Kenny Leon, the artistic director of Atlanta's Alliance Theatre, will direct Hoops, Disney's musical about the rise of the Harlem Globetrotters, reported Variety.

Leon has worked closely with Disney in the past, though not as a director. Last year, he scored a coup by bringing the world premiere of Disney's Aida to the Alliance. The production was not critically successful and resulted in Disney's remaking the creative team; Aida is currently rehearsing for a fall Chicago opening and is expected on Broadway in February 2000.

Savion Glover, who will choreograph and co-direct Hoops (formerly known as Hoopz), won the 1996 Tony Award for Best Choreography for his rap, tap and soul revue, Noise/Funk. Last year, he had another hit with his, Savion Glover/Downtown.

With a script by Reg E. Gaines, who wrote the poetic narration for Bring In `Da Noise/Bring In `Da Funk, Hoops will tell the true story of the basketball wizards who helped break the color barrier in professional sports.

Hoops will be developed by Disney exec Stuart Oken, recently promoted to senior vice-president of creative affairs for Disney Theatricals, said Variety. --By Robert Simonson