Jennifer Lopez has had a lot on her plate over the years working on new music, flexing her acting talents and even taking a seat at the judges’ table. It is now being reported that the star is making history and will be starring in a new musical.
According to E Online, the Puerto Rican star is set to star in NBC’s live musical in 2017. NBC president Bob Greenblatt just revealed that the network will be taking on Bye Bye Birdie in December of next year, with Jennifer Lopez set to both executive produce and star as Rosie Alvarez.
Bye Bye Birdie was inspired by the late Elvis Presley, and tells that tale of a pop star, his manager Albert, and Albert’s girlfriend Rosie as they plan a contest to find the girl who gets to kiss the pop star before he ships her off to the army.
The musical will be based on the 1960 Tony Award-winning Broadway show, which was later, brought to the film space in 1963. Janet Leigh and Vanessa Williams have, also played the role that was originated by Chita Rivera in the show’s first run on Broadway, in the two film adaptations of the musical.
The star is ecstatic about the role and being the star’s first musical, she is ready for the challenge.
"Broadway musicals and films fueled my childhood and Bye Bye Birdie was one of my favorites," Lopez said in a statement. "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."
J.Lo will produce alongside Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Benny Medina, along with executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. Harvey Fierstein, who also wrote the teleplay for and will be starring in the upcoming Hairspray Live, will write the adaptation.
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