'Winn-Dixie' aims for Broadway

A tuner version in the novel "Because of Winn Dixie" is within the works. Story also inspired a 2005 film. BenjaminSheikTartagliaA musical version of dog-centric tale "Because of Winn Dixie," with tunes by Duncan Sheik, has began mapping out Broadway plans including a developmental reading through through this spring.Nell Benjamin ("Legally Blonde") produces it and lyrics for your show, that is helmed by John Tartaglia, whose Rialto thesping credits include "Avenue Q" and "Shrek the Musical."Really the only actor to sign to the project up to now is certainly an Irish Wolfhound named Taran, triggered board beneath the proper proper care of veteran Rialto animal trainer Bill Berloni, who'll work as animal director around the program.Dog assists since the lead character in the musical, using the 2000 Kate DiCamillo novel which inspired a 2005 pic. Story concentrates on a stray dog who helps a young girl embrace existence and reunite along with her father.Producers estimate the show will probably be allotted between $6 000 0000 and $7 million, getting a cast around 15 stars. Team is shooting for just about any mid-size Rialto house around 1200 seats.Sheik, who acquired a Tony for his score to "Spring Awakening," may also be in the office on other stage projects including the brewing legit version of "American Psycho."Gerald Goehring, Michael F. Mitri and Dorothy Berloni lead the creating team of "Winn-Dixie." Goehring and Mitri also result in the tuner version of "A Christmas Story," presently playing a national tour through the holidays.Exact dates for your "Winn-Dixie" reading through through weren't set, getting a production timeline, including an out-of-town tryout, still being hammered out. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com