Nov 14, 2008, 10:00 GMT
Whoopi Goldberg is set to bring 'Sister Act' to the stage.
Stage show for Whoopi Goldberg - Event - The Plaza - New York City © Mark Dye / PR Photos
The actress - who starred in the hit Disney film and its sequel - will produce the London musical version of the movie.
However, the star will not be appearing in the production herself.
She said: "'Sister Act' has grown up a little and has expanded, as all things going from the cinema to the stage have to. In any case, 'Sister Act' for me was 20 years ago, so you can't repeat that.
"You want something - and someone - who is brand new, fresh and exciting.
"If you are fortunate enough to be a part of something wonderful, I feel it's important to pass the baton."
In the original film, Whoopi played nightclub owner Deloris who is forced to assume the identity of nun Sister Mary Clarence to escape menacing gangsters.
The new role - which will see Deloris as a "disco girl" - is reportedly going to Patina Miller, who played the part during a trial version of the show in Pasadena, US.
Whoopi added: "The new show will answer questions about what the soul of this woman really was, although she'll be very different from how I played her on screen.
"The stage version is fresh and new and I'm beyond thrilled to be part of it."
The show - which will feature music by Oscar-winning Disney composer Alan Menken - is set to be staged at the London Palladium and is due to open on June 2.
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