McArdle will star in the Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) production of the Tony-winning Broadway musical April 14-17 & 27-30, 2011, in the Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre on the Storrs, CT, campus.
The Brechtian musical comedy by lyricist-librettist Greg Kotis and composer-lyricist Mark Hollmann concerns a world where water is scarce, private toilets are illegal, and a corrupt corporation has a monopoly on public bathrooms. Penelope, who belts out her songs, runs a public toilet.
The absurd musical won 2002 Tonys for Best Score, Best Book and Best Direction (John Rando).
Paul Mullins will direct the Connecticut production. Additional casting and creative team will be announced.
CRT welcomes McArdle to the professional producing arm of the Department of Dramatic Arts at the University of Connecticut, Storrs. CRT productions are directed, designed by, and cast with visiting professional artists, including Equity actors, faculty members, and the department's most advanced student artists. According to CRT, "The synergy between professional and advanced student artists creates extraordinary theatre and a unique learning environment."
In addition to playing Annie, which earned her a Tony nomination, McArdle starred on Broadway in the Jerry Herman musical Jerry's Girls; as sassy Smoking Car, Ashley, in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express; as Margy Frake in State Fair; as Fantine in Les Miserables and, most recently, as Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. She toured nationally starring as Sally Bowles in Cabaret and as Eponine in Les Miserables.
For tickets and information, call (860) 486-4226 or visit www.crt.uconn.edu.