Queen Latifah to star in 'Steel Magnolias'

US singer and actress Queen Latifah is to head up the cast of the small-screen adaptation of "Steel Magnolias," Sony Pictures Television said Monday. The performer will also produce the Lifetime Original Movie based on the iconic play and 1989 film of the same name, written by Robert Harling. The project reunites Queen Latifah with the producing duo Craig Zadan and Neil Meron with whom she worked on the celebrated movie musicals "Chicago" and "Hairspray." She will play the role of M'Lynn in the contemporary, Louisiana-set version of "Magnolias" and will star alongside Alfre Woodard, Phylicia Rashad, Jill Scott, Adepero Oduye and Condola Rashad. The announcement was made Monday by Nancy Dubuc, president and general manager of Lifetime Networks. Production will commence in April in Atlanta, for a debut this year on Lifetime. "The caliber of talent associated with this film is astounding and falls in line with our strategy to make Lifetime a first stop for the industry's best both in front of and behind the camera. Queen Latifah, Phylicia, Alfre, Jill, Adepero and Condola are some of the most celebrated women in music, film, television and stage -- and we could not be more thrilled and honored for them to bring Robert Harling's poignant story about the strength of women to a whole new generation," Dubuc said in a statement.