Harry Connick, Jr. in ‘The Sting’ at Paper Mill Playhouse. (Photo: Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)
NBC’s Annie Live! continues to get more interesting by the day. The December 2 live broadcast will feature multi-Grammy winner Harry Connick, Jr. will take on the deep-pocketed Daddy Warbucks in the televised reimaging of Martin Charnin and Charles Strouse’s hit musical Annie.
“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,” said Jen Neal, EVP Entertainment Live Events, Specials and E! News, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming as reported by Deadline. “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.”
The creative team previously announced that Henson would play Miss Hannigan, a role originated on Broadway by Dorothy Loudon, who won a Tony Award for her performance.
Connick is no stranger to musical theater, scoring Tony nominations for his performance in the Broadway revival of The Pajama Game and as composer/lyricist for Thou Shalt Not. He also appeared in Paper Mill Playhouse’s production of The Sting.
As for the spunky lead orphan who wins Daddy Warbucks’ heart? Casting is still underway, but here’s a look at Annie’s from years gone by.
