'Bridget Jones' headed to B'way

NEW YORK, June 1 (UPI) -- A Broadway musical version of the book and film "Bridget Jones's Diary" is in the works, the head of England's Working Title production company said.

The 2001 big-screen romantic comedy was based on Helen Fielding's novelization of her popular British newspaper column about the fictional Jones, an irrepressible singleton in her 30s looking for love in modern-day London.

The movie starred Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth and was followed by a 2004 sequel, also based on a Fielding book, called "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason."

The New York Post said Working Title is trying to follow up its recent success in bringing "Billy Elliot" from the screen to the stage with a musical adaption of "Jones."

The Post said Fielding has penned a draft of the show, including lyrics, and "Elliot" composer Elton John could possibly be brought on to write the music.

"It's very early days yet, and we're trying to decide which way to go musically," Eric Fellner, the head of Working Title, told the newspaper. "If it's a direction Elton agrees with, we would, of course, be happy to work with him again."

Fellner also said the musical will likely include some pop hits from the first "Jones" movie like "It's Raining Men," "All By Myself" and "I'm Every Woman."