Whoopi Goldberg has joked that she feels “rusty” ahead of her return to Broadway. The announcement has generated significant buzz in the theatre community, as this marks her first Broadway appearance in over a decade.
The 69-year-old actress made her Broadway debut 40 years ago, but Whoopi is set to return to the stage as Miss Hannigan, the cruel keeper of the orphanage, in a new production of Annie. The musical has been a Broadway staple since its premiere in 1977, running for nearly six years in its original run.
Whoopi as Miss Hannigan
“I’m rusty, trust me,” the award-winning star quipped in an interview with PEOPLE. The role of Miss Hannigan has been previously portrayed by notable actresses, including Carol Burnett in the 1982 film adaptation. “I won’t be as rusty when you see me, but the old bones are creaking as I move.”
This production marks a significant milestone in Goldberg’s career, which spans over four decades in entertainment. She is loving the challenge of playing Miss Hannigan, and she’s also relished the experience of working with her younger co-stars. The production features a talented cast of child actors selected from thousands of auditionees nationwide.
“They’re all wonderful actors,” she said. “They have been so open and so wonderful to me, and it makes it a pleasure to go to the rehearsals. The rehearsal process for Broadway shows typically involves six to eight weeks of intensive preparation before opening night.
Goldberg has relished being back in a theatre environment, too. Theatre has always held a special place in her heart, dating back to her early days performing in experimental theater productions in California.
“The thing that I can say about this, which I love more than anything, is the group feel,” the acclaimed actress shared. “The groove of all of us working together is something I missed, where you’re all working to get it together and actors are helping other actors.” Broadway productions typically involve a company of 50-100 people, including cast, crew, and creative team members.
Meanwhile, Goldberg recently admitted that she would quit “The View” if she had “all the money in the world.” Her candid admission reflects the financial realities many performers face, even those with established careers.
‘The View’ still pays her bills
The actress has starred on the TV chat show since 2007, but she won’t walk away anytime soon because she needs her salary. Her tenure on “The View” has spanned more than 15 years, making her one of the longest-serving moderators in the show’s history.
“I appreciate that people are having a hard time. Me, too. I work for a living,” said Goldberg, who stars alongside the likes of Sunny Hostin, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Ava Navarro and Sara Haines. “The View” continues to be one of daytime television’s most-watched talk shows, averaging more than 2.5 million viewers daily.
“If I had all the money in the world, I would not be here, okay? So, I’m a working person, you know?” This sentiment resonates with many in the entertainment industry, where steady work can be unpredictable.
Goldberg’s return to Broadway represents a full-circle moment in her career. Her first Broadway appearance in 1984 was a one-woman show that caught the attention of Steven Spielberg, leading to her breakout role in “The Color Purple.”
The new production of “Annie” is expected to bring fresh energy to the classic musical, with Goldberg’s interpretation of Miss Hannigan being highly anticipated by theatre critics and fans alike. The show has historically drawn large audiences, with the original production selling more than 20 million tickets during its run.
The role of Miss Hannigan is particularly demanding, requiring both strong acting and singing abilities, along with perfect comic timing. Goldberg has been working with vocal coaches and choreographers to prepare for the physically demanding role, which includes several memorable musical numbers.
