2017 NBC Live Musical is "Bye Bye Birdie"

[RW3]

Posted: 10/27/16 at 11:10pm

With Jennifer Lopez. http://www.ew.com/article/2016/10/27/bye-bye-birdie-jennifer-lopez-nbc-live-musical?xid=entertainment-weekly_socialflow_twitter

What. Huh. I'm confused and shocked right now.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 10/27/16 at 11:11pm

No thank you.

[fashionguru_23]

Posted: 10/27/16 at 11:14pm

This is so random to have announced this so early, and before Hairspray has even been on. Weird. 

Interesting all these "Live!" musicals are shows we have either famous film versions of, or shows that have already been made into TV movies after a film. I'm guessing Annie, Cinderella, The Music Man, and Gypsy will all be slated next.

Updated On: 10/27/16 at 11:14 PM

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 10/27/16 at 11:15pm

Oh, good. We need another version of this show. 

[CindersGolightly]

Posted: 10/27/16 at 11:15pm

Why not! I'm excited.

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 10/27/16 at 11:17pm

At least this version will actually have a Spanish Rose.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 10/27/16 at 11:18pm

Rose from the block. 

[CindersGolightly]

Posted: 10/27/16 at 11:18pm

Are we going to start the dreamcasting now?

[Kad]

Posted: 10/27/16 at 11:20pm

It's over a year away. Can we at least wait until Hairspray is done?

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

Posted: 10/27/16 at 11:20pm

Alright, I'm gonna be the one to say it:

Fire Zadan and Meron, NBC. They are not doing you any favors.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 10/27/16 at 11:20pm

Bieber 4 Birdie.

[Luscious]

Posted: 10/27/16 at 11:20pm

Works for me! Excited about it! And announcing it early is actually great press for the upcoming HAIRSPRAY LIVE! The rest of the casting will be interesting. Let the casting wish lists begin!

[smidge]

Posted: 10/27/16 at 11:25pm

Perfect world choice for Albert: Rob McClure or Joseph Gordon Levitt (but too young for Lopez).

Worst case scenario: Stamos again

[ljay889]

Posted: 10/27/16 at 11:32pm

Granted we had the TV version 22 years ago, I think this is exciting, there's no denying that Jennifer is pretty prefect for the role. I've suggested her before, and finally an actual Spanish Rose. I'm very curious to see how she'll handle singing a musical theater score live, I am sure she's going to do a lot of vocal work. 

Updated On: 10/27/16 at 11:32 PM

[CindersGolightly]

Posted: 10/27/16 at 11:36pm

Who are we thinking for Kim?

[ljay889]

Posted: 10/27/16 at 11:39pm

I bet they'll go for an unknown, like they did for Dorothy and Tracy. Albert, Conrad, and Mae will undoubtedly be big names. 

[JohnyBroadway]

Posted: 10/27/16 at 11:48pm

Jackie Hoffman for Mae?

[BroadwayMan5]

Posted: 10/27/16 at 11:59pm

I think NPH would be a good Albert. I agree that they'll try to have big names for Albert, Conrad, and Mae. Probably Mr. McAfee too

[gypsy101]

Posted: 10/27/16 at 11:59pm

i actually think this is a great idea. sure, there was that not-great version from the 90's but I think J-Lo is perfect for the role. hope they get a good supporting cast!

[OKBroadwayFan]

Posted: 10/28/16 at 12:01am

Rosie O'Donnell for Mama.   Is she old enough?

[AKarp2013]

Posted: 10/28/16 at 12:03am

I could see them casting Lilla Crawford for Kim. Is she too young though?

[Whateverjsays]

Posted: 10/28/16 at 12:07am

Can JLo sing it though? Based on her last few albums she hasn't been at her best vocally. Let alone sing anything live, uses auto tune and lip syncs frequently. I'm curious to see how she'll do. I love her as an actress and do enjoy her music,don't get me wrong, I just wonder if she has the chops for it

[OKBroadwayFan]

Posted: 10/28/16 at 12:09am

Answered my own question:  Tyne Daly was 49  for the 1995 movie, Maureen Stapleton was 38! for the 1963 musical and Jayne Houdyshell was 56 for the last Broadway production.    Rosie is 56.    (I did my birthday math very quickly, so I could be off)  :)

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 10/28/16 at 12:20am

I don't know how to feel yet. I don't automatically hate it or love it. I'm kind of glad they cast Rosie first. I like the score enough that I could probably sit through this. Rocky Horror was easy to sit through for that reason. Peter Pan was a struggle. Sure, they could have chosen a more interesting show but it wasn't exactly unexpected.

[SweetLips]

Posted: 10/28/16 at 12:45am

Does anyone really get excited about these 'live musicals' any more? Not  me-but still read what others have to say.

I don't get to see them 'live' but have bought Sound of Music and Peter Pan on DVD--have yet to watch them and skip/read some threads about the broadcasts.

Rocky Horror intrigues as I remember sneaking out to watch the original as I knew Jim Sharman and Hairspray could  be fun. Again--will wait for the DVD to reserve judgement.

Birdie was the first musical I ever saw in Brisbane Queensland/Australia--had a major affect on my life[style].

SL