Leighton Meester joins James Franco in Broadway 'Of Mice and Men'

Leighton Meester is going from the Upper East Side to the California country.

The former Gossip Girl starlet has joined the cast of the upcoming Broadway revival of Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck’s literary classic about migrant field workers who seek new prospects of success and the American dream during the Great Depression. Previously announced stars James Franco and Chris O’Dowd will also make their debuts as George and Lennie.

Meester will play Curley’s wife, the beauty-obsessed youth who tempts the duo while also incurring the jealous wrath of her hard-headed husband Curley. Additional casting for the roles of Curley and ranch hands Slim, Candy, and the Boss (among others) have not yet been announced.

Tony winner Anna D. Shapiro (August: Osage County) will take the reins and direct the production, the first on Broadway in 40 years. The play will bow on March 19 at the Longacre Theatre, with official opening night set for April 16. Move quickly though: This limited engagement is strictly ending on July 27.