Andrea McArdle in MAME, JAGO and More Highlight Media Theatre's Spring 2013 Lineup

Broadway's original "Annie", the Tony nominated Andrea McArdle, is on the boards at The Media Theatre this spring in the classic Jerry Herman musical "Mame" April 17-May 19. The show focuses on Auntie Mame, the eccentric socialite who finds out she must care for her young nephew, forever changing her-and his-outlook on life. Songs include "Open A New Window", "Bosom Buddies", and "We Need A Little Christmas". Comedienne Lea DeLaria portays Mame's best pal Vera in Director Jesse Cline's revival of the hit.

McArdle, always elevating productions to 'special' status, actually captured the Best Special Event Award from Broadway World in 2012 for her one-night-only concert appearance during The Media Theatre Gala this past February. It was one of six Broadway World Awards won by The Media Theatre, which also received the highest honor of Best Theatre Company in Philadelphia.

As well as "Mame", the popular children's show "Pinkalicious, The Musical" continues through May 25 each weekend, bringing in hundreds of little girls dressed to the hilt in their finest pink, some complete with tiaras. For those who do not have the accoutrements to go along with their outfit on Saturday mornings, the theatre has a table of Pinkalicious novelty items for sale to add to the experience. The musical, based on the series of books about the little girl who eats way too many pink cupcakes, is on at 11am Saturday mornings. The next children's series production, "Disney's 101 Dalmatians" starts up June 8 and plays through July each weekend. Shows geared toward youth audiences at The Media Theatre feature professional adult actors as well as students from its acting classes and New School.

Spring brings two extra added attractions to The Media Theatre this year. A new two-act opera, "Jago", makes its American premiere May 30, 31, and June 1 at 8pm. Philly's International Opera Theatre brings the splendor of Italian culture to State Street with this production. A story of redemption, following the character of Iago from Othello years after the play's ending, "Jago" focuses on the relationship with a young boy on the day prior to Iago's execution. The opera's lead soprano, Sharon Zhai, is a resident of Milan who was born in China. She won a competition held by the Opera Theater, which led her to the role in the premiere. Karen Saillant, the founder and Artistic Director of IOT, created the story.

Another premiere will play during the US Open being held in Lower Merion. It's Media resident Arthur Leahy's new play "Death on the 16th Fairway". Part of Media Borough's Golf Month in honor of the US Open, the show may be seen June 5-16. The story of Ryan's Way Country Club, an exclusive golf, dining, and fitness facility. A fictional piece, the show is based on Leahy's behind-the-scenes experience as a golf club member and financial professional. The murder mystery is great for both golf lovers and mystery fans. According to the playwright, it's 'dramatic and humorous at times'--all great fun for audiences as they try to decipher how a body ended up on the course's signature Hole 16.

Of course, the spring would not be complete without auditions for The Media Theatre's annual vocal contest-actually two singing competitions, separated by age. Previously titled "Delco Idol", 2013 brings a few changes to the contest including the title. Now to be known as "The Vocalist" and "The Vocalist, Jr.", each age group gets the chance to shine in front of a large audience each week. "The Vocalist" will continue the tradition of having FOX-TV's morning weather personality Sue Serio emcee. Auditions for "The Vocalist" are this spring on May 20 and 21 at 6pm. A $25 entrance fee is required.

To find out more about each of the spring's shows and special events coming up at The Media Theatre, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org.

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