Annie has found her Daddy Warbucks and it’s none other than multiple Emmy and Grammy Award winner, Tony Award nominee and world-renowned recording artist Harry Connick Jr. The former American Idol judge joins the cast of Annie Live as Sir Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks – the larger-than-life billionaire who opens his heart and home to little orphan Annie.
Harry served as an American Idol judge for seasons 13-15–the show’s last 3 years on the FOX network.
The iconic musician and star of stage and screen will bring Daddy Warbucks to life on stage opposite Taraji P. Henson’s devious Miss Hannigan.
The live production of the beloved Tony-winning hit musical, inspired by the classic comic strip that first appeared in 1924, will air Thursday, Dec. 2 on NBC.
“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,” Connick said. “I love this show, and its musical message of love and hope couldn’t come at a better time.”
“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, Executive Vice President, Entertainment Live Events, Specials and E! News, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “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.’”
“We are thrilled to have Harry Connick Jr. playing Daddy Warbucks. He’s a true entertainer who sings — and dances — with the best of them, and he will bring a completely fresh approach to this character. And he will give Taraji P. Henson‘s Miss Hannigan a run for her money for Annie!” said executive producer Robert Greenblatt.
The search continues for the role of Annie. Interested families can visit https://castittalent.com/Annie_Live for more information and a link to upload their audition. Rehearsals will be in October/November in New York.
Annie Live! will be executive produced by Robert Greenblatt, Neil Meron and Alex Rudzinsky, with Lear deBessonet and Alex Rudzinski sharing the directing duties. Choreography will be led by Sergio Trujillo. Paul Tazewell will design costumes. Jason Sherwood will oversee production design. Stephen Oremus will orchestrate the music direction. The live event is being produced by Chloe Productions.
