Next up on NBC's roster of live revivals is Bye Bye Birdie, the 1960 Broadway musical about a teen pop idol drafted to the army that became a movie in 1963—and triple threat Jennifer Lopez is set to executive produce and star in the 2017 production.
Lopez will play Rosie, secretary to the title character's agent. The original role was played by Chita Rivera on Broadway, opposite Dick Van Dyke as agent Albert (in the movie version, Van Dyke reprised the role opposite Janet Leigh's Rosie).
“To have a superstar like Jennifer Lopez starring in this classic show, which every high school in America has done, will ensure that our holiday musicals continue to be must-see events for the whole family,” said NBC Entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt in an official statement announcing the news. “It was her idea to take on this classic singing and dancing role made famous by the legendary Chita Rivera, and we are so happy to oblige! This show has delighted audiences for generations with classic songs that include Put on a Happy Face and A Lot of Livin’ to Do, and this will be an extravagant production built around this big star.”
Not a stranger to NBC, Lopez also issued a statement: “Broadway musicals and films fueled my childhood and Bye Bye Birdie was one of my favorites. I’m proud to be a part of the NBC family with Shades of Blue and I thought it would be a blast to take on one of their big live musicals.”
But before you get to see Lopez strut her stuff on television, make sure to set your DVR to record this year's NBC live musical production: Hairspray, which will air on December 7.