NEW YORK — After a nationwide search, Celina Smith has landed the title role of Annie in NBC’s upcoming holiday production of "Annie Live!"
The 12-year-old from Atlanta joins an all-star ensemble that includes Taraji P. Henson as Miss Hannigan, Harry Connick Jr. as Daddy Warbucks, Nicole Scherzinger as Grace and Tituss Burgess as Rooster.
"Annie Live!" will air Thursday, Dec. 2 on NBC.
Smith began her career as Young Nala in the national touring company of "The Lion King" and can also be seen on the series "Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan."
"It’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of the talented young ladies who have played Annie before me and I can’t wait to start this journey," Smith said.
One of the biggest hits in Broadway history, "Annie" is known for its many stage, television and movie adaptations and the songs "Little Girls," "Easy Street" and "NYC."
Smith will be tasked with performing some of musical theater’s most beloved numbers, including "Maybe,” "Tomorrow" and "It’s a Hard Knock Life."
NBC said Robert Greenblatt will serve as executive producer of the musical telecast along with Neil Meron, who has served as executive producer on all of NBC’s live musicals since 2013’s "The Sound of Music Live!"
"As we look to drive big live audiences for NBC, we could think of no better way than to bring back the network’s holiday musical tradition," said NBCUniversal Television's Susan Rovner.
"And there are no better partners to do this with than the incredible Neil Meron and Bob Greenblatt, who oversaw every live musical during the years he ran NBC. Under their leadership, 'Annie Live' will bring a fresh perspective to this timeless classic, coupling a dynamic first-class creative team with casting choices that will ensure this is a must-watch event for the whole family."
"Annie Live!" will be directed by the award-winning Lear deBessonet and Alex Rudzinski.
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