'Glee' star Jane Lynch to play Miss Hannigan in 'Annie' on Broadway

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NEW YORK, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- "Glee" star Jane Lynch is to make her Broadway debut as Miss Hannigan in the musical "Annie," producers said Wednesday.

The Emmy Award-winning actress, whose voice can now be heard in the animated alien film "Escape from Planet Earth," will replace actress Katie Finneran in the role of Miss Hannigan in "Annie," starting May 16.

Finneran is leaving the show to begin work on a new NBC sitcom starring Michael J. Fox.

Lynch's 8-week run in "Annie" will wrap July 14.

"Some may say I know a thing or two about playing intimidating authority figures," Lynch said in a statement, referring to the tough-as-nails cheerleading coach she plays on "Glee." "So I am excited and honored to be making my Broadway debut with the wonderful 'Annie' company at the Palace Theatre and joining the pantheon of women who have taken on the great and irresistible role of wicked Miss Hannigan."

"I am forever indebted to the creative team and producers of 'Annie'. They made a dream come true for me by giving me the chance to play Miss Hannigan on Broadway. And now they have been unbelievably generous in recognizing what a unique opportunity this television series is for my family and me," Finneran said. "I am so grateful to them for making it possible for me to begin filming the series this summer and I can't wait to come back and see the goddess Jane Lynch bring down the house at the Palace."