'Groundhog Day' is being adapted as a stage musical by Tim Minchin

LONDON, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- British-born Australian comedian Tim Minchin says on his website he is working on a stage musical version of the classic screen comedy "Groundhog Day."

"Our version of 'Groundhog Day' is going to be both instantly recognizable, and utterly different," promised Minchin, who previously wrote the music and lyrics the musical "Matilda."

The BBC said Danny Rubin, who wrote "Groundhog Day" the film, and "Matilda" director Matthew Warchus, are helping to develop the "Groundhog Day" stage show.

In the movie, Bill Murray plays an unhappy TV weatherman, who is sent to a small Pennsylvania town to cover Groundhog Day, but then ends up reliving the same day over and over again until he learns how to be a better person.

"The central conceit is perfectly suited to the theater," Minchin wrote in his online message. "It has the potential to be complex, dark, visually fascinating, and thematically rich, whilst still being a joyous romantic comedy with cool tunes and lots of gags. It's certainly not an easy job, and I'm truly honored -- and genuinely excited -- that Danny is letting me have a crack at it."