Get ready for a holiday treat, New York! Beloved actress and TV personality Whoopi Goldberg is taking on a deliciously wicked role this season. She’ll be stepping into the shoes of the notoriously grumpy Miss hannigan in the latest touring production of the classic musical “Annie.”
Goldberg, known for her comedic timing and powerhouse performances, is embracing the challenge of portraying the gin-loving orphanage matron. “I’m having the time of my life,” she shared between rehearsals, as she prepares too bring the tale of the spunky young orphan and her faithful dog Sandy to life.
Carolyn rossi Copeland, the show’s producer, knew Goldberg was the perfect fit for the iconic role. “We needed someone who could command the stage, connect with the audience, and truly embody Miss Hannigan’s complex character,” Copeland explained. “Whoopi was the obvious choice.”
This production of “Annie” holds a special importance, as it’s being directed by Jenn Thompson, who herself played Pepper in the original Broadway production at the tender age of 10. Thompson has meticulously peeled back the layers of subsequent productions, returning the show to its roots.
“it’s been a truly rewarding journey,” Thompson reflected.”I’ve had the opportunity to revisit my childhood memories, confront past challenges, and reclaim the essence of the original production.”
“It had changed a lot over the years. It had gone thru many revisions and alterations and it wasn’t even a conscious mission when I started but that’s where we ended up — kind of back at the beginning.”
Goldberg, known for her humor and candor, admitted with a laugh that she initially underestimated the demands of the role. “I’m rusty. I’m old,” she quipped, referring to her time away from the stage. “I got in the middle of it and I thought, maybe this is more than I can handle. And then a little voice said, ‘Really? You know, if you said this is more than I can handle to anyone, they would laugh you off the stage as it’s not.’ It’s exactly what I can handle.”
As the tyrannical Miss Hannigan, goldberg will belt out two show-stopping numbers, “Easy Street” and “Little Girls,” sure to delight audiences. Don’t miss your chance to see this legendary performer bring a fresh and unforgettable twist to this beloved character.
Catch “Annie” at The Theater at Madison Square Garden from December 11th to January 5th.
The beloved musical “Annie,” known for its iconic songs like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” is hitting the road for a nationwide tour in 2024. This new production promises a fresh take on the classic story while staying true to its heartwarming core.
the musical’s lyrics, penned by Martin Charnin, earned him and composer Charles Strouse a Tony Award for best score in 1977. Charnin’s words are both playful and poignant, capturing the spirit of the story with lines like ”You’re never fully dressed/without a smile” and “No one cares for you a smidge/when you’re in an orphanage.”
Director Jenn Thompson emphasizes the musical’s complex emotional landscape. “I love the dark side of it,” she says. “There’s a lot of joy and there’s a lot of rage and they are in conversation with each other. And it’s what makes it a great musical in my mind.”
“Annie” has enjoyed numerous adaptations for the screen, including film versions in 1982, 1999, and 2014, starring Quvenzhané Wallis. A live television production aired on NBC in 2021, featuring Harry Connick Jr. and Taraji P. Henson.
This new tour kicks off in the new year, bringing the timeless tale to audiences across the country. Stops include Maryland, Alabama, Illinois, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, California, Washington, pennsylvania, Georgia, Nebraska, Colorado, Texas, and wisconsin.
Born in the wake of the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal, “Annie” offered a beacon of hope during a turbulent time. Thompson reflects on the musical’s enduring message: “I think it is indeed a story about survival and choosing the light when you are in the dark.”
Premiering on Broadway in 1977, “Annie” became an instant sensation, winning the tony Award for best musical and running for an extraordinary 2,300 performances. Revivals in 1997 and 2012 further solidified its place as a theatrical classic.
Choreographer Anthony Copeland highlights the production’s commitment to authenticity. “The original show was just endowed with so much hope and optimism and the comedy in it was honest,” he says. “It’s really back to its roots. There’s no gags and gimmicks.”
Whoopi Goldberg takes on the iconic role of Miss Hannigan, the orphanage matron. Goldberg, a seasoned performer with a long history in theater, has chosen to approach the role with a fresh perspective. “I’ve stayed away from watching any versions so I wouldn’t copy other people,” she explains.
Goldberg’s theatrical credits are extensive, including producing shows like “Sister act,” “Xanadu,” and ”Thoroughly Modern Millie,” as well as starring in productions of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.”
celina Smith, the young star who captivated audiences as the titular orphan in the recent Broadway revival of “Annie,” is forging her own path in the world of musical theater. while she acknowledges the legacy of iconic performers who have graced the role before her, Smith emphasizes the uniqueness of her own voice.
“I don’t sound like Cynthia Erivo,” she says. “I don’t sound like Nicole Scherzinger. I don’t sound like anybody. I don’t sound like Audra McDonald. I just sound like me. And for ‘Annie,’ it’s the right sound.”
smith’s confidence and individuality shine through in her performance, reminding audiences that while “Annie” is a beloved classic, it’s also a story that can be reinterpreted and revitalized with each new generation.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
## Whoopi Goldberg Takes on Miss Hannigan in “Annie”: An Exclusive Interview
**(New York, NY)** – Get ready, New Yorkers, for a holiday treat! Beloved actress and television personality Whoopi Goldberg is stepping into the notoriously grumpy shoes of Miss Hannigan in the latest touring production of “Annie.”
We sat down with Goldberg and the production team to discuss this exciting new take on the classic musical.
**world Today News: Whoopi, welcome! miss Hannigan is such an iconic role.What drew you to it?**
**whoopi Goldberg:** (laughs) “Well,let’s be honest,who wouldn’t want to belt out “Little Girls” and “Easy Street”? Seriously though,it’s a challenge. She’s complex, she’s got layers, and she’s absolutely hilarious in a dark kind of way.I’m having the time of my life bringing her to life.”
**WTN: Carolyn, as the producer, why did you choose Whoopi for this role?**
**carolyn Rossi Copeland:** “Whoopi was the obvious choice! We needed someone who could command the stage, connect with audiences, and truly embody Miss Hannigan’s complex character. She has that rare blend of comedic timing, powerhouse vocals, and vulnerability that brings depth to the role.”
**WTN: Jenn, you have a unique connection to “Annie,” having played Pepper in the original Broadway production. How is this production different?**
**Jenn Thompson:** “It’s been a truly rewarding journey. Re-visiting this show as a director allowed me to peel back layers of subsequent adaptations and return to its roots. Over the years, it had changed a lot. It went through many revisions and alterations, and, while it wasn’t a conscious mission when I started, that’s where we ended up – kind of back at the beginning.”
**WTN: Jenn, the show balances humor with some serious themes. How do you approach that complexity?**
**JT:** “I love the dark side of it. There’s a lot of joy and a lot of rage, and they are in conversation with each other. That’s what makes it a great musical in my mind.”
**WTN: Whoopi,any final words for audiences coming to see “Annie”?**
**WG:** “Come ready to laugh,to cheer,to maybe even shed a tear or two. We’re bringing a fresh and exciting take on this beloved classic, and I promise you won’t be disappointed.”
**Don’t miss your chance to see this legendary performer bring a fresh and unforgettable twist to this beloved character. “Annie” runs at The theater at Madison Square Garden from December 11th to January 5th. For tickets and details, visit [website].**
**The nationwide tour kicks off in 2024. Stay tuned for dates and locations!**
