Taylor Richardson and Sadie Sink to Take Over the Starring Role in Annie; Lilla Crawford Departs in July

Broadway.com Simply Red video blogger Lilla Crawford is giving up her post as the star of the Broadway's Annie. Crawford departs the Broadway.com Audience Choice Award-winning revival on July 28. Current cast members Taylor Richardson and Sadie Sink will share the title role in the musical beginning July 30. Each young actress will also play the role of Duffy when not starring as Annie.

“As we were preparing to cast the next Annie, I realized we had two wonderful candidates already in the orphanage. Both Taylor and Sadie are such unique young actresses, that I decided to let them share the role,” director James Lapine said in a statement.

In addition to Crawford, orphans Madi Rae DiPietro, Georgi James, Jaidyn Young and Junah Jang will all depart the production on July 28. They will be replaced by Gaby Bradbury (Pepper), Amaya Braganza (July) and Skye Alyssa Friedman (standby for the roles of Duffy, Pepper, July and Tessie). Current orphan, Tyrah Skye Odoms will take over the role of Tessie. Emily Rosenfeld continues in the role of Molly.

This isn’t the only summer cast change at Broadway’s Annie. Tony winner Faith Prince steps in for Glee star Jane Lynch as Miss Hannigan beginning July 19.

Richardson originated the role of Duffy in the Broadway revival of Annie and has been understudying Crawford in the role of Annie. Her regional credits include White Christmas and Honk! Sink made her Broadway debut as the standby for Molly, Kate, Tessie, July and Duffy. Her regional credits include Annie, White Christmas, Miracle Worker and The Secret Garden. The Texas native was announced to star in the Broadway-bound musical adaptation of Tuck Everlasting.