Katie Finneran On Being 'Obsessed' with Annie and Eyeing Tony Number Three

The theater season is barely under way and already award buzz is swirling around comic actress Katie Finneran, who will take on the deliciously nasty role of Miss Hannigan in the Broadway revival of Annie. Dorothy Loudon, the show's original star, picked up a Tony for playing the villainess, and with two trophies already to her name, Finneran is an obvious Tony contender. Broadway.com recently caught up with Finneran to see if awards glory is on her mind as she preps for the production's October 3 start date.

 “Who doesn’t want another Tony?” Finneran laughed. “It’s the greatest, loveliest gift you can ever receive. I think there are going to be some amazing performances this year, and I can’t wait to see what everybody does. Of course, it would be lovely to be invited to the dance, but if it doesn’t happen there’s always another day, another show.”

Finneran is not just a star of Annie; she's a longtime fan. "I was so in love with this show as a little girl," Finneran said. "I was obsessed with it. I used to perform it every day with my best friend Sharon Delaney. To play Miss Hannigan is a dream come true. Who knew this would ever happen?" 

Finneran received Tony Awards for her scene-stealing performances in Promises, Promises and Noises Off. Her other Broadway credits include Mauritius, Cabaret, The Iceman Cometh, Proposals, The Heiress, My Favorite Year, In the Summer House and Two Shakesperean Actors. She recently starred on the short-lived FOX series I Hate My Teenage Daughter. 

Annie, directed by James Lapine, is scheduled to open November 8 at the Palace Theatre.