Debra Messing to Appear in 'Dirty Dancing' Remake

East Ender Debra Messing is about to have the time of her life. The actress will appear in ABC’s upcoming musical remake of Dirty Dancing as Marjorie Houseman, the mother of the naive but strong-willed Baby. The role, originally played by Kelly Bishop in the 1987 film of the same name, is said to be significantly expanded.  in the 1960s, who falls in love with

Dirty Dancing tells the story of Baby Houseman, a young woman on vacation with her family at a Catskills resort in the 1960s, who falls in love with the resort’s dance instructor Johnny (who’s from the wrong side of the tracks, naturally). The original starred Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze as Baby and Johnny, with Bishop as Marjorie; Cynthia Rhodes as Johnny’s pregnant dance partner Penny; Jerry Orbach as Penny’s father, Dr. Houseman; Jane Brucker as Baby’s awkward older sister Lisa; Miranda Garrison as married cougar Vivian Pressman; and Charles Coles as bandleader Tito.

The remake hasn’t announced its entire cast yet, but the high-profile roles have been revealed. Abigail Breslin and newcomer Cole Prattes will play Baby and Johnny; Nicole Scherzinger will play Penny; Bruce Greenwood will play Dr. Houseman; Sarah Hyland will play Lisa; Katey Sagal will play Vivian; and Billy Dee Williams will play Tito.

The remake is expected to feature hits like “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” but there’s no word on what other songs will be included. Unlike Fox’s recent Grease Live! special, Dirty Dancing will not be live.