The singer-songwriter and sometime-actor has signed on to star in, contribute original music and produce the musical for 20th Century Fox. Based on an concept by Connick, Mike Giardi ("Winners") is penning "Ben Invention," which is a romantic comedy that finds an isolated man venturing into civilization in search of love.

Connick, Jr. earned a Tony Award nomination for the score of Thou Shalt Not. As an actor he has recently appeared in the NBC comedy "Will & Grace" as the latter's husband. The songster also appeared as Lt. Joseph Cable in the recent television adaptation of South Pacific starring Glenn Close. Other film roles for the Grammy Award winner include "Little Man Tate," "Copycat, " "Independence Day" and "Hope Floats." His current album "Harry for the Holidays," is among the bestselling albums on the charts, according to Billboard.

20th Century Fox director of production Steve Asbell will oversee the project with production president Hutch Parker.