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CHICAGO -- With co-founder Gary Sinise signed on to star, Chi's Steppenwolf Theater Co. announced Wednesday that it will revive "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," playwright Dale Wasserman's adaptation of the Ken Kesey novel, in April 2000. Terry Kinney will helm, with Steppenwolf ensemble member Amy Morton playing the role of Nurse Ratched.

The production is being presented in arrangement with Michael Leavitt and his Fox Theatricals, currently the lead producers of Broadway's "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Sources said Fox will have first refusal on any subsequent commercial rights to the show. A Steppenwolf spokesman said that Fox has not yet invested any money in the production and merely owns the rights to the text.

With major investments in "Jekyll & Hyde" and the production of "Death of a Salesman" starring Brian Dennehy, Fox Theatricals has been increasing its Gotham presence over the last two years.

Steppenwolf does not usually ink arrangements with commercial producers a year in advance. Such a deal suggests optimism that the show will have a life beyond its initial six-week run.