Alan Menken, the Oscar-winning composer of Disney hits such as 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'The Little Mermaid,' is at work on a musical series for ABC. This is the third musical show in development at the network.

According to Deadline Hollywood, Menken is teaming with Oscar-nominated lyricist David Zippel and comedy writer Marco Pennette for the new project described as a mix between 'Rent' and 'St. Elmo's Fire.'

The project could feature two or three original songs per episode. It's set to follow a young musician who lives with other artists as the try to make it big.

In other TV news ...

• Adrienne Barbeau will guest star on 'CSI: NY.' The former 'Maude' star will play a clinic manager who plays a key role in an investigation. [Entertainment Weekly]

• 'The Fugitive' producer Alan A. Armer has died. The Emmy winner lost his battle to colon cancer on Dec. 5 at the age of 88. [Hollywood Reporter]

• Starz has bought a comedy script from nightlife guru Brent Bolthouse. The project follows a group of people who cross paths during a Los Angeles night. Bolthouse co-created and developed the project with 'Weeds' writer Vanessa Riesen. [Deadline Hollywood]

Lady Godiva was a freedom rider
She didn't care if the whole world looked
Joan of Arc with the Lord to guide her
She was a sister who really cooked

If you've never seen the groundbreaking 70s sitcom Maude, then you missed the theme song. It was cowritten by Dave Grusin! (It also has the line "Isadora was the first bra burner, ain't you glad she showed up? And when this country was falling apart, Betsy Ross got it all sewed up!" That's excellent.).

Yes, Maude is coming to DVD.