Josh Groban to make Broadway debut

Singer Josh Groban is set to make his debut on Broadway in a musical adaptation based on Leo Tolstoy's epic novel War And Peace.

The You Raise Me Up star will play the wealthy Pierre in Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, an interpretation of a 70-page section of the classic book, when the production transfers to Broadway in September (16).

The crooner has openly talked about his desire to work on Broadway, insisting he was waiting to find the right show, and he chose the "electro-pop opera" because it seemed like an unusual project.

He tells the New York Times, "For a first time doing it, I wanted it to be something that was a little less expected, and I wanted it to be a show and a character that forced me to get a little bit out of my comfort zone and do something that people haven't seen before... To have the opportunity and freedom to take off the hat of 'me', and to dive into a character, is something I think will be very freeing, and very fun."

He also announced the news on Twitter.com, writing, "I am honored and ecstatic to share this news (finally). Time to get to work," while his actress girlfriend Kat Dennings adds, "Ma baby's going to Broadway".

The show has been in production since 2012 and is currently being staged at The American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The Broadway venue and other cast members are yet to be announced.