Whoopi Goldberg to star in ‘Annie’ at Madison Square Garden

The multi-award-winning actress and comedian will play orphanage owner Miss Hannigan in a new revival of the classic musical about an optimistic young girl.

We love you, Miss Hannigan! Whoopi Goldberg will perform in a limited-run residency of the classic Broadway musical Annie, playing at The Theater at Madison Square Garden from December 4 to January 5. Goldberg will begin performances December 11.

Goldberg is one of only 19 people to have earned an EGOT — at least one Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award each — for her diverse stage and screen work as an actress, producer, and TV personality on The View. Her Broadway credits as a performer include The Color Purple and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. She also starred in the movie musical Sister Act and later produced its Broadway adaptation.

Now, Goldberg will play callous orphanage owner Miss Hannigan in Annie, the classic 1977 musical by Thomas Meehan (book), Charles Strouse (music), and Martin Charnin (lyrics) last seen in New York in a 2014 Broadway production.

Annie is an optimistic orphan longing for her parents, and she gets a new chance at a family when she’s taken in by the rich but kindly Oliver Warbucks. The show’s most famous songs include “Tomorrow,” “Maybe” and "It's the Hard Knock Life."

“I love the theatre, and in my mind, there is no better way to spend the holidays than to get back on stage,” Goldberg said in a statement. “I can’t wait to step in to the delicious role of Miss Hannigan and perform for the greatest audiences in the world—in my hometown of New York City.”

The show also features direction by Jenn Thompson, choreography by Patricia Wilcox, music supervision by Matthew Smedal, and orchestrations by Dan DeLange. Talitha Fehr is the music coordinator, and Matthew Smedal is the tour music supervisor.

The Annie design team includes scenic designer Wilson Chin, costume designer Alejo Vietti, sound design by Ken Travis, and hair and wig design by Ashley Rae Callahan. Lighting design is based on that of Philip Rosenberg.

Check back for information on Annie tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

Photo credit: Whoopi Goldberg. (Photo by Timothy White)