'Magic/Bird' snags Longacre

Incoming basketball bio play "Magic/Bird" has slam-dunked its spot on Broadway, nabbing the Longacre Theater for an April opening. Production also has lined up a cast that includes Peter Scolari, Off Broadway vet Deirdre O'Connell, Rob Ray Manning Jr. and Francois Battiste, appearing alongside previously announced topliners Kevin Daniels and Tug Coker. "Magic/Bird" pounces on the Rialto vacancy left by "Chinglish," whose producers announced its closing earlier this week. Show confirms its slot in a new play lineup this season that also includes "Seminar," "Venus in Fur," "Stick Fly," "The Mountaintop" and upcoming outings "The Columnist" and "One Man, Two Guvnors." Storyline of "Magic/Bird" follows the hoops rivalry of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, with a script developed from interviews with the two players. Show is the second sports-centric stage outing from producers Fran Kirmser and Tony Ponturo, who mounted pigskin play "Lombardi" last season. "Magic/Bird" reunites the creative team of that show, including writer Eric Simonson and helmer Thomas Kail ("In the Heights"). "Magic/Bird" begins previews March 21 ahead of an April 11 opening at the Longacre. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com