Original 'Annie' Returns to Show 30 Years Later

By John Mitchell Posted Jul 26th 2010 06:00PM

For some, acting can be a pretty hard-knock life, but Andrea McArdle, the original star of 'Annie,' is on easy street now that she's found her way back to where it all began.

The 46-year-old actress is currently starring as Miss Hannigan in a production of the Great Depression-set musical for the North Carolina Theatre Co., playing a nasty orphanage matron who gives her former character a tough time. "It's a strange thing; it's a powerful thing," she told Al Roker on the 'Today' show of returning to the play. "I have a lot to live up to, and especially in this production – this is part of my legacy."

McArdle assumed the titular role of Annie at just 13 when she was plucked from the chorus during rehearsals to replace Kristin Vigard, who had been originally cast in the lead role. Born in Philadelphia, McArdle studied dance as a child. She was soon spotted by a talent agent and began working in commercials and soap operas.

Her role in the Broadway hit landed her a Tony nomination, and she remains the youngest actress ever to land a nod for a leading role. Ironically, she lost to her co-star, Dorothy Loudon, who played Miss Hannigan in the original production. "I've waited all my life to play a woman like Miss Hannigan," McArdle said. "I was like the ingénue du jour for quite some time, and I've played every girl next door and, you know, all of the romantic leads ... so, I've always wanted to play characters, always."

Letting go of her one-time character has been a challenge though. "It's a bizarre thing," she said of wanting to sing along to her old solos. "I have to really, really focus, heightened focus, to not, you know, slip back in it."

Just a year after her star-making performance on the New York stage, McArdle left to launch the show in London's West End. She has maintained a successful theater career since, starring on Broadway and in a national touring production of 'Les Misérables,' in regional productions of 'Grease,' 'Evita' and 'Annie Get Your Gun,' and in an international tour of 'Cabaret.'

McArdle was well aware of the expectations that came with her return to 'Annie.' "This was a giant chunk of my adolescence, a giant chunk of my life," she told Roker. "It's still following me around. I think I needed to get older and definitely not be an ingénue anymore, so I feel really lucky to have this chance."

Tags: Andrea McArdle, today show

Comments

(24)

Monday 26 July

By carole del monte

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I love this show. What's not to love? It's so nice that Andrea McArdle is playing Miss Hannigan. More appropriate than anyone else I can think of. She is one "child star" who was totally appealing.

By batsale46

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

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p a y p a l Accept,Door to Door

s so nice that Andrea McArdle is playing Miss Hannigan. More appropriate than anyone else I can think of. She is one "child star" who was totally appealing.

By david b

i think all you losers should get a life,are your lives that boreing that you need to know what celebs are doing 24-7 you are all losers

Tuesday 27 July

By hush

so why are you here?????

By rj

Another Moron

By Katie

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

So what are YOU doing on this page? You're telling people that they should get a life because they read "celebrity" stories. What's your main malfunction then?

By Russ

Along with the Yes & No answers for Questions about Celebs like Brad & Angie , Linsey Lohan & many others , There should be an optional 3rd answer .....Who Cares ?
For those of us who don't care about their Celebrity status and are quite frankley , sick & Tired of hearing about them or how they've brought shame upon themselves and their families .

By lee

AMEN Russ!I opinion exactly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Dan

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

She's hot! Major MIL*. Sorta looks like Lindsey Lohan . . or viceversa

By Alexa

she looks like bobbie eaks

By Tommy G

So Annie now is Granny right? anyway Good Luck to her she looks terrific and was an adorable child

By phxbasket

I remember when McArdle played "Annie" and the producers said she got it right, the first time, every time. I wish her the same success this time.

By Hello Bev

Last Spring I saw a "local" production of "Annie" played by a 9 year old 4th grader. She was amazing. The audience was blown away. A great play by Alexandria Bay School in northern NY State. The director is the most applauded music teacher and the cast was some from every grade of the school. I wish I had Annie's picture to show you the absolute likeness to Andrea McArdle.

By Arbuckle

Watched some of the promotions for a series of Shirley Temple shows and the little spoiled brat is disgusting.

By JJP1543

Annie is the best I am 38 and I loved her as a Kid I watched her over and over till the tape we had didn't work and my mom was able to get me a new one I also collected all her trading card's wish I still had them .I am happy for her .Go Annie...

By Bob Johnson

Time for Obama to break up "Big Hollywood". The profits are obscene.

By Judy Davis

Vote down Vote up Report this

Please! I've never seen Barrack Obama do anything except talk a good talk! He seems to love Hollywood and they sure love him! They are all too liberal for me. I appreciate this country the way it was and not moving toward Socialism like it is now. Wake up everyone and pay attention! Best wishes to the original Annie with her new role.

By Janet

I think that every time someone types the words "who cares" they shud zapped by their keyboard. If ya dont care, dont click the dang article. It's AOL Popeater for Christ's sake. U want real news? go to a real news site like ur local news, newspaper or the Times. Spare us ur indifference.

It was nice to hear about Andrea. So :p

By Pookiecaru

Blessed be Christ's name

By Lilly's Mommy

My 2 yr old is watching "Annie" at this very moment... just as she does EVERY DAY... happy to see her playing the role of Mrs.Hannigan :) She was such a talented child.... and I am sure even more talented at this point in her life. Good luck to her :)

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