October 24, 2008 | Celeb Watch

Elton John to pen AIDS musical

In a match-up few would have expected, pop legend Elton John will be working with comedic actor and director Ben Stiller on a musical about AIDS. It is a bit of a stretch for a man better known for catchy tunes and the songs of "The Lion King."

John explains the show will be "about a guy on Broadway who is gay, has HIV and AIDS, and has to go back and face his wife and kids that he left.

"It's very funny. The premise doesn't sound funny, but it is. Alright?"

If you say so ...

Even though John seems to be instrumental in several musical hits, in movie and stage form, he isn't a huge fan of the genre. "I don’t really like them unless I’m involved in them, for some reason," he said.

We're not sure whether to be excited about the movie or very, very afraid.