It’s an “Annie” spectacular! “Annie” is one of the most beloved musicals of all time. And now, 35 years after her Broadway debut, Annie will take center stage again. The revival opens on Broadway November 8th and we are giving you a sneak peek of the new cast. Plus, it’s an Annie reunion! For the first time ever, Andrea McArdle, the original Broadway Annie, and Aileen Quinn, Annie in the 1982 film, take the stage together.
Her song, dance and mop of red curls have stolen hearts around the world for decades. It all started with a comic strip; “Little Orphan Annie” brightened the day of millions during the Great Depression. 40 years later, Andrea McArdle brought Annie to life on the Broadway stage. Annie ran for an astounding 2,300 performances and won seven Tony Awards. Then, in 1982, the musical received the Hollywood treatment. The movie starring a ten-year-old Aileen Quinn as Annie grossed over $57 million in the box office. And to mark the return of Annie to Broadway, the original Annies – the ladies who made that tune and title role pop culture icons – took the stage together for the very first time ever on Katie.
“I entered high school looking like that. Good for show business, very bad for dates!” -Andrea McArdle
It’s been a long time since Andrea and Aileen played the role of Annie, but they say that the memories they made as that beloved red-head are still vibrant. And with a new Annie about to make her mark, they shared their advice and told us what they’ve been up to since taking off that famous red wig.
@KatConsults
@katiecouric I’m sitting on the couch crying becuz I luv the show today. It really takes me back when I was a little girl #AnnieOnBroadway
— Katerina Taylor (@KatConsults) November 2, 2012
“Keep your life balanced on the other side of it.” -Aileen Quinn
35 years after her Broadway debut, Annie will take center stage once again when the show opens on November 8. And although one of the signature tunes may be called “Maybe,” Lilla Crawford, the new Broadway Annie, is definitely a sure thing.
“There were about five seconds of total shock.” -Lilla Crawford
The new Miss Hannigan and Daddy Warbucks also made an appearance on today’s Annie spectacular! Tony Award-winner Katie Finneran plays the cruel, alcoholic orphanage supervisor and Australian star Anthony Warlow is making his Broadway debut as Annie’s billionaire savior.
@marlyramz
Congrats @lillacrawford you were amazing at the @katiecouric show! Can’t wait to see you on Broadway! @paulove2dance
— Marla R. (@marlyramz) November 2, 2012
“This has been a dream come true for me.” -Anthony Warlow
This next guest is proof that Broadway may be going to the dogs. While the recent hurricane may be the Sandy that’s on everyone’s mind right now, we were joined by a much fluffier, friendly Sandy – the cuddly pooch that plays Annie’s best bud and her trainer, Bill Berloni, the man who found the original Sandy and author of Broadway Tails: Heartfelt Stories of Rescued Dogs.
“At 20 I became a world famous animal trainer just like that.” -Bill Berloni
@shaeyd
I have to make the trek to see Annie on Broadway. Lila is just precious. is.gd/NJW6l6 #GetGlue @katieshow
— Shari-Lynn (@shaeyd) November 2, 2012
It’s probably safe to say no one knows more about Annie than the originals, Andrea McArdle and Aileen Quinn. So we thought it would be fun to let them test Katie’s knowledge. But being that she’s of the competitive sort, we decided to put her to the test with a friendly game of trivia with her friend Caroline Rhea.
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