The actress, who made her Broadway debut in Proof, would star opposite Alec Baldwin in the Walter Bobbie-directing revival slated for early 2004 at the American Airlines Theatre.
Heche recently performed in the David Rambo radio adaptation of the Ruth Gordon-Garson Kanin screenplay, "Adam’s Rib" at Los Angeles Theatre Works. The actress is known for such film as "Six Days Seven Nights," "Wag the Dog" and "Donnie Brasco."
Twentieth Century is the 1932 comedy set aboard the title luxury train en route from Chicago to New York. In an effort to revive his failing career, a Broadway producer hops on the Twentieth Century Limited to convince a famous movie actress (who also happens to be his former protege) to sign a contract with him.
The play originally opened at the Broadhurst Theatre and played for 152 performances. Twentieth Century was revived in 1950 starring Gloria Swanson and José Ferrer — who also directed. First based on a play by Bruce Millholland, the show was later adapted into the 1978 Tony Award-winning musical On the Twentieth Century by Adolph Green, Betty Comden and Cy Coleman, and starring John Cullum, Madeline Kahn, Kevin Kline and Imogene Coca.
Baldwin headed a cast including Jane Krakowski in an earlier Roundabout reading of the play, with Bobbie directing, according to Variety. Roundabout could not confirm Heche's involvement. Roundabout Theatre Company subscriptions are currently available by calling (212) 719-1300 or online at www.roundabouttheatre.org.