Andrea McArdle Leads Media Theatre Gala, 2/25

The Media Theatre will hold its annual fundraising Gala on Saturday evening, February 25 with Broadway's legendary Tony nominee Andrea McArdle performing in concert.

Andrea McArdle first captured the hearts of theatergoers in 1977 when she originated the title role in the mega-musical Annie. For her legendary performance in the title role of Annie, she became the youngest actress ever to be nominated for a Tony Award as Best Lead Actress in a Musical. She received the Theater World and Outer Critics' Circle Awards for her performance and went on to star when the show was produced on London's West End.

Since then, she has starred in several Broadway musicals and appeared in theatres around the world. Her concert appearances range from Carnegie Hall to the Hong Kong Philharmonic. She will add The Media Theatre to that list when she brings her talent to its stage during the Annual Gala.

Media Theatre's Annual Gala celebrates its mission of music theatre and education. Supporters and patrons participate as sponsors, mingle at two elegant receptions and enjoy a special one night only concert performance.

"The Annual Gala at The Media Theatre celebrates, and raises awareness of, the importance of music theatre to the surrounding region and community," Artistic Director Jesse Cline said. "Without the cornerstone of music theatre in Delaware County there are less opportunities for youth who have a passion for singing, dancing, and acting."

Coming full circle from her days as Annie, she was tapped by Academy Award nominated director Rob Marshall to appear as "The Star to Be" in the Disney/ ABC Television production of Annie. In the summer of 2010, she approached the show Annie from a different viewpoint when she played Miss Hannigan in a production at the North Carolina Theatre and at Musical Theatre West in California.

Her other Broadway credits include the sassy Smoking Car in Andrew Lloyd Webber'sStarlight Express, Margy Frake in State Fair, Fantine in Les Miserables, and Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. She has toured nationally as Sally Bowles in Cabaret and as Eponine in Les Miserables. She has appeared as Eva Peron in Evita, Mrs. Johstone in Blood Brothers, The Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sandy in Grease, Mama Rose in Gypsy, and another famous Annie in Annie Get Your Gun.

Andrea's film and television credits include starring as Judy Garland in Rainbow, appearing in The Leading Ladies of Broadway on PBS, and headlining her own PBS Special Andrea McArdle on Broadway.

The evening includes two catered receptions during which patrons will have the opportunity to meet Andrea McArdle. Tickets to the show with receptions are $125. There are 'Show Only' tickets available for $50 through January 31 (following January 31 the 'Show Only' tickets to see Andrea McArdle in Concert are $75).

For more information about the Gala, which also includes an Awards Presentation during which FOX-TV's Sue Serio and local thespian P. Brendan Mulvey will receive 2012 honors and a live auction with Jeffry Cadorette, call The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org.