Taraji P. Henson is set to play Miss Hannigan in NBC's Annie Live! this December. The beloved show was confirmed as NBC's next live musical back in May. Encores! concert series Artistic Director Lear deBessonet is on board to direct alongside Live Television Director Alex Rudzinski, who is a veteran of the genre, having worked on Grease Live!, Hairspray Live!, and many more showstoppers. Tony award-winner Sergio Trujillo rounds out the main trifecta as choreographer.
Deadline announced Taraji P. Henson as the first cast member of the extravaganza. The Oscar-nominee plays the iconic little-girl hating Hannigan, famously brought to life by Carole Burnett in the 1982 film adaptation. Henson honored Burnett's legacy in her statement, saying:
“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. 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.”
Rooted in the classic comic strip Little Orphan Annie, the legendary musical features music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and a book by Thomas Meehan. Songs like "Tomorrow" and "It's the Hard Knock Life" are forever stitched onto the fabric of show business. As Hannigan, the authoritarian head of a girl's orphanage, Henson gets to perform the fan-favorite solo number "Little Girls."
The performance marks the first leading musical role of Henson's illustrious career. Though she's teased fans with her vocal chops in a Saturday Night Live stint and flaunted her dance skills during the 2020 AMAs, seeing the three-time Emmy nominee in a full-on musical will no doubt be a whole new treat. Fans will have to wait until the sun comes out on December 2 to see Henson shine.
Source: Deadline