Leighton Meester to make Broadway debut in "Of Mice and Men"

Leighton Meester will make her Broadway debut next year as a beautiful temptress in the revival of "Of Mice and Men," alongside James Franco and Chris O'Dowd.

The story by John Steinbeck centers on big-dreaming George and the mentally challenged Lennie. Meester will play the wife of a ranch boss who fascinates Lennie -- "she's purty," he tells his friend -- and endangers their fates.

The play, which starts performances in March at the Longacre Theatre, has not been seen on Broadway in 40 years. Tony Award-winner Anna D. Shapiro will direct.

Meester, who also starred in the film "Country Strong," recently got engaged to former "The O.C." actor Adam Brody.