'Groundhog Day' Movie Musical from 'Matilda' Tim Minchin Previews January 2017, Stephen Sondheim 'Into the Woods?'

Classicalites and Bill Murray fans come together...and rejoice! Because Murray's February 2 classic, Groundhog Day, is finally coming to Broadway in the spring of 2017.This means Groundhog Day fans and Murray buffs, in general, get to enjoy that one hilarious day--this time in musical form--again and again. And again.

Classicalite first reported the musical was in the works back in December of last year. But now, Variety reports that poor man's Russell Brand Tim Minchin (the brain behind the current draw of Matilda) and his team have finally started to prep production for their own singing, dancing version.

Of course, the 1993 Columbia Pictures comedy was written by the late Harold Ramis and Danny Rubin (who is enjoying immense success with The Book of Mormon), starring Murray and Andie MacDowell. And for those surely scant few who are unfamiliar with the premise, the orginal fim follows an arrogant weatherman who's forced to relive, yes, Groundhog Day, once more, over and over.

And over. Again.

Its musical incarnation will be well-crafted from the Matilda folks: lyricist-cum-composer Tim Minchin, director Matthew Warchus (God of Carnage), choreographer Peter Darling (who you may recall won a Tony for Billy Elliot) and set and costume designer Rob Howell. They'll collaborate on the show with Danny Rubin.

Should the British-born Aussie Minchin look familiar to you states-side Classicalites, you probably remember him from his role opposite David Duchovny on the Showtime hit, Californication.

According to The Independent, Minchin is an admirer of the original Groundhog Day, but he does note that his take "will be both instantly recognizable and utterly different."

Sadly, as Minchin duly notes, Stephen Sondheim is no longer attached to the project.

Below, watch this fan's video of Minchin performing "Seeing You" in Hyde Park. Yes, it's a song from his new Groundhog Day musical.

While casting remains to be set, Groundhog Day (the musical, that is) will begin previews in January of 2017--slated to actually premiere March 9, 2017.