Debra Messing Teases Her 'Dirty Dancing' Remake Solo

It's the age of revivals, remakes, and reboots, and America is a tough crowd. ABC's upcoming remake of the classic '80s film Dirty Dancing seems promising, though. The iconic Dirty Dancing moments look to be intact; however, the characters are said to be more rounded in this version, with some additional surprises as well. Actor Debra Messing (who plays Majorie Houseman, Baby's mom), told People how she was pushed out of her comfort zone while shooting, as the film shows her character in a lens the original didn't. Basically, the Dirty Dancing remake will flesh out even the most minor of characters. Perhaps that means it will be supplemental to the original without trying to outdo it — and will thus be a true treat for fans.

The new movie, premiering in May, stars Abigail Breslin as Baby and Colt Prattes as Johnny (originally portrayed by Jennifer Grey and Patrick Patrick Swayze). Messing, who said she was a huge fan of the original, explained why she admires and appreciates the new additions to the story. "This isn’t a replica of the original, it takes some liberties,” she said. One of those liberties was a solo number for her character.

With an ensemble cast including more women, it's likely fans will see other female characters in a new light as well. "All the music and dancing you love — it’s in this version, [but] it’s longer so they were able to beef up the characters," the actor said. "Baby’s mom... wasn’t much of a role the first time around. That was really exciting to me, being able to explore her and explore their marriage in the dynamics… that was very satisfying.”

Additional cast members include Sarah Hyland (Lisa, Baby's sister), Katey Sagal (Vivian Pressman), and Nicole Scherzinger (Johnny's dance partner Penny). Hopefully, fans will get a more in-depth view of who these women are, what their backstories, and so on and so forth — as they'll see with Majorie.

“It has the DNA of the original, but you are going to find out what happened to Baby and Johnny after that summer ended. So there’s some additional surprises in there that are new," Messing said. Nobody puts a hopeful fan in a corner.