Musical of Charlie Chaplin heading to Broadway

MARK KENNEDY
FILE - In this 1931 film image originally released by United Artists, actor Charlie Chaplin is seen in the silent film "City Lights." A new musical "Chaplin," depicting the life of film icon Charlie Chaplin, will open on Broadway on Monday, Sept. 10, 2012 at the Barrymore Theatre in New York. (AP Photo, file)

NEW YORK (AP) — A funny guy with a cane, a hat and an unforgettable mustache is heading to Broadway.

Producers announced Thursday that a new musical depicting the life of Charlie Chaplin will begin performances later this summer at the Barrymore Theatre. Previews begin Aug. 21 with an opening set for Sept. 10.

"Chaplin" has music and lyrics by Christopher Curtis, a pianist who wrote the theme song to the film "The Break" starring Martin Sheen, the theme song for the TV show "A Wedding Story" and has performed with such artists as Stevie Wonder. Curtis co-wrote the book with Thomas Meehan, a Tony Award winner who helped pen "The Producers," ''Annie" and "Hairspray."

Warren Carlyle, who directed and choreographed "Hugh Jackman: Back on Broadway" and choreographed the revival of "Follies" this season, will direct and choreograph.

The musical debuted at the La Jolla Playhouse in 2010 under the name "Limelight" and won the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle's Craig Noel Award for Best Musical.

Chaplin's silent screen classics include "Modern Times," ''The Great Dictator" and his Little Tramp character in "City Lights."