FILE - In this July 11, 2016 file photo, Jennifer Lopez performs on NBC's "Today" show at Rockefeller Plaza in New York. NBC says the actress-singer will headline its 2017 live holiday musical. She will play Rosie, the role originated on Broadway in 1960 by Chita Rivera. “Bye Bye Birdie Live!” airs a year from now as the next in NBC's annual live-musical tradition. “Hairspray Live!,” starring newcomer Maddie Baillio, is set to air Dec. 7. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
Republished October 28, 2016 - 8:09 AM
Original Publication Date October 28, 2016 - 6:45 AM
NEW YORK - Say hello to Jennifer Lopez in NBC's forthcoming "Bye Bye Birdie."
NBC says the actress-singer will headline its 2017 live holiday musical. She will play Rosie, the role originated on Broadway in 1960 by Chita Rivera.
Tony Award-winning Harvey Fierstein will write the script.
"Bye Bye Birdie Live!" airs a year from now as the next in NBC's annual live-musical tradition. "Hairspray Live!," starring newcomer Maddie Baillio, is set to air on Dec. 7.
"Birdie" is an homage to circa-1950s rock 'n' roll mania and centres on the character Conrad Birdie, who is reminiscent of a young Elvis Presley.
ABC aired a 1995 TV-movie version starring Jason Alexander and Vanessa Williams.
Lopez stars in NBC's cop drama "Shades of Blue" and will judge its upcoming competition series, "World of Dance."
News from © The Associated Press, 2016