'South Park' composer takes on 'Bob'

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- "South Park" movie songwriter Marc Shaiman -- a five-time Oscar nominee and Tony Award winner -- has joined the crew of "Bob the Musical."

Mark Waters will direct Touchstone Pictures' musical comedy about a man who gets hit in the head and starts hearing people's "inner songs," The Hollywood Reporter said Friday.

Shaiman -- an Oscar nominee for "Blame Canada" in 1999's "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut" and Tony winner for Broadway's "Hairspray" -- will write the music and lyrics for the comedy penned by Mike Bender.

"Once I read the script, I felt I had to do it," Shaiman said. "I wouldn't have been able to live with myself if someone else did it. It's a very sweet valentine to musicals, but (it) sends them up at the same time."

Shaiman is currently working on bringing the film "Catch Me If You Can" to the musical stage.