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UK Duma Key cover

Posted: April 24, 2008, 00:30

Here is the UK cover for the paperback edition of Duma Key. It's scheduled for publication on September 18th.

Thanks to Neil Jarvis

Download The Gingerbread Girl today

Posted: April 24, 2008, 00:29

If your eager to listen to The Gingerbread Girl you can download it from Audible.com today.

This was sent out to King's official news letter today:

I don’t often get involved in politics, but I believe there is a great deal at stake in this year’s election. It is my pleasure to announce two very special events in Bangor, Maine on June 7th to benefit my friend Congressman Tom Allen’s campaign for the U.S. Senate.

Authors Tess Gerritsen, John Grisham, and I will be attending a special cocktail reception at the Bangor Civic Center. Immediately following that, we will be reading our favorite passages of some of the stories we have written – in front of what we’re sure will be a great audience at the Bangor Auditorium. I hope you can join us for these special events.

Saturday, June 7th

Host Committee Cocktail Reception: 5:00-6:00 pm
Bangor Civic Center, Bass Park Complex, 100 Dutton Street, Bangor, ME

General Admission Event: 7:00 pm (Doors Open at 6:00)
Bangor Auditorium, Bass Park Complex, 100 Dutton Street, Bangor, ME

You can buy tickets to both events - or just one - by clicking here.

And all the proceeds will certainly go to a good cause. Tess, John, and I believe that we need change in America. What has happened to our country in the last eight years is downright scary - and believe me, I know scary.

In 2002, Tom Allen courageously stood up to the President and to members of his own party by voting against the Iraq War. He supports opportunity for the middle class, energy independence, and affordable health care. Electing Tom Allen to the U.S. Senate is an important step towards change for our country, and we are proud to support him.

I hope you’ll join us on June 7th. Click here to purchase tickets now. We look forward to seeing you there!

Sincerely,
Stephen King

This was also added:

Proceeds from this event will benefit Tom Allen for Senate. Funds from corporations, labor unions, national banks, federal contractors, or foreign nationals may not be accepted. Contributions are limited by law to $2,300 per election, per individual. An individual may give up to $2,300 for the primary election (before June 10, 2008) and up to $2,300 for the general election. Federal law requires political campaigns to use their best efforts to obtain and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer for each individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 in an election cycle.

Ticket purchasers must confirm that:

They are not a foreign national who lacks permanent residence in the United States.
They are not a Federal government contractor.
This contribution is made from their own funds, and not those of another.
This contribution is not made from the funds of a corporation or labor organization.
This contribution is made on a personal credit card or debit card for which they have the legal obligation to pay, and is not made either on a corporate or business entity card or on the card of another person.
They are at least eighteen years old.
Contributions to Tom Allen for Senate are not tax deductible.

Paid for by Tom Allen for Senate

The Cat from Hell

Posted: April 17, 2008, 00:10

King's official site has now revealed that The Cat from Hell also will be in the upcoming Just After Sunset.

Thanks to notdarkyet

Dark Tower: The End-World Almanac

Posted: April 16, 2008, 23:58

As with the Gunslinger's Guidebook there will be a special issue released for The Long Road Home series as well. It's titled Dark Tower: The End-World Almanac and here is a description and cover:

Did you ever want to know more about End-World?

Dark Tower: The End-World Almanac

Woe unto those who traverse beyond the cursed Borderlands into End-World! ’Tis a twisted and desolate realm where it seems as if the world passed ages ago. From the blasted landscapes of Thunderclap to the frozen heights of Empathica, End-World shows no mercy to unwary young Gunslingers. In a world where information – and a bit of luck – is the key to survival, the End-World Almanac serves as your guide to the Badlands, Le Casse Roi Russe and beyond!
CARDSTOCK COVER/Parental Advisory . . . $3.99
©2008 Stephen King. All rights reserved

PRICE: 3.99
IN STORES: July 2, 2008

You can also see more covers here

Gingerbread Girl excerpt

Posted: April 16, 2008, 23:55

Here you can listen to an audio excerpt from The Gingerbread Girl.

New official Dark Tower site

Posted: April 16, 2008, 23:53

There is now a new official Dark Tower site online. You can find it here

Garris on Bag of Bones

Posted: April 11, 2008, 08:14

Mick Garris discusses Bag of Bones with Fangoria:

Garris will direct, and executive-produce with Mark Sennett (who served in a similar capacity on Garris’ ABC version of King’s DESPERATION), with THE STAND’s line producer Peter McIntosh reprising those duties. The screenplay was written by Matt Venne (pronounced “vein,” by the way).

“What appeals to me about King in general and BAG OF BONES in particular is how human it is,” Garris continues. “The recent King stuff is very adult and very passionate, which I really respond to. I just love the idea of doing a grown-up ghost story.”

Thanks to Bev Vincent

My review of A Very Tight Place

Posted: April 8, 2008, 22:42

I have just finished reading A Very Tight Place which I really enjoyed. You can check out my review here.

Locke & Key issue #3

Posted: April 8, 2008, 13:57

I have just finished the third issue of Joe Hill’s comic Locke & Key and you can see what I thought about it here.

The issue is released tomorrow April 9.

The Three Kings of Fiction

Posted: April 8, 2008, 09:30

Here is a report from Stephen, Tabitha and Owen’s appearance at Lutheran Church of the Reformation this last Friday.

And here are some media photos from the Library of Congress visit.

Thanks to Takeo Harada and Bev Vincent.

The Pop of King: Stephen King: Videogame Lunacy

Posted: April 7, 2008, 16:04

King has a new column Stephen King: Videogame Lunacy out. Read it here.

Thanks to willowlove.

He is Legend selling fast

Posted: April 4, 2008, 07:29

He is Legend with King and Hill's collaboration Throttle is selling fast.

The numbered edition is sold out as of 11:59 April 2. Within the next 24 hours the website will indicate the edition is sold out and a waiting list will be created. We still have 100+ orders to process we received prior to the deadline. We should be able to provide copies for all for ordering prior to this deadline. We should have the backlog completed by the end of the weekend.

The lettered edition is also sold out -- oversubscribed in fact -- and a lottery will be held among those who requested a copy of the book before a specific cutoff date.

Thanks to Bev Vincent.

The Long Road issue #2

Posted: April 2, 2008, 11:29

Today the second issue of The Long Road Home is published and here you can check out my review of it.

Mist clip

Posted: March 31, 2008, 23:34

Here a clip from The Mist.

Read the complete text

King and Groff

Posted: March 31, 2008, 14:51

Here are an article about the King and Lauren Groff’s reading.

Thanks to Bev Vincent

And the winners are...

Posted: March 30, 2008, 20:52

Here are the right answers to the questions in The Mist contest as well as all the winners.

Read the complete text

My review of The Mist

Posted: March 26, 2008, 00:21

Here is my review of both the single and double DVD versions of The Mist

The Pop of King: The 'Art' of the Blurb

Posted: March 26, 2008, 00:19

King has a new column Stephen King: The 'Art' of the Blurb out. Read it here.

Thanks to Paul Poroshin

Hill on Throttle

Posted: March 25, 2008, 10:00

Joe Hill comment about Throttle:

It’s giant truck from hell story. “Throttle” uses Richard Matheson’s unforgettable short story “Duel” as it’s jumping off point, although in the process of writing it, it quickly became it’s own thing.

He also comments on the different editions of the book.

That said, I’m also sensitive to and sympathetic with folks who just want to read the story without going broke. There is a plan in the works to make sure a wide-release version of “Throttle” will be available for everyone who wants it; because nothing is nailed down yet, I can’t say more than that. But at some point after the release of the Matheson anthology, that wide-release edition will get out there, so stay tuned.

Thanks to Marco Lammers

Mist Week continues

Posted: March 25, 2008, 00:10

The Mist week continues here on Lilja’s Library. Besides the contest you can also check out a new interview I have done with the movies director Frank Darabont. In the interview he talks about the movie and also what role he wanted Stephen King to play.

And as a thank you for all the support you are showing Lilja’s Library I’m also going to give away two signed (by Frank Darabont) posters for The Mist. All you have to do is tell me why I should give one of them to you in the “Comments to Lilja's Library” field when you enter the contest.

Good Luck!
Lilja

Throttle by King and Hill

Posted: March 24, 2008, 20:29

Here is the info we have all been waiting for about the collaboration between King and his son Joe Hill.

Just say the name and the memories come flooding back--Somewhere in Time, Duel, The Shrinking Man, I Am Legend, and countless more. He's one of the greatest storytellers of our time--or any time.

Now Gauntlet Press has assembled He Is Legend: Celebrating Richard Matheson, a spectacular anthology of original, never-before published stories by today's best writers--stories set in Richard Matheson's own fictional universes, and published with Mr. Matheson's complete cooperation!

And, among the many contributions to the book is the first collaboration ever between Stephen King and his son Joe Hill, the novella “Throttle” their take on Matheson’s classic “Duel.” This is, obviously, a once-in-a-lifetime publishing event as its father and sons first collaboration. Both Stephen King and Joe Hill will be signing both the numbered and lettered editions.

Other contributors to this anthology, edited by Christopher Conlon, include F. Paul Wilson, Joe Lansdale, Whitley Strieber, Richard Christian Matheson, William F. Nolan, Gary Braunbeck, Thomas Monteleone, John Shirley, Ed Gorman and an introduction by Ramsey Campbell (additional contributors will be announced at a later date).

And, as an added bonus, He Is Legend features the original full-length screenplay Conjure Wife--over 20,000 never-before published words by Richard Matheson himself, in collaboration with the late-Charles Beaumont that was filmed at “Burn, Witch Burn.”

Cover art and six interior illustrations by Matheson’s favorite artist Harry O. Morris.

To be released in February 2009 this signed limited edition will appear in the following states:

750 copy signed numbered edition (signed by all contributors except Richard Matheson)

52 copy lettered edition in a special bonded leather traycase This is the only edition that will be signed by Richard Matheson

We will begin taking orders immediately at the Gauntlet Press website (www.gauntletpress.com) but will not charge credit cards until January 1, 2009. Further details are at the Gauntlet Pres website. Address any questions to Gauntlet at info@gauntletpress.com.

Thanks to everyone that send me info about this

The Mist week!

Posted: March 24, 2008, 00:12

Welcome to The Mist week here at Lilja’s Library. This week will be dedicated to the release of The Mist on DVD. During the week (Monday to Friday) I’ll be giving away one copy of the movie (the double disk edition) each day.

I will also give you an interview I did over the phone with director Frank Darabont as well as my review of the movie. And that is not all. If everything goes as planned I’ll have some more goodies to give away during the week.

So, keep checking back during the week, head in for today’s question in the contest and also, don’t miss my interview with Frank.

Enjoy!
Lilja

Past turns After

Posted: March 23, 2008, 21:33

It seems King has changed the title of the upcoming collection from Just Past Sunset to Just After Sunset.

Thanks to Takeo Harada

Interview and globe

Posted: March 20, 2008, 00:11

I just got confirmation that the full interview with King and Darabont that is the prize in The Mist contest I told you about yesterday will only be on the rental version of The Mist.

Also, Blockbuster is offering Mist Globes to the first one that buy the movie. If anyone can get an extra please let me know.

The Mist game

Posted: March 18, 2008, 22:21

Here you can play a Mist game. If you make it to the end there is a reward for you in the form of a preview clip with King and Darabont and the complete version is supposedly only going to be found on the rental version of the DVD.

DALLAS, March 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- "The Mist" is rolling in today, with Blockbuster Inc. launching a free online game inspired by the Stephen King film at its website, http://www.blockbuster.com/. The game pits players against the predatory "Mist" creatures from the movie and highlights that BLOCKBUSTER(R) will have exclusive rentals of The Weinstein Company film when it is released on DVD on March 25.

Now through April 8, "The Mist" game will give gamers a chance to live the movie. Players must defeat a series of predators, battling their way through three levels based on scenes in the film. Those who escape the mist and win the game get a sneak peak of an exclusive interview with Stephen King and director/screenwriter Frank Darabont. The full version of this interview will be featured on the rental DVD, exclusively available at participating BLOCKBUSTER stores and online at http://www.blockbuster.com/.

The public can access the game at http://www.blockbuster.com/. In addition to the game, the landing page will feature the movie trailer, an option to rent the DVD and the option to receive a coupon redeemable for one $1.99 DVD rental at participating BLOCKBUSTER stores.

Based on the horror novella by Stephen King, "The Mist" tells the story of a mysterious mist that rolls into the town of Bridgton, Maine. David Drayton and his young son Billy are among a group of terrified townspeople who are trapped in a local grocery store by a strange, otherworldly mist. David is the first to realize there are "things" lurking in the mist -- deadly, horrifying things, not of this world. In this legendary tale of terror from master storyteller Stephen King, the thin veneer of civilization is stripped away, the masks are discarded and the true horror is revealed as us.

"The Mist" is part of an agreement that provides BLOCKBUSTER with exclusive U.S. rental rights to The Weinstein Company's theatrical and direct-to-video films, which are distributed by Genius Products, LLC. Other recent Weinstein Company releases made available for rent exclusively through Blockbuster include the Stephen King/Frank Darabont film "1408," "The Nanny Diaries" starring Scarlett Johansson, the Michael Moore documentary "Sicko" and the "Grindhouse" double feature including Quentin Tarantino's "Death Proof" and Robert Rodriguez's "Planet Terror."

The Stand as a graphic novel

Posted: March 18, 2008, 16:51

As King mentioned in my interview with him Marvel will turn The Stand into a graphic novel.

Here is an article about it.

Thanks to everyone that has mailed me about this.

Mist week coming up

Posted: March 17, 2008, 20:30

I just wanted to give everyone a heads up that next week is The Mist week here at Lilja’s Library. I have just finished a phone interview with Frank Darabont about the movie and that one will go online next week.

There will also be my review of the DVD and off course a contest in which you can win The Mist on DVD. So, check back in during next week or sign up for my newsletter because you don’t want to miss this!

Lilja

A redesign

Posted: March 15, 2008, 00:16

A redesign of www.stephenking.com is in the making and earlier today this mail was sent out to the members of the official message board:

As those of you who frequent the Message Board know, we have been hinting for several months that the web site is going through its second major redesign. A lot has changed since the site first rolled out over a decade ago and version 3 is going to blow your socks off! Because of the sheer volume of material we will be offering and the complexity of the interactive features that are being designed, we will be launching the site in stages. The new Message Board was the first of those changes to go live but even that has new features in development. To whet your appetite for what's to come, here are a few of the changes you'll be seeing in the months ahead:

Big things are coming...

What to expect in 2008 on StephenKing.com

A fully redesigned and reengineered Official Web Site featuring:

The Library - A brand new searchable database of Stephen King books, audio books, short stories, movies and more.

Multimedia Section - Offering audio book samples, movie previews, exclusive video clips, fan art, downloads and more.

Community Features - Tell the world what you think of Stephen's works with our new "my thoughts on this" comment system.

Updated Message Board - Offering new themes and style guides.

New Dark Tower Web Site coming in April - Combining the classic seven part epic with Marvel's Dark Tower series, the redesign is just what the doctor ordered for the constant Dark Tower reader.

"Wally World" - Codename for a Dark Tower Interactive Flash Experience coming Summer 2008.

The Office - Step inside Stephen's eclectic office and browse hundreds of artifacts and memorabilia in this Interactive Flash Experience coming Fall 2008.

Click here to see the new home page

King on NPR

Posted: March 13, 2008, 08:43

Here you can listen to NPR's interview with King.

Thanks to Larry Fire

King and Hill!

Posted: March 12, 2008, 15:56

Here is a comment from the Moderator on King's official message boar about King and Hill's collaboration:

Yes, Steve told me about this about a month or so ago, but the question is whether or not all of it is meant to be public info yet. I'll check on it but can't promise I can get back to you today as I have several other priorities to take care of first.

King and Hill?

Posted: March 12, 2008, 10:15

This very interesting news just poped up on Joe Hill's official site, and we all know who his paw is, right:

It’s true that at the moment I’m knee-deep in a novel that I didn’t expect to be writing, and having a hell of a good time with it, thanks. And until I turn in the new book, I won’t have a lot of time for short fiction. But I recently collaborated on a novella with my Paw, so that’s coming down the pike. I also promised a short story to a couple friends for their upcoming anthology, and although I don’t keep all of my promises, I plan to fulfill that one. And while Locke & Key isn’t short fiction in the traditional sense, I’d argue that crafting the script for a 22-page issue calls on a lot of the same skills you need to execute a short story. I’m still a guy who believes most 300 page novels would play better as 30 page shorts, and who feels most at ease writing stories that can be read in a single sitting; I have a basically short story imagination, I think.

Thanks to Ross Warren, Marco Lammers and Sam

Locke & Key issue #2

Posted: March 12, 2008, 00:42

I have just finished the second issue of Joe Hill’s comic Locke & Key and you can see what I thought about it here.

Just Past Sunset synopsis

Posted: March 11, 2008, 18:08

Here is a synopsis for Just Past Sunset from Waterstone's:

What would you do if your everyday world were turned upside down in an instant? Here are twelve riveting stories about relationships with unexpected twists. Be very careful what you wish for.Read about the acts of kindness from strangers: 'workmen' who intervene in the obsessive exercise regime of a middle aged artist in Stationary Bike; the unexpected visitor, a blind girl, whose kiss saves a dying man; a mute hitchhiker who helps a driver get over his wife's affair.There are tales of obsession and fights for power: The Gingerbread Girl runs and runs to ease her pain; two neighbours contesting for a piece of land get into A Very Tight Place and a man who witnesses an act of domestic violence in a Rest Stop needs to step into his identity as a crime writer if he's to intervene.Then there are the unexpected outside events which turn people's world's upside down or the right way up: a young couple, David and Willa who are derailed on a train find themselves seeking the bright lights in a nearby town -- and playing the jukebox, for eternity; an older couple want to punctuate the banal humdrum with something unusual -- until it happens.

Thanks to Neil Jarvis

Edgar and Abagail Freemantle

Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:03

From King's message board:

I recently sent this thread to Steve to read and he asked me to post this message:

Several astute readers have commented on Edgar's last name. The answer is yes, of course he is related to Abagail Freemantle. He is in fact her great-great-grandson. (One has to remember, however, that the Abagail Freemantle readers know existed in an alternate Stephen King universe....call in the Stand-verse.) He has no idea of his Afro-American heritage.
Steve

The thread it applies to is this one.

Dead Zone season 6

Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:44

The sixth and last season of The Dead Zone will be released on DVD on June 3rd. Read more over at TV Shows on DVD.

Thanks to Marco Lammers

King on the radion on Wednesday

Posted: March 10, 2008, 08:42

King will appear live on NPR's esteemed program Talk of The Nation this Wednesday:

STEPHEN KING TO TALK "DARK TOWER" COMIC SERIES ON NPR
by CBR News Team, Editor
Posted: March 9, 2008 —
Official Press Release

Legendary author Stephen King will give a live interview to discuss the state of comics tied to the release of Marvel Comics’ Dark Tower: The Long Road Home, the second story arc in his ground-breaking epic series Dark Tower on NPR’s esteemed program Talk of The Nation this Wednesday, March 12th from 2:30-3:00 PM EST.

“Marvel Publishing is grateful to Stephen for taking the time out of his busy schedule to talk about The Dark Tower comic series and comic books as a whole,” says Ruwan Jayatilleke, Marvel Entertainment Vice President of Development. “We’re excited that this will offer a chance to introduce this phenomenal epic---and medium of entertainment--- to NPR’s listeners as well as reward loyal Dark Tower fans with some highly entertaining radio!”

The second installment of the best-selling, critically acclaimed comic book series hit stores on March 5th with the continuing saga of the last Gunslinger in Dark Tower: The Long Road Home. The series reunites the all-star creative team of Dark Tower expert Robin Furth, The New York Times best-selling author Peter David, Eisner Award-winning artist Jae Lee and fan favorite illustrator Richard Isanove, who turned the first series Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born into the comic book event of 2007 -- making it one of the year’s top selling series.

Exploring a chapter in Roland's life that is only hinted at in the novels, Dark Tower: The Long Road Home is the must-have that no comic book or Dark Tower fan can miss, and no fan of comics can afford to miss King’s live interview on NPR!

To check local listings, please visit http://www.npr.org.

Thanks to Rocky Wood

McSweeney cover

Posted: March 7, 2008, 08:14

Here is the cover for McSweeney's issue 27 where King's story A Very Tight Place will be included.

Thanks to Larry Fire

Two day's until Long Road hits the stores

Posted: March 3, 2008, 07:40

It’s only two day’s left until the first issue of The Long Road hits the stores but if you can’t wait, here is my review.

King on Canadian TV

Posted: March 3, 2008, 07:29

King is first out in a new TV show starting on the Bravo channel in Canada. Here is a description:

Books into Film EP: 01 Stephen King 2005
Series examining the adaptation of books into movies, using clips, interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. This episode: Hollywood's long-running fascination with this versatile writer, author of "Carrie," "The Shawshank Redemption," "The Shining" and "Stand By Me."

Thanks to Louis Sytsma

And the winners are...

Posted: March 2, 2008, 00:01

Here are the right answers and the winners in the latest contest…

Read the complete text

Ghost Brothers premier

Posted: March 1, 2008, 00:43

Alliance Theatre has released the following info about Ghost Brothers of Darkland County. It will run April 15 - May 10, 2009:

Ghost Brothers of Darkland County
A haunted cabin. A late night jump off lover’s leap. A chilling new musical.

In 1957, in the tiny town of Lake Belle Reve, Mississippi, a terrible tragedy took the lives of two brothers and a beautiful young girl. During the next forty years, the events of that night became a local legend. But legend is often just another word for lie. Joe McCandless knows what really happened; he saw it all. The question is whether or not he can bring himself to tell the truth in order to save his own troubled sons, and whether the ghosts left behind by an act of violence will help him...or tear the McCandless family apart forever. Stephen King’s script brings the power of suspense and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Mellencamp brings a gritty rock and zydeco score to this World Premiere musical that’s certain to send chills up your spine.

Why We Love This Play
Ghost Brothers of Darkland County is a sultry Southern gothic mystery, with a blues-tinged guitar-driven score. It’s a great story of family tension and secrets, a gripping mystery and a traditional ghost story. Since Aida, our Alliance has participated in the development of some of the most exciting and heartfelt new American musicals. Our audience has a reputation for an adventurous spirit and support for new work, embracing the excitement of developing theatre, a reputation that drew the remarkable creative team of this new musical to Atlanta.

New reading on March 27th?

Posted: February 29, 2008, 20:41

Lauren Groff mentiones in an interview that she and King will do a reading together on March 27th.

The Wall Street Journal: How did Stephen King get onto your book so early?

Lauren Groff: He chose a story of mine for "The Best American Short Stories 2007," which he edited. It's a resetting of Abelard and Heloise in 1918 during the flu epidemic titled "L. DeBard and Aliette." Aliette is a girl stricken by polio who later goes on to become an Olympic swimmer. Anyway, he loved the story, thank goodness. My editor, Pam Dorman, had worked with him on earlier books, and asked if he would like to see my book. He wrote it up and created amazing buzz right from the beginning. (Ms. Groff's short story is online at The Atlantic.)

WSJ: What was the impact?

Ms. Groff: There is no name in American literature more recognized than Stephen King, so it helped immeasurably. In Sarasota, Fla., we'll be doing a reading together. (The March 27 event will be on the University of South Florida's Sarasota-Manatee campus.)

The moderator of King’s official board had the following comment:

I'm not 100% sure about his doing a reading -- will have to double check with him. The original deal was just that he would be introducing Lauren Groff, nothing about a reading.

The Mist still on March 25th

Posted: February 29, 2008, 20:40

After some confusing it seams The Mist is back on it’s original DVD release date, March 25th. If you head over to Amazon you can also see a preview from the DVD where Frank talks about the visual effects.

Locke & Key issue #1

Posted: February 28, 2008, 16:38

I have just finished issue on of Joe Hill’s new comic Locke & Key and you can see what I thought about it here.

Issue #1 was released February 20 and sold out on the first day. Issue #2 is scheduled to be out on March 5, make sure you get your copy then.

Ghost Brothers of Darkland County in 2009

Posted: February 27, 2008, 08:02

will premier in April/May 2009:

Mellencamp, Stephen King will debut scary musical at Alliance

The king of goosebumps and a soon-to-be Rock and Roll Hall of Famer are creating a new musical that will debut at the Alliance Theatre.

Mystery writer Stephen King and Grammy Award-winning pop-music legend John Mellencamp, both newcomers to theater, will unveil the world premiere of "Ghost Brothers of Darkland County" in April and May of next year, the Alliance has announced.

"It is John Mellencamp's musical style and it's Stephen King's gothic style, and I just thought it was too cool to pass up," Alliance artistic director Susan V. Booth says.

Set in 1957, "Ghost Brothers" centers on a simmering 40-year-old legend about the strange deaths of two brothers and a beautiful young girl in the fictional town of Lake Belle Reve, Miss.

Booth says it's too soon to say if the show will transfer to Broadway but that commercial producers will be charting the musical's progress. In a recent Rolling Stone interview, Mellencamp said, "If it goes well in Atlanta, then we'll come to Broadway. If it don't go well in Atlanta, we're done."

Mellencamp, who has been working on the piece for eight years, is to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 10.

Booth said the idea for "Ghost Brothers" came from a story Mellencamp heard as a youth in his hometown of Seymour, Ind. When the writer of hits "Jack and Diane" and "Hurts So Good" decided to turn the material into a musical, he realized he needed a book writer.

At that point, Booth says, Mellencamp thought: "Wait, it's a ghost story. Who's the best ghost story writer there is? So his people talked to Stephen King's people, and now they are buddies and they have written this musical together."

Booth describes the show as "a theatrical piece with music." There will be a live band onstage, and New York director Peter Askin will direct. Askin's credits include Eve Ensler's "The Good Body" and John Leguizamo's "Sexaholix" on Broadway and John Cameron Mitchell's "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" off-Broadway.

"John and Stephen have the kinds of names and reputations that are going to attract people's curiosity," Askin says, "and the fact that they have not worked in theater before is an interesting thing."

He describes the musical style as zydeco. "It's Southern and it's kind of country."

"Ghost Brothers" will join an impressive list of new musicals to play the Alliance since Booth arrived in 2001. "The Color Purple," "Sister Act: The Musical" and "The Women of Brewster Place" have all helped put the Alliance on the national map. Last year, the Alliance won the regional Tony Award for sustained excellence.

The Alliance is expected to announce the rest of its 2008-2009 season this week.

Thanks to Bev Vincent

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