Wanda Sykes to Lead ANNIE as 'Miss Hannigan' for Media Theatre, 11/23 - 1/16

BroadwayWorld has just confirmed that comedian Wanda Sykes will be leading the Media Theatre's production of ANNIE as 'Miss Hannigan' - the iconic child-hating orphanage director with an affinity for alcoholic beverages - this holiday season.  Sykes will open the production on November 23 and close the production on January 16, 2011 following a Christmas absence.  The theater today released an audition notice and are seeking all roles, including a cover for Sykes while the star fulfills her holiday commitments.  The production will be directed by Media Artistic Director Jesse Cline and musical directed by Tom Fosnocht.  Rehearsals begin November 8, 2011.

The role of Annie, Daddy Warbucks, Miss Hannigan cover, Rooster Hannigan, Lily ST. Regis, Grace and adult ensemble will be auditioned on Monday, AUgust 23 from 5-9pm.  The orphans will be auditioned on August 21 at 10am.

Annie is based upon the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and the book by Thomas Meehan. The musical ran for nearly six years on Broadway, setting a record for the Alvin Theatre (now the Neil Simon Theatre). It spawned numerous productions in many countries, as well as national tours, and won the Tony Award for Best Musical. The musical will return to Broadway in 2012.

Wanda Sykes earned the 1999 Emmy Award for her writing on The Chris Rock Show. Deemed 'One of the Funniest People in America' by Entertainment Weekly, Sykes is also known for her role as Barb on The New Adventures of Old Christine and for her appearances on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm. In November 2009 The Wanda Sykes Show, her own late-night talkshow, premiered on Fox, airing Saturday nights.

To learn more about the Media Theatre's production of ANNIE, in addition to audition specifics, visit mediatheatre.org.