ANDREA McARDLE RETURNS TO BROADWAY ASSUMING THE ROLE OF FANTINE IN MISÉRABLES BEGINNING AUGUST 16TH AT THE IMPERIAL THEATER

July 23, 1993- Andrea McArdle, who created the title role in Broadway's Annie at the age of 13, will take over the role of Fantine on Broadway in the Cameron Mackintosh production of Les Misérables beginning Monday evening, August 16th at the Imperial Theatre (249 West 45th Street). Ms. McArdle will assume the role of Fantine from Donna Kane.

Andrea McArdle made her Broadway debut in 1977, creating the title role in Annie, winning a Tony Award nomination as Best Leading Actress in a Musical, the youngest performer ever to be nominated in a starring division. For her work in Annie, Ms. McArdle received a Theatre World Award, the Outer Critic's Circle Award, the Dance Educators of America Award and the Rising Young Star of the Year on the CBS-TV's Entertainer of the Year Awards.

In addition, Andrea opened the London production of Annie in 1978. She then played young Judy Garland in the NBC-TV movie "Rainbow," and was the star of NBC's "Annie Christmas Special," as well as "Come on Saturday" which featured Muhammad Ali. Ms. McArdle's theatre roles include Jerry's Girls with Carol Channing and Leslie Uggams, Starlight Express, Singin' In the Rain, Meet Me in St. Louis, The Fantasticks, Grease, They're Playing Our Song, Peter Pan, Snoopy and Annie Get Your Gun.

The Broadway production of Les Misérables also features Craig Schulman as Jean Valjean, Chuck Wagner as Javert, Sarah Uriarte as Eponine, Craig Rubano as Marius, Jennifer Lee Andrews as Cosette, Drew Eshelman as Thenardier, Evalyn Baron as Madame Thenardier and Lawrence Anderson as Enjolras.

Les Misérables, at the Imperial Theatre (249 West 45th Street) plays Monday - Saturday evenings at 8:00 PM; and Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2:00 PM. For tickets and information call Telecharge at (212) 239-6200.