American singer-songwriter, record producer, musician, and actress Sheryl Crow has been tapped to write the music and lyrics for an upcoming Broadway adaptation of the 1982 film, 'Diner' reports the New York Times.
Barry Levinson, who wrote and directed the movie - a coming-of-age comedy that follows a group of friends in 1959 Baltimore - will write the show's book, and was the one that approached Crow about contributing the music.
Sheryl Crow told the Times, 'I was already a huge fan of 'Diner' when Barry first approached me about writing a score for a theatrical retelling of his film'. 'I knew exactly who these men and women were and I feverishly began writing'.
Though this is Sheryl Crow's first foray into the world of musical theater, she has contributed to music (both original songs and covers) to several film soundtracks including 'Point Break', 'Cars', and 'Bee Movie'. Fun fact: She also sang in the short-lived 90s police drama/musical (and sort-of 'Glee' purcursor), 'Cop Rock'. Fun fact part 2: Before she reached fame, Crow was an elementary school music teacher outside St. Louis, Missouri.
The 'Diner' was a crucial moment in Levinson's career: He garnered an Oscar nod for his screenplay and went on to direct 'Good Morning, Vietnam' and 'Rain Man', among many others. The film was also a launching pad for many members of its cast, which included future stars Kevin Bacon, Mickey Rourke, Paul Reiser and Ellen Barkin.
Out-of-town previews of 'Diner' are planned for next summer, and Tony Award-winner, Kathleen Marshall, will direct and choreograph; according to the Times.
