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Jennifer Lopez to star in NBC's 'Bye Bye Birdie' and we can't wait!

It's a little bit rock 'n' roll and a lot of screaming teenagers — so we think this revival of the Broadway favorite will be a smash!
/ Source: TODAY

Time to put on a happy face! "Bye Bye Birdie," the 1960 Broadway musical that made it to the big screen in 1963, is getting a live revival on NBC — with the one and only Jennifer Lopez in charge!

The announcement, which was made Thursday, revealed that J.Lo will executive produce and star in a 2017 version of "Birdie," the story of what happens when an Elvis-esque teen pop idol is drafted into the Army — and his agent schemes to get as much publicity out of his farewell as possible.

BYE BYE BIRDIE, Ann-Margret, 1963
Ann-Margret plays a teenager with a 'lot of livin' to do' in 1963's "Bye Bye Birdie"Everett Collection

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The "Shades of Blue" star is set to play Rosie, the agent's secretary; Chita Rivera originated the role on Broadway opposite Dick Van Dyke as agent Albert. In the movie Van Dyke returned but Janet Leigh took over as Rosie. A 1995 TV revival starred Jason Alexander as Albert opposite Vanessa Williams as Rosie.

BYE BYE BIRDIE, Dick Van Dyke, Janet Leigh, 1963.
Dick Van Dyke and Janet Leigh in the 1963 film version of "Bye Bye Birdie"Everett Collection

"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," NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt said in a statement.

"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."

We're not sure how Lopez is going to fit this all in! She's got 40 shows a year at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, and also stars in "Blue." She's also set to be a judge and executive producer on the upcoming NBC reality series "World of Dance."

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Still, we expect great things: After all, Harvey Fierstein (who wrote the screenplay for the upcoming "Hairspray Live!") is on board to write the teleplay, and producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (the team behind "Hairspray Live!" and other TV musicals like "The Wiz Live!"), Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Benny Medina are working alongside Lopez.

We can't wait to rock 'n' roll!

Follow Randee Dawn on Twitter.