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Bernie Ardia

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Bernie Ardia BIO

BERNIE ARDIA (Hair Designer) Having a 40-year career. A California native starting in print work and television with soap opera work and television specials such as Happy Birthday Hollywood. Ardia returned to live theater with David Merrick's national tour of 42nd St. After many years of touring with live productions such as Can-Can, Me and My Girl, Showboat, Ziegfeld - A Night at the Follies he has now designed for well over 75 productions including recreating Mr. Paul Huntly’s designs for this current NETworks presentation of Hairspray. He is very happy to be a part of this project and working under the direction of Matt Lenz. Another production of the seasonal hit ELF will be touring this Holiday season! A show that he always enjoys as a kickoff to his favorite time of the year! Other credits: Ragtime, The Kennedy Center; Dirty Dancing; Cameron Mackintosh's Les Misérables and Oliver; Kiss of the Spider Woman with Chita Rivera; Andrew Loydd Webber's long running - Starlight Express in Las Vegas; and Cinderella with Eartha Kitt. Mr. Ardia is proud to have worked with many talented performers and directors in his career including Jeanne Cooper, George Wendt, Hal Prince, Melody Thomas Scott, Mary Wilson, Patrick Cassidy, Many Osmond's, Anita Gillette, Lynda Carter, Makenzie Philips and even Judge Judy! He is also the author of Barbra Streisand in New York City, and very proud to be presenting the upcoming -At Sea with Patrick Dennis My Madcap Mexican Adventure with the Author of Auntie Mame- Being published by Ratteling Good Yarns

Bernie Ardia STAGE CREDITS

Bernie Ardia Productions

 
[US Tour, 2022]
Hair Design
 
[US Tour, 2015]
Wig and Hair Designer
 
[US Tour, 2014]
Hair Design
 
[US Tour, 2013]
Hair & Wig Designer

BERNIE ARDIA



Having a 40-year career as a theatrical hair designer and wig builder this California native started in print work and television, commercials, and television specials such as Happy Birthday Hollywood. Ardia returned to live theater with David Merrick’s national tour of 42nd St. After many years of touring with live productions such as Chita Rivera’s Can-Can, Tim Curry’s Me and My Girl, Showboat, he then focused on designing hair for productions of Eleanor Bergstein’s Dirty Dancing, Kiss of the Spider Woman, the Kennedy Center’s Ragtime, Cameron Mackintosh’s Oliver, Elf, and Starlight Express at The Las Vegas Hilton among others others. Ardia has now designed for well over 75 productions. Though he semi-retired to allow more time for writing, productions still have his designs onstage today. As a child, after seeing Barbra Streisand open for Liberace in Las Vegas, he followed her career as a hobby—turning that into a book, Barbra Streisand in New York City. For the last several years he has been working on a biography of Streisand’s stepfather. That work was delayed for three years after Patrick Dennis landed on his desk. Falling in love with this adventurous tale he dedicated his time to see it through to publication so this wonderful ‘slice of a life’ story could be shared. As a ‘Dreamer’ he always sees ideas as possible. Most of Ardia’s life expectations have been surpassed. He is proud to have worked with many talented performers and directors in his career including Hal Prince, Melody Thomas Scott, Jeanne Cooper, Eartha Kitt, George Wendt, Linda Carter, Molly Ringwald, Patrick Cassidy, Debbie Gibson, Anita Gillette, Pat Harrington, Michelle Lee, Carole Cook, Kathie Lee Gifford, Sally Ann Howe, Toni Tennille, John Schuck, Mackenzie Phillips, Constance Towers, Jamie Lynn Sigler, and more. Ardia now divides his time between Rancho Mirage, California, with constant traveling. Presenting At Sea with Patrick Dennis: My Madcap Mexican Adventure with the Author of Auntie Mame is another of his dream’s come true.



Bernie Ardia Videos

Bernie Ardia News

Review: Drag Race Star Nina West Leads Hilarious New HAIRSPRAY Tour at Segerstrom Center

As if the universe knew that our increasingly divisive country is in desperate need to revisit this hit 2002 Tony Award-winning musical again, HAIRSPRAY has now embarked on a brand new non-equity national tour starring RuPaul's Drag Race fan favorite Nina West. The show, now at Segerstrom Center for the Arts through April 30, does not disappoint.

Review: HAIRSPRAY at Paramount Theater

HAIRSPRAY is a toe-tapping, dance in your seat, good time show with a message we still need to hear. With an audience who came ready for a party, the show hummed along with enthusiastic support from the crowd. With catchy tunes, over-the-top characters, and energetic dance numbers, HAIRSPRAY is a whirl of excitement. Beyond the flash, the show has a poignant message of inclusion, self-worth, and acceptance.

Robert Karr to Release Memoir AT SEA WITH PATRICK DENNIS in May

On May 18, 2023, Patrick Dennis - the creator of Auntie Mame - would have celebrated his 102nd birthday. What better way to mark this auspicious occasion than with the release of Robert Karr's new book At Sea with Patrick Dennis: My Madcap Mexican Adventure with the Author of Auntie Mame.

HAIRSPRAY Comes to the Paramount Theatre in April

HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Award®-winning musical comedy phenomenon returns to Seattle! This new North American tour, helmed by original director Jack O’Brien and original choreographer Jerry Mitchell, will play April 4 through 9 at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre.

Broadway in Portland Presents HAIRSPRAY Beginning This Month

HAIRSPRAY, Broadway's Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon returns to Portland! This new North American tour, helmed by original director Jack O'Brien and original choreographer Jerry Mitchell, will play March 28 through April 2 at Portland's Keller Auditorium.

HAIRSPRAY Tickets Go on Sale Friday at Bass Concert Hall

Tickets for HAIRSPRAY, Broadway's Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon, will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, March 3, 2023. This new North American tour, helmed by original director Jack O'Brien and original choreographer Jerry Mitchell, will play at Bass Concert Hall June 13-18, 2023 as part of Texas Performing Arts' Broadway in Austin 2022-2023 Season.

Review: HAIRSPRAY is a Joyous Welcome to the '60s at the MARCUS CENTER

The tour of HAIRSPRAY is pure joy, lighting up Milwaukee’s Marcus Center through February 12th with exuberant dancing, glorious voices, and a bright, bubbly outlook that’s just what this Wisconsin winter needs. 

HAIRSPRAY is Coming to Proctors Next Month

Hairspray will bring its tour to Proctors next month. This new North American tour, helmed by original director Jack O'Brien and original choreographer Jerry Mitchell, will play Tuesday, December 6 - Sunday, December 11 in Schenectady at Proctors.

HAIRSPRAY Tour to Play The Eccles Theater in April 2023

HAIRSPRAY, Broadway's Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon, will go on sale Friday, November 18 at 10am. This new North American tour, helmed by original director Jack O'Brien and original choreographer Jerry Mitchell, will play April 11 - 16, 2023 in Salt Lake City at the Eccles Theater. 

National Tour Of HAIRSPRAY Returns To Wilmington Next Month

You Can't Stop the Beat! The Grand is proud to present the Wilmington engagement of the Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon HAIRSPRAY at the historic Playhouse on Rodney Square from December 1 to December 4.

HAIRSPRAY On Sale At The Orpheum Theatre This Friday

Hennepin Theatre Trust has announced that HAIRSPRAY, Broadway's Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon, returns to Minneapolis next year as part of the 2022-2023 Bank of America Broadway on Hennepin season.

Photos/Video: First Look at the New Cast of HAIRSPRAY on Tour, Featuring Andrew Levitt aka Nina West

All new photos and video have been released of the new cast of the North American tour of Hairspray, helmed by Jack O’Brien and Jerry Mitchell. Check out the clips and photos here!

Tickets for HAIRSPRAY Tour with Nina West at Miller Auditorium On Sale Now

HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Award®-winning musical comedy phenomenon, went on sale September 16, 2022 at 10 AM. This new North American tour, helmed by original director Jack O’Brien and original choreographer Jerry Mitchell, will play Friday, November 4 – Saturday, November 5, 2022 in Kalamazoo at Miller Auditorium. 

Tickets For HAIRSPRAY at the Ohio Theatre On Sale Now

HAIRSPRAY, Broadway's Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon, is on sale now! This new North American tour, helmed by original director Jack O'Brien and original choreographer Jerry Mitchell, will play November 8-13 in Columbus at the Ohio Theatre, presented by CAPA and PNC Broadway in Columbus. 

Photos: See Andrew Levitt (aka Nina West), Niki Metcalf & More in Rehearsals for the HAIRSPRAY North American Tour

The HAIRSPRAY North American tour, helmed by Jack O'Brien and Jerry Mitchell, will kick off at The Carson Center in Paducah, KY, prior to visiting more than 55 cities in its second touring season. Get a first look inside rehearsals here!

Andrew Levitt AKA Nina West Will Return to the National Tour of HAIRSPRAY

Returning cast members Andrew Levitt aka Nina West (from “RuPaul's Drag Race”) as Edna Turnblad, Niki Metcalf as Tracy Turnblad, Sandie Lee as Motormouth Maybelle, Billy Dawson as Corny Collins, Ryahn Evers as Amber Von Tussle, Addison Garner as Velma Von Tussle, and Emery Henderson as Penny Pingleton will be joined by new principal cast members Charlie Bryant III as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Ralph Prentice Daniel as Wilbur Turnblad, Brayden Krikke as Link Larkin and Joi D. McCoy as Little Inez.

BWW Review: A Whimsical and Breathtaking FINDING NEVERLAND at The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater

The touring production of Finding Neverland has now soared into Syracuse's Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater as part of the Famous Artists Broadway Theatre Series. With an impressive book by James Graham and powerful music and lyrics by Gary Barlow and Elliot Kennedy, this inspiring musical is pure fun and magic on stage.

FINDING NEVERLAND Plays The Ohio Theatre

Tickets are on sale now for the enchanting Broadway musical Finding Neverland, that will be making its Columbus debut at the iconic Ohio Theatre (39 E. State St.) June 4-9.

FINDING NEVERLAND Soars Into Houston

Finding Neverland, the enchanting Broadway musical set soaring across the U.S., will be presented by Society for the Performing Arts (SPA) in Jones Hall for the Performing Arts on April 13-14 for 3 shows. SPA will also host a SPA Family Day before the Sunday, April 14 matinee from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The SPA Family Day will feature a photo booth, fun activities, and decorations for patrons young and old. 

FINDING NEVERLAND Comes to The State Theatre For Two Shows

Finding Neverland, the enchanting Broadway musical currently on tour, will be making its way to the State Theatre on Wednesday, March 20th and Thursday, March 21st!

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