The Disney Theatricals' in-development Harlem Globetrotter musical Hoopz will have its debut at Providence, RI's Trinity Repertory Theatre, reported Variety. Artistic director Oskar Eustis said he hoped for a fall 2003 bow. However, a representative for Trinity Rep, speaking to Playbill On-Line, said current discussions are aimed only at a workshop.

The creative team still includes playwright Suzan-Lori Parks and director Marion McClinton. The duo were brought in to replace dancer Savion Glover, director Kenny Leon, and poet Reg E. Gaines, who were dismissed after a recent unsuccessful workshop, according to an article in the New York Times. No composer has been tapped for the project.

Parks is the author of such socially-minded message plays as Venus and In the Blood, both of which were seen at the Public Theater. McClinton is coming off a successful 2000, having directed the Second Stage hits Jar the Floor and Jitney.

Hoopz is about the rise of the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team. Hoopz is being developed by Disney exec Stuart Oken, recently promoted to senior vice-president of creative affairs for Disney Theatricals, according to Variety.

—By Robert Simonson