Elton John's music and the lyrics of his longtime writing partner Bernie Taupin, are the inspiration for a new TV show FOX has committed to for the 2004/5 season. The show, which will be called Rhapsody, is the brainchild of former teen idol, Shaun Cassidy. "It's a soap opera with the emphasis on the opera," Cassidy told Variety, adding, "There's a murder mystery and a power struggle and a big, grand love story." Cassidy compared the concept for the TV show with the hit movie Moulin Rouge, saying the characters will sing on camera. Cassidy wouldn't explain much more about the plot of the show, except to say Rhapsody will be a "really intriguing tale of two families."

Cassidy noted, "Elton and Bernie's catalog is one of the most well-known in popular music history. At its heart, there are a lot of stories in there, and to be able to use those songs is a gift." Elton John and Bernie Taupin will serve as consultants on the series, and may contribute a few original compositions.

Shaun Cassidy, who is the son of actress Shirley Jones and actor Jack Cassidy, and the half-brother of TV actor David Cassidy, was a popular singer in his teens with eight albums to his credit, plus staring roles in two TV series, The Hardy Boys and Breaking Away. He is now a television writer and executive, and has produced a half-dozen network series in recent years, including the critically acclaimed CIA drama The Agency, which debuted in 2001.

Elton John and Bernie Taupin recently announced that they're working on the music and lyrics for a Broadway version of Anne Rice's The Vampire Lestat, which they hope to have ready to debut by 2005. Elton has already enjoyed success writing for musical theater, his credits include the current hit Broadway productions Aida and The Lion King.