Neil Patrick Harris Heads to Broadway in ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ 2014

Fresh off his celebrated repeat performance as host of the Tony Awards, it is revealed that Neil Patrick Harris will star in the upcoming Broadway musical adaptation of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.”

The production will be the Broadway premiere for John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask’s 1998 musical that played for more than two years Off Broadway. Though the production is expected to premiere in the spring of 2014, exact dates and theater will be announced later.

The production will be directed by Tony winner Michael Mayer, who is known for “American Idiot” and “Spring Awakening.” The rest of the creative team and cast also will be announced at a later time.

“I am simultaneously ecstatic and terrified to be stepping into Hedwig’s heels,” Harris said in a release about the news. “It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime role and I can’t wait to begin the journey.”

Both writers of the musical are excited about Harris starring, as well. Mitchell, who wrote the book (and also starred in the original) said, “Who better to pass the wig to but the finest entertainer of his generation?” Stephen Trask, the composer, added on even more praise in the statement: “It’s like you’re putting together a fantasy rock band and Paul McCartney agrees to play bass,” he said of Harris.

Harris hasn’t appeared on Broadway since 2004, when he was in “Assassins.” He’s also been on Broadway in “Cabaret” and “Proof.” Later this year he will host and produce the upcoming 65th Primetime Emmy Awards.

Since his last appearance on Broadway, Harris also has been keeping busy starring as Barney Stinson in the successful CBS sitcom, “How I Met Your Mother.” The show just wrapped up its eighth season recently, and will return for one final season this fall, freeing Harris up for his Broadway stint the following spring.