Leighton Meester to make Broadway debut alongside James Franco

Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Leighton Meester will make her Broadway debut next year in the revival of Of Mice and Men.

The former Gossip Girl star will play a beautiful temptress in the story by John Steinbeck about two migrant field workers in California who seek the American Dream during the Great Depression.

Meester, who recently got engaged to The O.C.'s Adam Brody, joins James Franco and Chris O'Dowd who will play cheerful George and the mentally challenged Lennie in the production. The 27-year-old star will play Curley's wife, a beauty obsessed woman who tempts the two men.

The play, which has not been seen on Broadway in 40 years, will be directed by Tonny-winning Anna D. Shapiro and will open March 19 at the Longacre Theatre. The production is set to end July 27.

[Entertainment Weekly]