Who played Annie in the original Broadway production of Annie?

Andrea McArdle played Annie in the original Broadway production of Annie.

McArdle originated the title role when the musical opened at the Alvin Theatre in 1977. She was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, becoming closely associated with the character’s optimistic performance and the song “Tomorrow.”

Annie is based on the Little Orphan Annie comic strip created by Harold Gray. The musical’s book is by Thomas Meehan, with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin. Its story follows the orphan Annie as she searches for her parents and is taken in by the wealthy Oliver Warbucks.

Sarah Jessica Parker was among the performers who later played Annie on Broadway, but she was not the original star. The show won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1977 and became one of the era’s most frequently revived family musicals.