Breaking News: Whoopi Goldberg Gets Real About Her Next Career Move That’ll Stun Fans…..See More

Whoopi Goldberg is returning to the stage for the first time in almost five years, and she has some thoughts about her latest career move.

The View co-host is starring as Miss Hannigan in a New York City engagement of Annie, which opens at the MSG Theater on December 4. Although her debut playing the iconic head of the orphanage doesn’t officially start until December 11, Whoopi spoke to People about what it’s been like to step back into the world of theater. Given how her last onstage performance was for the London production of Sister Act (portraying Delores Van Cartier) in 2019, the TV personality was honest about feeling like she was out of practice.

“I’m rusty, trust me,” the EGOT artist told the outlet in an interview published on November 26. “I won’t be as rusty when you see me, but the old bones are creaking as I move.”

Even though Whoopi has played plenty of roles in various forms of theater, this role marks a different milestone for her. It’s the first time the Ghost alum is playing a villain, something she’s never done while performing for a live audience.

“I keep trying to get people to make me monsters [and] villains, and people are like ‘no,'” she added. “So these folks said, ‘Well, we’re not gonna listen to anybody else and we’re gonna offer you this part.'”

As some fans may remember, Whoopi first appeared on Broadway in 1984 with her self-titled one-woman show. She later produced the Broadway productions of Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2002 and the 2003 revival of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (in which she also starred as Ma). And given how she made an iconic turn in the 1992 film Sister Act, Whoopi also produced and starred in the London and Broadway productions of the stage adaptation.

So, how does Whoopi truly feel about being onstage once again? She’s ecstatic about it — and it all stems from a sentimental reason.

“The thing that I can say about this, which I love more than anything, is the group feel,” Whoopi stated. “The groove of all of us working together is something I missed, where you’re all working to get it together and actors are helping other actors.”

Well, this certainly has us excited to see the magic Whoopi brings to the stage. Can’t wait!