Jane Lynch is about to experience the hard-knock life — but she's really happy about it. The "Glee" star will make her Broadway debut in May in "Annie" at the Palace Theatre.
Lynch will join the cast as the evil orphanage matron Miss Hannigan, a role that she seems to have been prepping for with her portrayal of tart-tongued cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester on "Glee."
Also read: Jane Lynch Praises Obama's Gay-Rights Record in Campaign Ad (Video)
“Some may say I know a thing or two about playing intimidating authority figures,” Lynch said of her new gig. “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.”
Lynch will step into the role for eight weeks through July 14, filling in for Katie Finneran. Finneran will be leaving the production at an as-yet-unannounced date to film the upcoming as-yet-untitled Michael J. Fox sitcom, which has received a 22-episode order from NBC and will premiere in the fall.
Also read: Jane Lynch Imagines Life as Rupert Murdoch; Slams Sarah Palin & Glenn Beck (Video)
Though new to Broadway, Lynch's stage credits include The Second City and Steppenwolf Theater.
The current Broadway production of Annie, which is being directed by James Lapine and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler, also stars Anthony Warlow making as Daddy Warbucks and Lilla Crawford in the title role.
Lynch joins a list of actresses who've played Miss Hannigan that includes Nell Carter and Dorothy Loudon.