Film producer Mike Medavoy and former agent Rick Nicita's new production company, RP Media, have bought the film rights to Jekyll and Hyde, according to the New York Times. Medavoy and Nicita are currently searching for a director with the hope of getting the movie musical on screen within the next two years.

Composer Wildhorn and librettist-lyricist Leslie Bricusse will be involved in the casting of the film. The Times says the creators are looking for "first-rate actors who are also first-rate singers."

Conceived for the stage by Tony and Grammy nominee Frank Wildhorn and Steve Cuden, the four-time Tony-nominated musical Jekyll & Hyde features a book and lyrics by two-time Oscar winner, Emmy winner and four-time Tony Award nominee Leslie Bricusse and music by Wildhorn.

Jekyll & Hyde is based on the novella "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson, about "a London doctor who accidentally unleashes his evil alternate personality in his quest to cure his father’s mental illness," according to press notes.

Following a 30-city tour, the original Broadway production opened at The Plymouth Theatre April 28, 1997, and earned four Tony Award nominations. Directed by Robin Phillips and choreographed by Joey Pizzi, the production starred Robert Cuccioli, Linda Eder and Christiane Noll. After 1,543 performances and featuring such replacements as Sebastian Bach and David Hasselhoff in the title role, the production played its final performance  Jan. 7, 2001. The New York Times also reports that the current tour will open at Broadway's Marquis Theatre this spring.

For more information visit www.JekyllandHydeMusical.com.

View photos from the original Broadway production in this archive of Frank Wildhorn's shows: