Andrea McArdle to Star in Media Theatre's HELLO, DOLLY! This Spring

'Hello, Andrea!' That's what audiences will be saying with much enthusiasm when Broadway's legendary star Andrea McArdle returns to The Media Theatre as the iconic Dolly Levi in "Hello Dolly" in spring 2015. McArdle, who wowed audiences and theatre critics alike with her memorable performance as "Mame" in 2013, will take on her second Jerry Herman musical in Media April 15-May 17.

The Media Theatre's production of "Mame" went on to win 10 Broadway World Awards for Best of Philadelphia Theatre including a win for McArdle as Best Actress In A Musical. The show transferred to the renowned Bucks County Playhouse following its run in Media.

"Our audiences adore Andrea," said The Media Theatre's Artistic Director Jesse Cline. "She gives 110% on stage and highlights whatever she does with true passion, honesty, and heart. We are thrilled to have her return to bring "Hello Dolly" to life once again."

Andrea McArdle was Broadway's youngest Tony-nominated actress when she portrayed the starring role in the original production of "Annie" in 1977. Since then, she has appeared in several Broadway shows including "Jerry's Girls" with Carol Channing and the original casts of "Les Miserables" and "Starlight Express". She also played the role of Belle in Disney's Broadway smash "Beauty and the Beast" and Sally Bowles in the U.S. and international tours of the Tony Award-winning revival of "Cabaret". She recently won acclaim for her recent performance at 54 Below in NYC and her latest CD release, "70's and Sunny".

"Hello Dolly" is based on Thornton Wilder's "The Merchant of Yonkers" (later revised to "The Matchmaker"). The musical won 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Score. It's one of the classic 'star-turn' musicals as the focus is on sassy and brassy Dolly Levi who travels to Yonkers searching for Horace Vandergelder. She stirs up the lives of her niece and two store clerks as she manipulates the proceedings. Songs include the classics "Before The Parade Passes By", "It Takes A Woman", "Put On Your Sunday Clothes", "It Only Takes A Moment", and the familiar trumpet-laced title tune.

To see Andrea McArdle starring in "Hello Dolly", visit www.mediatheatre.org for tickets or call 610-891-0100. Group rates are available (groups are currently booking, so the best bet is to call soon and ask for Roger).

The Media Theatre opens its 2014-15 Broadway Series season Sept. 24 through Nov. 2 with the Philadelphia regional professional premiere of "The Addams Family". The season also includes "Les Miserables", "The Miracle Worker", "Ghost: The Musical", and Andrea McArdle starring in "Hello Dolly".

Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg