ANNIE (1977 Original Broadway Cast) — Page 2

BrodyFosse123 said: "I believe she has a reputation for being difficult, which doesn’t work in her favor as she’s not at the level that producers will overlook like they will for a big box office name. I’m sure her agents get the “we’re not interested in seeing her” dismissal."

Had no idea. Not really relevant, but she got an eye-lift within the past few years that was a gigantic mistake in terms of any film work, though I doubt it makes a noticeable difference from across the footlights.

BrodyFosse123 said: "joevitus said: "BrodyFosse123 said: "I believe she has a reputation for being difficult, which doesn’t work in her favor as she’s not at the level that producers will overlook like they will for a big box office name. I’m sure her agents get the “we’re not interested in seeing her” dismissal."

Had no idea. Not really relevant, butshe got an eye-lift within the past few years that was a gigantic mistake in terms of any film work, though I doubt it makes anoticeable differencefrom across the footlights."

Aside from the TV work she did in her young days, McArdle never crossed over into TV and film. Her last TV acting credit is the 1999 ABC Disney remake of ANNIE where she had that cameo as Star to Be in the “N.Y.C.” number. Zero film credits aside from 2 short films in the last few years. Don’t hold your breath on her attaining a TV and film career at this point.

"

Wasn't holding my breath for anything. I'm old enough to remember both her appearances as Annie in the RCA Zenith television commercials and playing Arnold Horshack's sister on an episode of Welcome Back, Kotter. I didn't think she looked great in her Annie-the-t.v.-movie guest spot, either (Marshall filmed her with the veins popping in her neck as she sang). It's just that t.v. is a pretty obvious medium for stage actors to try to make a buck from, and I didn't see that eye-lift as helping her any when she's looking for employment. It actually makes her look sinister.

She's in great voice. But she's terrible.

Thanks for the responses, all.
I wonder how many auditions she’s had over the years for various and sundry shows that have hit the boards and that we’ve seen that she didn’t get.
We’ve all read about this actor or that actor in Hollywood who was up for some big role but someone else got it, or they passed on it for something else.
Wonder how many she’s put her name in for and got passed on.
She does have a good voice still it seems.
I do remember seeing her in State Fair now that I think on it. But that was ages ago now.

Could it also have something to do with the fact she has been so identified as Annie that producers might think Broadway audiences won’t see beyond that? It was such a defining role. Or are we too many decades beyond that for it to be a factor?

Updated On: 11/29/20 at 09:12 AM

I mentioned which line next to the word 'line" in my original post.

Jarethan said: "Zamedy154 said: "So this show fits into two categories for me right now:

-SHOWS YOU'RE CURRENTLY OBSESSED WITH

-OPENING NIGHT YOU'D LOVE TO GO BACK TO SEE

I've always enjoyed Annie but never been 'blown away' by any of the touring productions I've seen. And then you watch that glorious 10-minute performance from the Tonys and you can't help but smile from ear to ear the entire time. You instantly get why the original was such a hit and spawned revival after revival and touring production after touring production.Everything was perfect - perfect cast, a GREAT score that still holds up despite a book that takes place during the Great Depression. Dorothy Loudon, Andrea McArdle, Reid Shelton, Laurie Beechman, Robert Fitch, every original orphan,

If you saw the original Broadway cast, color me jealous."

My wife and i saw Annie in previews, and thought it was 'meh'. A good friend of mine was in from out of state and had a chance to see Annie on opening night. We gave him our 'meh' opinion, and he ended up seeing LivUllmann in Anna Christie --which he said was stultifyingly awful -- instead. We have never fully lived that one down although, thankfully, he had the same 'meh' reaction when he saw it. Over the years, I have seen it several more times (not a lot) and have enjoyed it more than our first time, but still think it is not a great show.

Have to admit -- and I know that it is sacrilege on this board -- that I never liked Dorothy Loudon. I have never been able to explain exactly why, but I dothink she wasbest in small doses, since she had TO ME a real tendency to overdo it."

Out of curiosity, were there noticeable differences between the preview you saw and the performance after opening?