Leighton Meester Joins James Franco in Broadway's 'Of Mice and Men'

The 'Gossip Girl' star will make her Broadway debut on the production based on John Steinbeck's 1937 novella of the same title.

Leighton Meester is set to make her Broadway debut in the revival of John Steinbeck's 1937 classic drama, "Of Mice and Men". The former "Gossip Girl" actress will star on the stage production this spring opposite James Franco and Chris O'Dowd.

The story centers on an unlikely friendship between two migrant field workers in California during the Great Depression. O'Dowd plays the mentally-challenged Lennie who befriends Franco's George. Meester has been attached to the role of Curley's wife, the flirtatious and beauty-obsessed young lady who caught the eyes of Lennie.

This would be O'Dowd and Franco's first stint on Broadway as well. Actors filling the role of Curley and other lead characters such as Candy, The Boss and Slim have not been announced.

The production will be seen on Broadway for the first time since 1974. Directed by Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro, the revival will begin previews on March 19 at the Longacre Theater and open officially on April 16. Tickets will go on sale January 11 for limited engagement which ends July 27.

Meester kicked off her career in regional theaters prior to television.