Director-choreographer Susan Stroman is developing a new musical with jazz pianist and crooner Harry Connick, Jr., based on the Emile Zola novel, "Therese Raquin." Connick, who has never tried his hand at musical theatre to date, will write the music and lyrics. David Thompson will pen the book.

"I do think he's the right person to write it," Stroman told Playbill On Line. "I like his new works a lot." She said the project was in development, and completion was still a while away.

"Therese Raquin" concerns a woman driven to torrid affairs and murder.

In one season, Stroman has become the leading force in the American musical theatre. The director and choreographer of the hit new musical, Contact, she is also helming the upcoming revival of The Music Man, due to begin previews on Broadway April 5. Her previous credits as choreographer include Crazy for You, Steel Pier and the acclaimed London revival of Oklahoma!.

Harry Connick, Jr., the son of a New Orleans jazz family, burst onto the scene in 1989, when his soundtrack to the film "When Harry Met Sally" became a surprise hit. Since then, he's released a variety of jazz and vocal CDs, sometimes as a solo artist, sometimes as part of a combo. Though best known for his covers of standards, he has written a considerable amount of original material. Connick has also dabbled in acting, appearing in such films as "Memphis Belle," "Copycat" and "Hope Floats."