Hugh Jackman bringing 'Houdini' to Broadway

At heart, Hugh Jackman is a song and dance man (he's also a Wolverine, but that's beside the point here), so it's no surprise that he's signed on to star in the title role of "Houdini" -- a new musical written by Oscar-winner Aaron Sorkin ("The Social Network").

The tuneful retelling of the life of magician Harry Houdini is expected to hit the Great White Way in the 2013-14 season and be composed by "Wicked's" Stephen Schwartz. The show marks Sorkin's debut as a Broadway writer.

"Houdini tells the story of an epic battle that took place between the world's greatest illusionist and a trio of women, known as 'Spiritualists'," Sorkin tells Reuters.

"I have been deeply fascinated by the life of Harry Houdini since I was young, and in many ways I've been preparing for this role my whole life," says Jackman in a statement. "I am thrilled to be collaborating with this collection of artists who are all at the top of their game."

Jackman's last Broadway show, "Hugh Jackman, Back on Broadway," grossed more than $14.6 million in its 10-week run. He also played a magician in 2006's "The Prestige" opposite Christian Bale.