Zaks, who recently stepped in to work on the Broadway musical The Addams Family, will take the reins of the musical, which is based on the 1992 film same title. Peter Schneider staged the original West End premiere of Sister Act. Anthony van Laast, who choreographed in London, will repeat his duties for Broadway.

The Broadway incarnation will begin rehearsals in early 2011 in anticipation of a spring opening at a theatre-to-be-announced. Casting will begin in late July. Whoopi Goldberg and Stage Entertainment UK produce.

Sister Act features a score by Academy Award winner Alan Menken and Glenn Slater and a book by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner. The musical premiered in London in May 2009 at the Palladium and will conclude its run Oct. 30.

The Broadway production will reunite the original London creative team, including scenic designer Klara Zieglerova, costume designer Lez Brotherston, lighting designer Natasha Katz and sound designer Mick Potter.

Michael Kosarin will serve as musical supervisor, with dance music arrangements by Mark Hummel, orchestrations by Doug Besterman and electronic music by Andy Barrett. Zaks earned Tonys for directing The House of Blue Leaves, Lend Me a Tenor, Six Degrees of Separation and Guys and Dolls. He also staged the tour of The 101 Dalmatians Musical, and served as an artistic advisor on the Broadway musical The Addams Family.

American actress Patina Renea Miller, who appeared in Hair at the Delacorte Theater in 2008, originated the role of Deloris Van Cartier in the musical adaptation of Sister Act in London. Whoopi Goldberg created the role in the film and also serves as a producer of the stage production.

Goldberg is scheduled to play a limited 23-performance run as Mother Superior in the London production of Sister Act beginning Aug. 10.

International productions in Germany, Australia, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Italy, France and Spain also planned.

According to producers, "When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place cops are sure she won't be found - a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and an uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community, but in doing so blows her cover. Soon the gang are giving chase, only to find themselves up against Deloris and the power of her new found Sister Hood."

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