll be returning to Broadway and starring in the upcoming LES MIS film, has also penned a forward to the late Gerald Schoenfeld's memoir. The book, entitled 'Mr. Broadway,' is set for an April 2012 release.

According to Hal Leonard Publishing Group, "Mr. Broadway was completed just one month before Gerald Schoenfeld's death in 2008 at the age of 84. Bringing the reader backstage, the long-term chairman of The Shubert Organization shares his triumphs and failures, sings praise, and settles scores. He recounts nightmarish tales of The Shuberts, themselves - the meanness of Lee, the madness of JJ, the turmoil surrounding John's personal life, and the drunken ineptitude of Lawrence ShuBert Lawrence, Jr., the man who succeeded them and nearly brought the Shubert legacy to an ignominious end.

An active participant in that legacy for over 50 years, Schoenfeld describes how he and his partner, Bernie Jacobs, saved The Shubert Organization, bringing some of Broadway's greatest hits to the stage - from A Chorus Line, Equus, and Amadeus to Pippin, Les Misérables, Evita, Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, Godspell, Ain't Misbehavin', Dreamgirls, Dancin', Sunday in the Park with George, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Heidi Chronicles, The Gin Game, Miss Saigon, and Chess."

A vibrant and vital figure on Broadway for more than five decades, Mr. Schoenfeld served as Chairman of The Shubert Organization since 1972. During his tenure, Mr. Schoenfeld committed the Organization to a vigorous participation in community and civic affairs and was a leader in the successful effort to revitalize and enhance the image of Times Square and Midtown. The Organization is also actively engaged in supporting the Board of Education of the City of New York in the reintroduction of art and culture K through 12 in the city's public schools. Mr. Schoenfeld served as Chairman of the Mayor's Midtown Citizens Committee.

'Mr. Broadway,' priced at $27.99, is being published by Applause Theatre & Cinema Books. For more information, visit Applause.