BWW Blog: Andrea McArdle - 54 Below & More!

Hi BroadwayWorlders!

Hope you've all been enjoying the great weather, finally! But don't forget your duty to keep up on all the dish here on BWW!

I've been so excited seeing all the great buzz about the divine Norm Lewis taking over the title role in The Phantom of the Opera alongside my favorite girl singer Sierra Boggess, I'm going to check them out soon, I saw the show a year or show ago when this Philly girl went to see Philly boy Hugh Panaro work that cape and mask, I love the heart and spectacle of that show, it's been running for nearly 27 years, so they must be doing something right!

Speaking of favorite girl singers, I had the absolute treat to guest as part of Milly and Abigail Shapiro's Live Out Loud concert series at 54 Below. Let me tell you, these two sisters are the real deal. They are SO FREAKIN' TALENTED! Even better, they are sweet gems and really know how to command the stage.

Van Dean and company have given them the perfect platform to soar, aided by musical director Michael Moritz (he's a hottie btw) and director Deborah Kym, the two ladies have created a really special night.

Van and Abigail co-wrote a song to the tune of "Anything You Can Do" that described what would happen if Annie met Matilda. It's amazing how multi-talented Abby is...she sings, dances en pointe, plays piano, writes music, AND she wrote the banter for the show. She's in 8th grade! The song is adorable and will be appearing on the live album of the concert. My personal favorite lyrics were about which Agatha is worse - Hannigan or Trunchbull!

The girls told a very interesting story about how they went on their very first NYC audition in the same week - Abigail for Grinch and Milly for Matilda. As we now know, they both ended up getting cast...from their first auditions ever...nearly simultaneously. Future leading ladies of the stage take note, be ready for that "right" moment, talent, determination and LUCK is all a part of the equation!

It was a blast to be a part of what is a very special evening, they have another show on June 9th, so get those tickets, the last two shows were 100% sold out.

Here's a fun picture of all of us riding the elevator at 54 Below taken by Michael, you'll also spy the beautiful Jennifer Damiano in the mix too, she was performing at the venue that evening, she's another great young lady, what a voice!

I'll be back soon, I've been getting lots of requests for more vault pics, so stay tuned!!!

Bye BWW!