We Love You, Tomorrow! Everything to Know About ‘Annie Live!’

Credit: Facebook/Kwaku Alston

We Love You, Tomorrow! Everything to Know About ‘Annie Live!’

You can bet your bottom dollar ... that Annie is coming back! The beloved musical — which is the latest production to be given NBC's live holiday show treatment — is set to air on Thursday, December 2. Based on the comic strip Little Orphan Annie, the musical first opened on Broadway in 1977. The original production ran for nearly six years and won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Besides its numerous stage runs all over the world, Annie was also adapted into a movie three times: in 1982, 1999 and 2014. While the show’s namesake star has yet to be cast for the NBC special, other actors have already been selected to take on iconic roles in the December production. Taraji P. Henson, who is set to play mean orphanage headmistress Miss Hannigan, was the first major star to be confirmed. “When we decided to bring back NBC’s holiday musical tradition, we were looking for something that was critically acclaimed and universally beloved – and while that’s definitely the case with Annie, it absolutely applies to Taraji as well,” NBCUniversal chairman Susan Rovner said in a statement earlier this month. “Watching her take on this iconic role will be a thrill that has all the makings of must-watch television.” The second cast member announced was Harry Connick Jr., who revealed on Monday, June 28, that he’ll take on the role of billionaire Daddy Warbucks. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to play Daddy Warbucks in Annie Live! and working alongside Taraji P. Henson is a dream come true,” the singer said in a statement on Monday. “I love this show, and its musical message of love and hope couldn’t come at a better time.” Annie tells the story of its titular character — an orphan most often portrayed with curly red hair — who has a feeling that her parents are still out there somewhere. After the rich Daddy Warbucks decides to let Annie live at his house to improve his image, he starts a search for her mom and dad. Another major Annie-themed search is underway right now as well. Earlier this month, NBC announced they were launching a nationwide hunt for a “soon-to-be-discovered young star” to play the musical’s main character. Over the years, the part has been played by actresses such as Aileen Quinn (the 1982 Annie) and Quvenzhané Wallis (the 2014 star). Scroll to discover all there is to know about the upcoming production: [podcast_block]

Credit: Facebook/Kwaku Alston

We Love You, Tomorrow! Everything to Know About ‘Annie Live!’

You can bet your bottom dollar ... that Annie is coming back! The beloved musical — which is the latest production to be given NBC's live holiday show treatment — is set to air on Thursday, December 2. Based on the comic strip Little Orphan Annie, the musical first opened on Broadway in 1977. The original production ran for nearly six years and won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Besides its numerous stage runs all over the world, Annie was also adapted into a movie three times: in 1982, 1999 and 2014. While the show’s namesake star has yet to be cast for the NBC special, other actors have already been selected to take on iconic roles in the December production. Taraji P. Henson, who is set to play mean orphanage headmistress Miss Hannigan, was the first major star to be confirmed. “When we decided to bring back NBC’s holiday musical tradition, we were looking for something that was critically acclaimed and universally beloved – and while that’s definitely the case with Annie, it absolutely applies to Taraji as well,” NBCUniversal chairman Susan Rovner said in a statement earlier this month. “Watching her take on this iconic role will be a thrill that has all the makings of must-watch television.” The second cast member announced was Harry Connick Jr., who revealed on Monday, June 28, that he’ll take on the role of billionaire Daddy Warbucks. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to play Daddy Warbucks in Annie Live! and working alongside Taraji P. Henson is a dream come true,” the singer said in a statement on Monday. “I love this show, and its musical message of love and hope couldn’t come at a better time.” Annie tells the story of its titular character — an orphan most often portrayed with curly red hair — who has a feeling that her parents are still out there somewhere. After the rich Daddy Warbucks decides to let Annie live at his house to improve his image, he starts a search for her mom and dad. Another major Annie-themed search is underway right now as well. Earlier this month, NBC announced they were launching a nationwide hunt for a “soon-to-be-discovered young star” to play the musical’s main character. Over the years, the part has been played by actresses such as Aileen Quinn (the 1982 Annie) and Quvenzhané Wallis (the 2014 star). Scroll to discover all there is to know about the upcoming production: [podcast_block]

Credit: Kahran Bethencourt/CreativeSoul Photography

Meet Annie

Celina Smith was cast as the title character, NBC announced in August 2021. The 12-year-old star began her career as Young Nala in the national touring company of The Lion King.

Credit: Facebook/Kwaku Alston

We Love You, Miss Hannigan!

Henson is set to take on the headmistress’ role, which was previously made famous by Carol Burnett in 1982.

“Carol Burnett, who brought Miss Hannigan to life in the classic 1982 movie, is someone I have studied and idolized as far back as I can remember,” the Empire alum said in a statement earlier this month. “So when the opportunity came to me to join NBC and this incredible group of producers, I jumped. Carol, I hope to do you proud.”

Credit: Gavin Bond

Daddy's Home

The former American Idol judge will play the beloved role of Daddy Warbucks in the production.

“Now that the amazing Harry Connick Jr. is set to embody Daddy Warbucks, we look forward to shaping the iconic role to tap Harry’s immense skill set as a multi-talented performer,” NBC’s Jen Neal said in a statement. “He and Taraji P. Henson will anchor the rest of the cast and we can’t wait to see their on-stage dynamic in our version of Annie.”

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Grace Is Here

Nicole Scherzinger joins the NBC production as Grace, who is Daddy Warbucks' faithful chief of staff.

“I’m so excited to be playing the role of Grace Farrell for NBC’s Annie Live! Musical theater has always made my heart soar, so I’m over the moon to join this amazing cast for such a great classic,” the Masked Singer panelist said via a statement in August 2021.

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Hiya Sis, It’s Rooster

The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt alum is ready to dance his way to Easy Street in the live NBC production. Burgess is tapped to play Rooster Hannigan, the underhanded brother of Miss Hannigan (Henson).

“I've always wanted to be a villain,” Burgess said in a statement about playing the nefarious role.

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Jane Krakowski

The Tony winner will play Lily St. Regis opposite her Kimmy Schmidt costar Tituss Burgess, who was previously announced as Rooster.

Credit: John Salangsang/Shutterstock; Charles Sykes/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

Casting Swap

After the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt alum tested positive for COVID-19, NBC announced in November 2021 that Megan Hilty would assume her role of Lily St. Regis, per a Deadline report. The Smash alum called the news “an honor ❤️” via Instagram.