Annie officially takes the Palace

[theatreguy]

Previews begin October 3rd.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/producers-of-annie-reveal-previews-to-begin-in-october-at-broadways-palace-theater/2012/05/21/gIQAHDfmfU_story.html

[ChenoKahn]

Bye Priscilla!

[beautywickedlover]

What a surprise.

[Vespertine1228]

I have an image of them putting a giant red wig over the marquee. It would attract tourists by the thousands.

I just feel bad for those poor kids who will have to play to the people sitting in New Jersey, also known as the balcony at the Palace.

[Huss417]

@Vespertine1228

I was thinking about little kids falling from the balcony or as we called it years ago Cleveland. Jersey seems too close.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Pretty soon these PR announcements will be completely useless.
Just read these boards and you are way ahead of them.

Are we still thinking SJP as Hannigan?
I love her but not in that role. she's talented but broad comedy is not her best genre. I wanted to love her in MATTRESS, but she ended up being very wrong.

[finebydesign]

Not of fan of Annie but the irony in this related Facebook post is hilarious. Like JCSS isn't a tired property that's been beaten to death.

[dreaming]

Now, let's just announce Hannigan, please!

[CarlosAlberto]

@finebydesign: Thanks for the laugh. I mean really, like if any musical needs a moratorium placed on it it's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Talk about a show that's been done over and over and over again on Broadway!

Having ANNIE back on Broadway is a breath of fresh air in comparison! Let's hope this production is nothing like the Nell Carter revival from 1997.

[Musicaldudepeter]

Guys who the hell is gonna play Warbucks? I mean surely they'll need a big name for the role too, it's just as big as Hannigan.

And I'm thinking Laura Osnes for Grace Farrell - couldn't be more perfect

[LizzieCurry]

Merwin Foard is covering Warbucks and playing FDR, according to what he said in the talkback after "The Standbys."

[DAME]

ELAINE STRICH WITHOUT A PROMPTER SHOULD PLAY HANNIGAN! It would be terrifying in every way.

[CarlosAlberto]

^^ LMFPRAO!!! LOVE IT!!

[RippedMan]

Just seems like such a dark place for Annie.

[madbrian]

My list of acceptable Hannigans:

Jane Lynch
Harriet Harris
Katie Finneran
Catherine O'Hara
Ana Gasteyer
Sandra Bernhard

[beautywickedlover]

I know that some of you might find this a little bizzare, but I'd like to see what Bernadette Peters could do with the role after playing Lily St. Regis. It wouldn't be the only time an 'Annie' alum plays Hannigan. Andrea McArdle, the original Annie, has done the role a couple of times.

[OKBroadwayFan]

Will they be able to get all of the glitter and confetti out of the Palace in time for the orphans to move in? :)

[givesmevoice]

I love the idea of both Katie Finneran and Catherine O'Hara as Hannigan, and would also love to see either Carolee Carmello or Nancy Opel in the role.

[nasty_khakis]

Finneran would be an inspired choice and would knock it out of the park. However, despite 3 episodes of a failed/awful sitcom, a sellable name she ain't. That is, if the rumors of them wanting a big star are true. I think a greatly done production should speak for itself, name or not. South Pacfic was a huge hit with no real "star" name while 9 to 5 had a multiple Emmy winning actress and failed. Just goes to show you never know anything in life. haha

[jamiekennywicked]

I'd like to see Estelle Parsons as Hannigan. Wishful thinking? I still think Beth Leavel is the best name suggested. Why couldn't they have let Jackie Hoffman audition?

[givesmevoice]

If they beefed Grace's role up a bit and made it more of a dancer's role, I'd love to see someone like Mara Davi.

[perfectlymarvelous]

I love Jackie Hoffman and I think she could be a hilarious Hannigan, but I really can't imagine her working with that many kids...or sticking to a script.

I'm still rather attached to the idea of Carolee Carmello as Hannigan, but there are tons of actresses who would be great in the part.

[showchoirguy]

Does anyone think they will cast a past Hannigan?
(Wanada Sykes, Sally Struthers)???

[wicked4l]

My professor is good friends with Charles Strouse who said himself that the Hannigan that was casted has been "off the radar" for a while...Interested to see who he means.

[defygravity24]

I think SJP should play sandy

[bobs3]

Off the radar for awhile? Could be Maryann Plunkett.