Jessie Nelson, who wrote, directed and produced the film, is collaborating with Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning librettist Brian Yorkey (Next to Normal, If/Then, The Last Ship) and Tony and Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken (Aladdin, Newsies, The Little Mermaid) on the stage musical. 

Nelson will author the book for the production, which features lyrics by Yorkey and music by Menken.

Set in 1959, "Corinna Corinna" centers on Manny Singer, who loses his wife unexpectedly and is left to care for his young daughter. The young girl, who has not spoken since the death of her mother, is coaxed out of her shell when her father hires an African American housekeeper. The film starred Ray Liotta and Whoopi Goldberg.

The musical's development was stated in a bio for Nelson, who is also at work on the new stage musical Waitress, featuring a score by Sara Bareilles. That production will premiere at the American Repertory Theater in August 2015.

Representatives for Ms. McDonald could not confirm her participation in the project.

McDonald earned Tony Awards for her work in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, Carousel, Master Class, Ragtime and A Raisin in the Sun. Her work on stage also includes Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny with Patti LuPone, as well as Tony-nominated performances in 110 in the Shade and Marie Christine. On screen she has appeared in the television adaptations of "A Raisin in the Sun," "Wit" and "Annie." She is known to television audiences for "Private Practice" and "Grey's Anatomy."

Her solo albums include "Go Back Home" (2013), "Way Back to Paradise" (1998), "How Glory Goes" (2000), "Happy Songs" (2002) and "Build a Bridge" (2006).