Andrea McArdle, Broadway's Original 'Annie,' Takes on Media's 'Mame'

The Media Theatre's production of the classic musical "Mame" plays April 17-May 19. The show stars legendary Tony nominee Andrea McArdle in the title role. Jesse Cline directs the regional revival.

The show is all about an eccentric socialite whose life changes completely when she learns she has been entrusted with the care of her young nephew. With an ensemble of unique characters, songs such as "We Need A Little Christmas", "Bosom Buddies" and the title number come to life in the interesting tapestry based on writer Patrick Dennis' true life tales. Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee adapted Dennis' story from his novel and their own Broadway play.

The cast at The Media Theatre promises to be as interesting as the show itself. Andrea McArdle was Broadway's youngest ever Tony nominated actress when she was in the running for her starring role in the original "Annie" back in the mid-'70's. Since then she has appeared in several Broadway shows including "Jerry's Girls" with Carol Channing, and in the original Broadway casts of "Les Miserables" and "Starlight Express". She has also played the role of Belle in Disney's Broadway hit "Beauty and the Beast" and Sally Bowles in the US and International tours of the Tony Award winning revival of "Cabaret". She most recently starred in the 2012 version of the comedic hit "Newsical: The Musical!". This will be the first time she appears as the title role in "Mame".

Interesting Note: Andrea McArdle has a new CD out entitled "70's and Sunny" in which she performs songs that meant a lot to her during the era in which she portrayed Annie. The CD will be on sale at The Media Theatre during her "Mame" run. She does sing "Tomorrow" on the CD, recorded live at Studio 54 in New York City.

Lea DeLaria will join McArdle onstage in the role of Vera in Cline's revival. She has been seen in the Broadway productions "On The Town" and "The Rocky Horror Show". A renowned comedienne, DeLaria has appeared at The McCarter Theater in "Midsummer Night's Dream" and Williamstown Theatre Festival's "As You Like It". Her National Tours include "Chicago" and she has been on the big screen in "The First Wives Club", "Sgt. Bilko", and "Edge of Seventeen" as well as others. 

Agnes Gooch will be played by Media Theatre veteran Jennifer Bissell, with Andy Joos making his Media debut as Beauregarde. Others appearing for the first time on The Media Theatre stage are Kelly Briggs as Babcock, New York's Marshall Factora as Ito, and Philly's Matthew Wojtal as Older Patrick.

Young Patrick is West Chester's JD Triolo, who recently appeared in The Walnut Street Theatre's "Music Man" and has been seen in several productions at Media including "The Sound of Music" and "The Wizard of Oz". 

Delaware County's Joe Lawless will take on the role of Woolsey. The ensemble will include Courtney Brunell, Nicole Calabrese, Anne Connors, Sarah DeNight, JP Dunphy, Ryan Neal Green, Kevin Gutches, Scott Langdon, Harrison Post, Micki Sharpe, Kristi Smith, Michael Wells, AJ Whittenberger, and Jennifer Williams.

Tom Fosnocht is Music Director with Dann Dunn as Choreographer. 

For tickets to "Mame" at The Media Theatre or information regarding the production call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

Pictured: Tony nominee Andrea McArdle, who portrays the title role in The Media Theatre's "Mame" revival this Spring.