The new play by Oscar winner, Steppenwolf Theater Company member and Lombardi playwright Eric Simonson, Magic/Bird, press notes state, "chronicles the intertwined life stories of two of the most influential figures in sports and pop culture of the past 25 years, basketball Hall of Famers Larry Bird and Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson."

The play, with a six-character cast, is scheduled to debut on Broadway in 2012.

The play will be produced in association with the National Basketball Association, and Johnson and Bird will participate in the creative process of the play.

"At the heart of one of the fiercest rivalries in sports history, two of the greatest basketball players of all-time battled for three championships, bragging rights, and the future of their sport in the 1980s," according to the producers. "Johnson and Bird electrified the nation on the court, reinvigorated the NBA, and turned their rivalry into one of the greatest and most famous friendships in professional sports."

In a statement Larry Bird said, "I am fortunate to be working with great professionals such as Fran, Tony and Eric.  I am looking forward to working with them to create a story for the Broadway stage about such an exciting and important time in my life."

Johnson added, "I have great love and respect for Larry Bird, and am elated that our personal and professional relationship will now be exposed to an even larger audience through this dramatic production. Fran Kirmser and Tony Ponturo have a proven record not just of creating a successful production, but in making sure the story depicted is historically correct and impactful to a wide audience, and I am looking forward to assisting and supporting this effort in any way possible."