BROADWAY'S CHRISTINE ANDREAS TO HEADLINE CONCERT AUGUST 23 AT MEDIA THEATRE

Broadway actress Christine Andreas will headline at The Media Theatre Saturday night August 23 during an evening of Broadway classics. She’ll be joined by professional singers and actors as Media Music Theatre Company presents “What We Do”, a one-time only concert.

Ms. Andreas recently finished a year-long run starring as Jacqueline in the Tony & Olivier Award-winning production of “La Cage Aux Folles” in which she shared the stage with Emmy winner Kelsey Grammer. She received raves as Margaret in the 55 week national tour of “The Light In The Piazza”.

CHRISTINE ANDREAS

She first captured attention in the 20^th anniversary production of “My Fair Lady” as Eliza Doolittle for which she received a Theatre World Award. She has two Tony Award nominations for her performances as Laurey in the revival of “Oklahoma!” and as Frankie in “On Your Toes”. She created the role of Marguerite St. Just in Broadway’s original production of “The Scarlet Pimpernel” opposite Terrence Mann and has also appeared in “Words and Music”, “Angel Street”, “Rags”, and the legendary “Legs Diamond” starring with the late Peter Allen. She won a Barrymore Award for her portrayal of Vera Simpson in Prince Music Theater’s production of “Pal Joey”.

Christine Andreas’ television credits include “Law and Order: SVU”, “The Cosby Show”, “Another World”, and her performance as Ava Gardner in Fox’s mini-series “Mia, Child of Hollywood”. She has performed at The White House, Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, and The Kennedy Center.

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Andreas will share the stage with several of the Broadway Series professionals who have performed previously on The Media Theatre stage. “This is a night that’s all about “What We Do”, which is what we are calling the event”, Cline explained. “We’ll highlight local and regional actors who have assisted us in creating what we are known for, which is professional music theatre. These are performers who represent what many of our youth hope to become.”

Tony nominee Ann Crumb, who played Norma Desmond in Media Music Theatre Company’s recent critically acclaimed “Sunset Boulevard”, joins Christine Andreas for the concert. Broadway’s Nicholas Saverine, who played Max alongside Ms. Crumb, will perform as well.

The concert will feature John Smitherman who is the Artistic Director for The Pittman Theatre of New Jersey. “He was in our production of “Spring Awakening” here a few years ago and is recognizable to our audiences,” Cline said. “We have had the pleasure of working with him on several occasions.”

Another popular performer who will sing August 23 is Patrick Ludt. He’s been in “Sunset Boulevard”, “Rent”, and “My Fair Lady” among other titles. Megan Rucidlo, the theatre’s New School dance instructor, rounds out the evening’s set list. She’s been in Media’s “Why Do Fools Fall In Love”, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and several others.

The event is a bridge between the summer, which has a main focus on youth events and camps, and the upcoming 2014-15 Broadway Series which begins in September. The title reflects Media Music Theatre Company’s status as a professional non-profit music theatre organization which is a member of Actors Equity Association. “Without the Broadway Series none of our youth or educational programming would exist,” said Artistic Director Jesse Cline. “We are a professional music theatre company first and foremost and have had the privilege of being able to create and sustain many opportunities for youth as well.”

To that end, three of the performers August 23 will be previous members of its youth programs who have gone on to create a career for themselves. Gregory Smith, 14, of Media, and West Chester’s 12 year old JD Triolo will add their talents to the evening as will Malvern’s Lexi Gwynn, 11, a member of Media’s New School.

Not simply a beautiful structure steeped in history, the Media Theatre is now known worldwide as the home of the Media Music Theatre Company. Cline and his staff of creative designers and directors have been awarded more than 20 “Best Of” honors from prestigious media outlets. The New York Daily News referred to it as ‘The Cultural Anchor of Delaware County’. It has been recognized recently by the Pennsylvania State Senate and the US Congress for its cultural impact on the region.