Andrea McArdle

Who can forget Andrea McArdle’s famous vibrato on the sustained notes of “Tomorrow” as the original moppet in Annie?

TheatreZone artistic director Mark Danni certainly has not forgotten her incredible crystal clear voice or indomitable spirit. He reminisces that Annie was the last big Broadway musical without microphones, and Andrea as a child could hit the back wall.

Danni has just announced that Andrea McArdle, Broadway’s all grown up goddaughter, has been cast in the lead role of Mrs. Johnston in the March 2011 production of Blood Brothers. McArdle is returning to TheaterZone in Naples to collaborate with director Danni for an incomparable third time.

“Wonderful music helped Blood Brothers run on Broadway for two years, get nominated for seven Tony Awards and win the Theatre World Award,” said Danni. “Andrea’s dramatic acting and versatile voice are perfect for this particular role.” Danni said he expects the singer to explode with confident power from her full belt.

Danni met Andrea McArdle in her Philadelphia hometown on the national tour of Les Miserables in 1996. McArdle played the lead role of Eponine, while Danni played drums and was an assistant conductor in the orchestra. Danni recalls that once he talked about his desire to direct the powerful musical Blood Brothers, Andrea shared that she had always wanted to play the role of the tortured mother of the twin boys. She confided that if Danni ever directed Blood Brothers, she was very interested in the role.

Danni knows McArdle is a superb actress and wonderful singer. He cast her to play Eva Peron in TheatreZone’s 2008 production of Evita — the actress made good as a dictator’s wife. McArdle was so well received and worked seamlessly with her director. Word-of-mouth built rapidly, and the play sold out. The easy rapport and mutual trust between the actress and director was established.

McArdle returned to Naples in 2009 bringing her intimate Broadway and classic pop tunes You Don’t Know Me concert to the G&L Theatre. Danni, a professional drummer/percussionist, accompanied her band on the drums while maintaining a friendly commentary and waxing nostalgically about Broadway lost treasures with McArdle throughout the performance.

“From a director’s viewpoint, Andrea is marvelous to work with because she is a very quick study and has a great memory,” Danni said. “She has a big voice with great range.

Blood Brothers, one of the most powerful and haunting musicals of our time, runs for 10 performances March 5 – 15, 2011. Tickets are available.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call TheaterZone at 1-888-ZONE-FLA, 1-888-966-3352 or purchase online at: www.theatrezone-florida.com.