Music Mix: 54 Below’s Andrea McArdle on Lady Gaga, Sondheim and Her Annie Co-Star Dorothy Loudon

The theater district's swanky new nightclub 54 Below is hosting a slew of Broadway's hottest stars this summer, from two-time Tony winner Patti LuPone to downtown diva Justin Vivian Bond. Broadway.com is asking these talented vocalists to share a few musical memories and tell fans about the music that molded them into the performers they are today. Next up, we hear from Broadway’s original Annie, Tony nominee Andrea McArdle, who premieres her new show Seventies and Sunny at 54 Below on July 23 and 30. This beloved belter shares her love of Sondheim show tunes, modern pop divas like Alicia Keys and Lady Gaga and, of course, her Annie co-star, the late Dorothy Loudon.

What record/album was your favorite growing up?
Billy Joel’s The Stranger.

What concert most influenced you as a performer?
The Who at JFK Stadium in my hometown of Philly. It was supposed to be their final tour, but it wasn’t…

What is your go-to audition song?
One of them is always Sondheim’s “Everybody Says Don’t.”

What song are you most excited to perform in your show?
I like them all, but Peter Allen’s “Fly Away.” Plus he was such a part of the fabric of 54; his stuff just hits me so deep.

What musical theater track is the most played on your iPod?
“A Little Priest” from Sweeney Todd.

If you could invite any performer onstage for a duet at 54 Below, who would it be?
Dolly Parton.

What musical theater performer from the past do you wish you could collaborate with?
Dorothy Loudon.

What album was the soundtrack to your 20s?
Chaka Khan’s I Feel For You.

What’s your favorite love song?
Oh man, I have so many! Stevie Wonder’s “You And I” and Whitney Houston’s “Saving All My Love For You.”

What song makes you feel sexy?
Alicia Keys’ “You Don’t Know My Name.”

What is your favorite workout track?
Have to say the whole soundtrack of the movie Saturday Night Fever.

What’s the best hidden gem in on your iPod?
“Little Bird” by Annie Lennox.

Favorite break-up song?
Michael McDonald’s “I Can Let Go Now.” It’s separating; it’s closure; it’s just so powerful. I’m excited to sing it as part of my 54 Below performances.

What song most makes you smile?
Jennifer Hudson’s “Love You I Do,” and Patti Austin’s “Through the Test of Time.”

When this song plays, I can’t help but dance:
Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.” I love her!!

Check out Andrea McArdle's Seventies and Sunny at 54 Below July 23 and 30!