Whoopi Goldberg has given fans a sneak peek of her highly anticipated role as Miss Hannigan in the upcoming revival of Annie. The EGOT-winning actress shared a first-look image during an episode of The View, offering a glimpse of her character alongside Hazel Vogel as Annie and the iconic dog Sandy. The musical will be staged at The Theater at Madison Square Garden this holiday season, with Goldberg joining the cast starting December 11.
“It may not be your grandma’s Annie, but it will be fun,” Goldberg teased on The View. She later shared her excitement about the role on Instagram, writing, “So here it is! You’re the 1st to see my costume for Annie. I’ll be on stage at MSG from Dec. 11 – Jan. 5.”
Whoopi Goldberg Returns to the Stage
This performance marks Goldberg’s return to the stage after more than a decade. She last appeared on Broadway in 2011 for Sister Act. The actress is eager to take on the challenge of playing Miss Hannigan, a character known for her comic villainy and the memorable number “Easy Street.”
“It’s been a while, and it’s kinda exciting and scary,” Goldberg admitted. However, she also acknowledged her comfort with the role’s musical demands. “The music is a lot, but the music is easy because it’s all in my range,” she said.
Goldberg’s portrayal of Miss Hannigan is sure to add a fresh spin to the beloved character. As the villainous head of the orphanage where Annie lives, Miss Hannigan’s harshness is softened by Goldberg’s sense of humor and stage presence.
The revival of Annie will run from December 4, 2024, through January 5, 2025, with Goldberg joining from the second week. The production promises to be a festive event, as Goldberg herself emphasized, “There is no better way to spend the holidays than to get back on stage.”