Jerry to become stage director – at 83

Classic comedy film The Nutty Professor is to be made into a Broadway musical – with original star Jerry Lewis as director.

The 83-year-old co-wrote the script of the 1963 movie, which was probably his biggest cinema success. But this will be his first time as a stage director.

Casting will be announced later, but the show will feature music by Marvin Hamlisch – who wrote the score for A Chorus Line – and a book and lyrics by Rupert Holmes.

Lewis said: ‘I was born with show business in my blood and working on Broadway gets it coursing through my veins like no other place can… I could not be happier.’

Holmes added: ‘Jerry Lewis has been my hero from boyhood… to work with Jerry and the vivid cast of characters he created is a privilege and thrill beyond measure.’

The musical is expected to open in late 2010.

Lewis himself last appeared on Broadway in 1995, in a revival of Damn Yankees.

The Nutty Professor recently crossed the $800 million mark in worldwide grosses since it was released.

Published: 1 Jul 2009