NBC’s Annie Live Musical Casts Tituss Burgess as Rooster

NBC’s Annie Live! musical cast Emmy-nominated performer Tituss Burgess as Rooster. The classic show was confirmed as NBC’s next live musical broadcast back in May. Since then, the production has teased a collection of glittering cast members, including Taraji P. Henson (Empire) as Miss Hannigan, crooner Harry Connick Jr. as Daddy Warbucks, and singer Nicole Scherzinger as Grace. The story follows little orphan Annie’s journey to being adopted by the wealthy Warbucks much to the chagrin of plotting orphanage owner Hannigan.

The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Tituss Burgess will play Rooster, Miss Hannigan’s conniving brother. Burgess revealed to the publication that he’s always dreamt of playing a villain. In Annie, Rooster turns up at his sister’s orphanage with his love Lily St. Regis and concocts a get-rich scheme to pretend to be Annie’s parents. Tim Curry and Alan Cumming have both put their spin on the role in the past.

Burgess got his start in musicals, making his Broadway debut in The Beach Boys musical Good Vibrations in 2005. From there he launched into a successful stage career, perhaps best remembered for originating the role of Sebastian in Disney’s The Little Mermaid on Broadway. Brugess’ soaring voice and infectious presence eventually caught Tina Fey’s attention, who cast him as Titus Andromedon in her hit series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

NBC now tapping Burgess for Annie Live! is a welcome departure from the typical representation the role has had in the past. With his killer comedic timing and top-notch performance skills, Burgess will no doubt take this project down easy street.

Source: THR

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Robert Peterpaul
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Robert Peterpaul is a Movie/TV News Writer for Screen Rant. He’s currently the host of The Art of Kindness podcast, which aims to showcase celebrities using their platform to make the world better. Peterpaul has been a professional Writer/ Editor for over eight years, writing for high-profile publications like HuffPost, Backstage and HOLA! USA, where he served as the Weekend Editor for six years. Robert has also worked on various television shows and films, including: NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” and “Access Hollywood.” When he’s not writing about entertainment, he’s entertaining. Robert has appeared in films like James Franco’s “King Cobra,” TV series such as Amazon Prime’s “New Dogs, Old Tricks,” and ad campaigns for brands like T-Mobile. He also has a long-running career in the theatre, getting his start Off-Broadway when he was child. Speaking of childhood, Robert’s second home growing up was blockbuster, where he rented “The Goonies” more times than any customer (always with a side of Sour Patch Kids, of course). His undying passion for entertainment and storytelling continues to thrive. He thanks you for reading and hopes you follow your bliss. You can follow him on Instagram/Twitter @robpeterpaul and at www.robertpeterpaul.com.

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