HARRY CONNICK JR AMID A RECORD-BREAKING YEAR WITH #1 BOX-OFFICE FILM, NEW STARRING ROLE ON BROADWAY, EMMY WIN, AND RELEASE OF HIS FIRST CHILDREN’S BOOK “One of the entertainment world's major triple-threats - he can act, he can sing and he plays a mean piano,” Wall Street Journal (DATELINE) – The Wall Street Journal recently dubbed Harry Connick Jr a major triple-threat, and the actor/singer/musician has certainly earned that accolade in 2011 by putting himself to work on a multitude of projects that showcase all of his immense talents. A perennial actor in hit films, Connick is celebrating his star turn in the #1 movie in the country, the family film, Dolphin Tale, which has garnered nearly $40 million at the box-office in just two weeks. “It was such a joy to be part of this film,” Connick said, “the story is so universal and so uplifting that I think everyone can be inspired by it.” And this year, Connick won his second Emmy for musical direction of his live concert television special Harry Connick Jr In Concert On Broadway which is now available on DVD. Filmed live at the Neil Simon Theater for PBS’ Great Performances, the show features Connick’s big band, a 12-piece string section and that “mean” piano playing by Connick himself. A sold-out show that ran for 15 spectacular nights, Harry Connick Jr In Concert On Broadway showcased the artist’s amazing vocals, arrangements and piano skills, along with his devotion to his New Orleans roots. That New Orleans devotion was also clear in August on the 6th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina when Connick and long-time friend Branford Marsalis opened the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, the centerpiece of their ongoing project, The Musicians’ Village in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans. Connick and Marsalis, in conjunction with New Orleans Habitat for Humanity, created the Village in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, building homes for displaced musicians. The 17,000 square foot Center, named for one of the city’s most influential pianists, educators and living legends, will serve as a state of the art facility for the preservation and ongoing development of New Orleans music and culture. “After Hurricane Katrina, I felt I had to do something for the city I love so much,” said Connick. “New Orleans music is a part of our history and a part of who I am, and I couldn’t let that slip away. The Musician’s Village and The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music are my way of helping to preserve the wonderful musical heritage of New Orleans.” This Fall, Connick also adds children’s book author to his credentials. The Happy Elf, his beloved song and animated children’s Christmas special has been turned into a children’s book. The Happy Elf features a beautifully illustrated picture book released by Harper Collins. Also being released this Fall by Marsalis Music is a companion CD, Music From The Happy Elf, featuring instrumental music from the children’s stage play of the same name. And with all of these projects up and running, Connick now turns his attention to one of his true great loves: Broadway. Beginning rehearsals this week, Connick will play the lead role in On A Clear Day You Can See Forever. This marks Connick’s first return to a Broadway production since his 2004 critically acclaimed and Tony-nominated role in the Pajama Game. Previews will begin in November and opening night is slated for December 11 at the St James Theatre.