We’ll love her today and tomorrow!!
Celina Smith wows in NBC’s new Annie Live! Adaptation, The New York Times reports.
NBC recently aired Annie Live!, its new Broadway musical adaptation of the popular 1977 award winning play that follows the story of an 11-year-old orphan girl named Annie. Abandoned by her parents, Annie lives in an orphanage run by a harsh woman named Miss Hannigan. Despite her bleak circumstances, Annie tries to maintain a positive outcome and keep her eyes focused on her dreams. One day, she meets a billionaire who takes her into her home and becomes enamored with her charm.
Over the years, the play has produced two blockbuster movies, a 1999 television adaptation and received a number of Broadway revivals.
The new live adaptation featured all of the nostalgia of the original film with some very memorable performances from the ensemble cast which includes Taraji P. Henson (Miss Hannigan) Harry Connick Jr.(Oliver Warbucks), Tituss Burgess, who plays Hannigan’s brother and Celina Smith who stole the show as Annie.
The musical received praise from fans online with Broadway World calling Celina a star!
Give it up for this STAR, Celina Smith! #AnnieLive @NBC pic.twitter.com/fgVJxFguha
Filled with a number of wonderful numbers including the closing rendition of its most famous song, “Hard Knock Life,” Smith brought a sort of heartwarming element to the production that made it feel larger than life.
No word yet if they’re going to re-air the special but it’s a treat that’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit!
Photo Courtesy of Paul Gilmore/NBC