Murphy (Passion, The King and I) will voice the role of Mother Gothel, the witch who holds Rapunzel captive in a doorless tower. Mandy Moore has signed to voice the long-tressed title role with Zachary Levi as her prince.

Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken will score the Grimm brothers fairytale for Disney. Byron Howard and Nathan Greno will direct. "Rapunzel" will be a 3D feature released during the 2010 holiday season.

Murphy earned Tony Awards for her performances in Passion and The King and I. Her numerous stage appearances include Wonderful Town, Lovemusik, Hello Again, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, They're Playing Our Song and Song of Singapore. She has been seen on screen in "Spider-Man 2," "Trust Me," Law & Order," "Center Stage," "Damages," "Ally McBeal" and "The Nanny Diaries."

Menken's Academy Award-winning compositions include "Under the Sea" from Disney's "The Little Mermaid," "A Whole New World" from "Aladdin," the title song from "Beauty and the Beast" and "Colors of the Wind" from "Pocahontas." His screen musicals also include "Newsies," "Hercules," "Enchanted" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" which was later adapted for the stage. Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid were also presented on Broadway.