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Jane Krakowski is replaced by Megan Hilty for NBC’s upcoming musical special Annie Live! after contracting ‘breakthrough’ case of COVID-19 ‘despite being double vaccinated’
Jane Krakowski has dropped out of the cast of the upcoming musical special Annie Live! after contracting a ‘breakthrough’ case of COVID-19.
The 53-year-old ‘double vaccinated’ actress – who was set to play Miss Hannigan’s partner in crime Lily St. Regis – will be replaced by actress Megan Hilty.
The upcoming NBC special – set to premiere next month – is based on the Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie, as well as the Broadway musical of the same name.
Dropping out: Jane Krakowski has dropped out of the cast of the upcoming musical special Annie Live! after contracting a ‘breakthrough’ case of COVID-19; seen in September
The network also released a statement about the situation to Deadline, and noted that Krakowski had taken every step to protect herself from the coronavirus.
They noted that she was ‘experiencing a breakthrough Covid case while working on a separate project in Ireland despite being double vaccinated, a regular testing process and abiding by protocols.’
Hilty, 40, also issued a statement to express her excitement about being added to the cast of the upcoming special.
‘I am beyond thrilled to join this all-star cast, crew and creative team…to be a part of this particular production is an honor and a dream come true,’ she stated.
Replacement: The 53-year-old ‘double vaccinated’ actress – who was set to play Miss Hannigan’s partner in crime Lily St. Regis – will be replaced by Broadway alum Megan Hilty; seen in 2019
The Wicked star added: ‘My family and I have been super fans of Annie for as long as I can remember, and we always look forward to the epic televised musicals produced by Bob Greenblatt & Neil Meron.’
The performer also sent Krakowski her best wishes, stating: ‘I wish Jane the speediest of recoveries and hope to do her proud.’
Development on Annie Live! was initially announced this past May, when many of the special’s crew signed on to work on the project.
Previous musical specials that have been released by NBC include Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Musical Live! and Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.
Showing her support: The performer also sent Krakowski her best wishes, stating: ‘I wish Jane the speediest of recoveries and hope to do her proud’; the actress is seen in October
Taraji P. Henson notably signed on to portray Miss Hannigan this past June.
Other cast members, including Harry Connick Jr, Nicole Scherzinger and Titus Burgess, were later attached to the roles of Daddy Warbucks, Grace Farrell and Rooster Hannigan, respectively.
Krakowski previously accepted the role of Lily St. Regis this past September.
Talented performer: Taraji P. Henson notably signed on to portray Miss Hannigan this past June; she is seen in October
NBC conducted a nationwide audition for the musical special’s title role in June.
After two months of work, Celina Smith was confirmed to be portraying Annie in the forthcoming special.
Annie Live! is currently scheduled to make its debut on NBC on December 2nd.
Coming soon: Annie Live! is currently scheduled to make its debut on NBC on December 2nd; cast member Harry Connick Jr. is seen in 2019
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