He was a member of Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA), NY, where he served on the Diaconate and often shared his musical gifts in ministry.

George Robert Merritt, Jr. of Hawthorne, N.J. passed into eternal life on Monday, February 15, 2010 at the age of 67.

A Celebration Service will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 7:00 PM at: Calvary Baptist Church, 123 West 57th St., New York City, N.Y.

A Drama Desk Award nominee, George enjoyed a distinguished career as one of America’s finest theatrical baritones.

He originated the lead role of “John Utterson” in the original Broadway company of the hit musical, Jekyll & Hyde; and in the full length DVD, Jekyll and Hyde The Movie with David Hasselhoff. TV Guide called his work “phenomenal.” Born in Raleigh, N.C., he returned to his Southern roots via Broadway starring as “Jim” in the Tony Award winning musical Big River. His portrayal of “Stephen Kumalo” in Lost in the Stars won a Drama Desk nomination for Best Actor. Other leading Broadway roles include: “Crown” in the Houston Grand Opera and Radio City Music Hall productions of Porgy and Bess, and “Ken” in the London and Broadway productions of Ain’t Misbehavin’. He also created the role of “Tonton” in Once on This Island.

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