PITTSFIELD — When she was just 12 years old, Andrea McArdle originated the title role in the Broadway musical “Annie,” becoming the youngest ever Tony Award nominee for leading actress in a musical.

There can only be one Annie — at a time. When NBC’s “Annie Live!” airs this December, the orphaned girl who’s had “a hard-knock life” will be played by 12-year-old Celina Smith. But as fans of the ...