Stacy Francis, who starred as Rusty in the Broadway company of Footloose, has been cast in the WB Network's comedy pilot, "In My Opinion."

Francis, who delivered a rousing version of "Let's Hear it for the Boy" in the musical based on the acclaimed 1984 film, will star as columnist India in the Turner Television sitcom. The pilot also stars Bianca Kajlich, Richard Trapp, Peter Mackenzie, Nat Faxon and Barry Julien.

Though only in her twenties, Francis has amassed an impressive list of theatrical credits. At 15, she made her Off-Broadway debut in Mama, I Want to Sing and later re-created her role opposite Chaka Kahn in the London production. Broadway audiences have seen Francis' work in Smokey Joe's Cafe, Street Corner Symphony and the aforementioned Footloose. Her most recent stage appearance was in the L.A. Reprise! concert version of Hair.

Francis has also appeared on the small screen in ""Third Watch," "Yes Dear," "The Parkers," "Strong Medicine" and "Son of the Beach." As a recording artist, the singer-actress can be heard on two albums for Warner Bros. Records as a member of the all-girl group Ex-Girlfriend.

—By Andrew Gans