Variety also reports that Andrei Konchalovsky will direct the forthcoming 1920's Vienna-set film, which is titled "Nutcracker —The Untold Story" and penned by Chris Solimine. Filming for the motion picture based on the fairy-tale story that inspired the ballet is set to begin July 16 in Budapest.

Lane will play the man who gives the Nutcracker doll to the young Fanning, while Turturro will portray the evil Mouse King. Rice will contribute lyrics to eight songs using Tchaikovsky's tunes from "The Nutcracker" as well as his concertos and symphonies.

Rice has collaborated on the musicals Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chess, King David, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and Aida.

Lane last appeared on Broadway in Butley. In addition to his Tony-winning roles in The Producers and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, he has also starred in The Odd Couple, Present Laughter, Merlin, The Wind in the Willows, Some Americans Abroad, On Borrowed Time, Guys and Dolls, Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Love! Valour! Compassion! and The Man Who Came to Dinner. The actor has also been featured in such films as "Addams Family Values," "Mousehunt," "Love's Labour's Lost," "The Lion King" (in voice) and "The Birdcage," scoring a Golden Globe nomination for his work in the latter. He was also seen in the film adaptations of "Nicholas Nickleby" and "The Producers."