AceShowbiz -

Landing their first collaboration since "Chicago", director Rob Marshall and The Weinstein Company will work together to develop a musical feature entitled "Nine" based on the classic Broadway show of the same name, Marshall and the studio's co-chairmen Bob and Harvey Weinstein have announced Thursday, April 12.

Written by Arthur Kopit with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston, the original, performed in 1982 under the direction of Tommy Tune, follows a famous filmmaker named Guido Contini in his effort to prepare his latest picture while balancing the numerous women in his life including his wife, a producer, a mistress, a film star, and his deceased mother. It won five Tony Awards out of twelve nominations, including Best Musical.

For the big screen version, Marshall has already been onboard to direct with Yeston returning to handle the music and lyrics as well as taking the executive producer's seat alongside Kopit. Names to star have not yet been revealed, but a writer is said to be announced shortly. Meanwhile, Weinstein Co.'s Michael Cole and Kelly Carmichael will both oversee the production on behalf of the company.

"'Nine' is a sumptuous and emotional work that translates naturally to the film musical genre because of its seamless relationship between fantasy and reality." Marshall remarked. "Finding another musical to bring to the screen has been quite a journey and I am thrilled that it's 'Nine.' Harvey and I are looking forward to working together again, and I am excited to be taking on this challenging and provocative piece."