It spawned follow-up events including “Peter Pan Live!” in 2014, “The Wiz Live!” in 2015, “Hairspray Live!” in 2016 and “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” on Easter in 2018.
“Annie Live!” landed at NBC after being shopped to all four major broadcast networks.
“As we look to drive big live audiences for NBC, we could think of no better way than to bring back the network’s holiday musical tradition,” said Susan Rovner, Chairman, Entertainment Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming.
Also for “Wonderful World of Disney,” Meron and Zadan produced a 1999 version of “Annie” from director Rob Marshall.
“Annie” the musical first hit Broadway in 1977, featuring music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin and book by Thomas Meehan.
The original 1977 title character was played by Andrea McArdle; others who played “Annie” over the years included Sarah Jessica Parker.