Trump announced the news on the May 19 season finale of the NBC series. The creative team for the musical, which is scheduled for a spring 2006 bow, is being assembled. About the musical, producer Burnett said in a statement, "'The Apprentice' is a compelling drama that has touched a chord with television audiences all over the world. I had a vision for a dramatic story within 'The Apprentice' that I knew would work on a Broadway stage. This is not a spoof or a satire, it is a love story set to 'The Apprentice' as a backdrop. Once I met Barry and Fran, I knew we had the perfect partners to make this a reality."

Trump added, "As soon as Mark and I first discussed taking 'The Apprentice' to Broadway, I knew my good friends, Barry and Fran Weissler, were the perfect fit to work with us. With Barry and Fran's amazing track record in the theatre world and the phenomenal success that Mark and I have enjoyed with 'The Apprentice,' I know we'll have a huge hit!"

And, producer Barry Weissler also commented, "Donald Trump is a larger than life character and the Broadway musical stage may be the only medium large enough for him. We know Broadway audiences will embrace the drama and genuine intrigue of The Apprentice just as television audiences have."

"The Apprentice" debuted on NBC in January 2004. The reality series is a boardroom drama that seeks to find one candidate to work for the Trump Organization. Week after week contestants face intense tasks, and Trump closes each program by telling one of the contestants, "You're fired!" The third season of "The Apprentice" began Jan. 20 and ended May 19. For more information visit www.nbc.com.