Abigail Breslin, Debra Messing, Bruce Greenwood, Nicole Scherzinger, Sarah Hyland, Tony Roberts, Katey Sagal and Billy Dee Williams, along with rising stars Colt Prattes and J. Quinton Johnson, headline the stellar cast in a new adaptation of the global pop-cultural phenomenon, DIRTY DANCING, premiering WEDNESDAY, MAY 24 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network. Produced by Lionsgate in association with Allison Shearmur Productions, the special three-hour filmed musical event features the story from the beloved 1987 romantic drama and instant movie classic told from a fresh perspective, diving deeper into the iconic characters, showcasing their progression and tackling social themes like race, women's rights and the socio-economic division in the country at that time.
Spending the summer at a Catskills resort with her family, Frances "Baby" Houseman falls in love with the camp's dance instructor, Johnny Castle, and nothing is ever the same for anyone in the Houseman family. Modernized, updated versions of the memorable, favorite songs from the original film, including "Time of My Life," "Love Man," "Do You Love Me," "Hungry Eyes," "She's Like the Wind," teamed with well-known songs that are new to "Dirty Dancing," such as "Fever" and "They Can't Take That Away From Me," are weaved into the storytelling and performed by the talented and versatile cast.
Viewers will discover what happens to Baby and Johnny after that summer and more about the supporting characters from the original film. This fresh reimagining explores the relationship between Jake and Marjorie Houseman, Lisa's goals in life and uncovers a fully realized character in Neil, with plenty of surprises in store.
"Dirty Dancing" stars
Abigail Breslin ("Little Miss Sunshine") as Baby,
Debra Messing ("Will & Grace") as Marjorie Houseman,
Bruce Greenwood ("American Crime Story: The People vs. OJ Simpson") as Dr. Jake Houseman,
Nicole Scherzinger ("Dancing with the Stars") as Penny,
Colt Prattes ("Rock of Ages," Pink's music video "Try") as Johnny,
Sarah Hyland ("Modern Family") as Lisa Houseman,
Tony Roberts ("
Annie Hall") as Max Kellerman,
Trevor Einhorn ("Mad Men") as Neil,
Shane Harper ("The Passion") as Robbie Gould,
J. Quinton Johnson ("Everyone Wants Some") as Marco, Beau "Casper" Smart ("Perfect Match") as Billy,
Katey Sagal ("Sons of Anarchy") as Vivian Pressman and
Billy Dee Williams ("Star Wars") as Tito.
"Dirty Dancing," which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2017, is produced by Lionsgate Television in association with Allison Shearmur Productions, executive produced by Allison Shearmur ("Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," "The Hunger Games" franchise, "Cinderella") and Grammy Award-nominee Adam Anders ("Glee," "Rock of Ages"), who also serves as executive music producer. The teleplay is by Jessica Sharzer ("American Horror Story"). Wayne Blair ("The Sapphires," "Septembers of Shiraz") directed, and two-time Tony Award-winner
Andy Blankenbuehler ("Hamilton," "In the Heights") choreographed this dazzling new version of the film.
