McArdle will take the stage at 11 PM to introduce the contestants and the celebrity judges for the first round in the NYMF-sponsored event. Scheduled to judge the Sept. 21 evening are Hairspray composer Marc Shaiman and Sweeney Todd actress Donna Lynne Champlin.

Contestants DeMond B. Nason, Alysha Umphress, Laura Daniel, Nick Dothèe, Henry Gainza, Gabrielle Maes, Auri Marcus, Stephanie Pitsiladis, George Psomas and Isabel Santiago will perform a favorite song of their choice in the first evening, which is entitled "My Favorite Things."

Immediately following the concert, audience members will text-message their vote for their favorite performers. In addition to the title of Broadway Idol, contestants will compete in three consecutive Friday-night concerts, ultimately earning the winner a solo concert produced and presented at Ars Nova.

Beginning at 10 PM, a showtune sing-along will warm-up the crowd for the performances from this year's competitors. Future evenings will feature live acts for the 10 PM pre-competition slot.

Other celebrity judges on the roster for upcoming competitions are Anthony Rapp, Lonny Price, Manoel Felciano and Stephanie D'Abruzzo. The categories for this year's competition include "Broadway Rocks," in which contestants sing a Broadway rock/pop tune; and "Star to Be," in which contestants must sing two songs — one from pre-Oklahoma! Broadway and another from the post-Hair Broadway catalogue.

The Broadway Idol Competition will take place at 11 PM on Fridays, Sept. 21, 28 and Oct. 5 at Stitch Bar and Lounge, located in Manhattan at 247 West 37th Street. Admission is $10, which includes one drink ticket.

For further information visit www.NYMF.org.