ABC Exec Tells BroadwayWorld: Live Musical Event 'Currently in Development'

This morning BroadwayWorld participated in a media conference call with ABC president Channing Dungey regarding the network's just-announced 2016-17 programming slate.

During the call, BroadwayWorld asked the network exec whether she would consider a live musical event, in the vein of FOX's GREASE: LIVE and NBC's upcoming HAIRSPRAY: LIVE. Dungey told BWW, "we have some things we are currently in development on," but added the project must be one which, "speaks to the heart of who we are at ABC as part of the Disney family."

Of course, the possibilities are vast for what that could mean. Feature live-action films of Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and MARY POPPINS are set to hit theaters in the next few years. Chances are, neither ABC nor Disney would want to compete with these highly anticipated projects. Other possibilities include NEWSIES, THE LITTLE MERMAID, THE LION KING, and ALADDIN. The latter two are currently enjoying long runs on Broadway.

ABC's upcoming programming will include a three-hour filmed musical event of the 1987 classic DIRTY DANCING. The project will star Abigail Breslin as Baby, Debra Messing as Marjorie Houseman, Bruce Greenwood as Dr. Jake Houseman, Nicole Scherzinger as Penny, Colt Prattes as Johnny, Sarah Hyland as Lisa Houseman, Tony Roberts as Max Kellerman, Trevor Einhorn as Neil, Shane Harper as Robbie Gould, J. Quinton Johnson as Marco, Beau "Casper" Smart as Billy, Katey Sagal as Vivian Pressman and Billy Dee Williams as Tito.

Which musical would you like to see air live on ABC?

Image courtesy of Aladdin on Broadway