Jeff Gardner, the musical's producer, is planning staged readings for Los Angeles and New York in May, with an eye toward a Broadway opening in the spring 2008. The musical, about two feuding neighbors who fight over a woman who moves in across the street, has music by Neil Berg (The Prince and the Pauper), lyrics by former MAD Magazine editor Nick Meglin and a book by Dan Remmes.

Casale is best known for directing Cathy Rigby in the revival of Peter Pan on Broadway, which earned a Tony nomination for Best Revival of a Musical. He also adapted and directed the 2000 TV movie version.

Casale directed the current tour of Camelot starring Michael York and the European production of Beauty and the Beast. His most recent New York credits include The Property Known as Garland and Dragapella.

Casale also has several L.A. and regional credits, including Moon Over Buffalo at the Pasadena Playhouse; Bill C. Davis' play Wrestlers starring Mark Harmon and George Clooney; Into the Woods with Leslie Uggams; Fiddler on the Roof with Theodore Bikel; Sweet Charity with Donna McKechnie; and Hello, Dolly! with Jo Anne Worley.

For more information visit www.grumpyoldmenthemusical.com.