Based on Steel Magnolias playwright Robert Harling's 1991 film comedy about the on and off-set drama of a popular daytime soap opera, the new musical adaptation has lyrics by Drewe and a score by Stiles. The writers contributed additional material to Mary Poppins and are also the songwriters of Betty Blue Eyes and Honk!

Harling is the musical's book writer. Tony Award-winning director-choreographer Rob Ashford (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Evita, Finding Neverland, Thoroughly Modern Millie) is helming the New York City workshops.

In a previous interview with Playbill.com, Harling said, "We will need one of the biggest musical comedy stars to play the central role," and it looks like he found her. Chenoweth (Wicked; Promises, Promises) is cast as "The Sun Also Sets" star Celeste Talbott, with Krakowski ("30 Rock," Grand Hotel) as devious cast member Montana Moorehead.

The reading also features John Stamos (The Best Man, Nine) as Jeffrey, Tony Award nominee Cristin Milioti (Once) as Lori, Michael Park (How to Succeed, Little Me) as David, Miriam Shor (Hedwig, "GCB") as Rose, Adrienne Warren (Bring It On!) as Ariel, Jim Newman (Hands on a Hardbody, Curtains) as Tex, Anne L. Nathan (Once) as Tawny and Brooks Ashmanskas (Present Laughter; Promises, Promises) as Burton White.

Additional actors include Kyle Dean Massey (Next to Normal), T. Oliver Reid (Sister Act), Cameron Adams (Nice Work If You Can Get It) and Matt Wall (Evita), among others.

The original film starred Sally Field, Kevin Kline, Whoopi Goldberg, Cathy Moriarty, Rober Downey Jr., Elisabeth Shue, Teri Hatcher and Kathy Najimy.

No official production timeline has been announced for this project.