As reported in the New York Post, Annie's Nell Carter, suffering from a hernia, underwent surgery April 21 for the ailment. The operation was a success, and Carter is expected to return to the show Saturday night, April 26.

The hard-knock hernia had begun to pain her in August and "the doctor wanted me to have surgery at that time," Carter told the Post, "but in fairness to the cast, particularly the kids, I didn't want to miss the show for even one performance. Last week I went to see one of the best surgeons in town, and he said, `Now!'".

Carter's understudy, Barbara Tirrell (who plays Mrs. Pugh) has been doing the role since the actress' absence.

Judy Katz, Carter's publicist, told Playbill On-Line the Tony-winning actress will go into rehearsals April 25 to change a couple of minor bits of business, such as when the kids pat her on the belly. "She's fine, she's walking around, she did "CBS This Morning" this morning," said Katz.

For tickets and information on Annie at the Martin Beck Theatre, call (212) 239-6200. --By David Lefkowitz