Tom Welling estrena Welling Productions

Kevin Murphy joins 'Caprica'

"Desperate Housewives" alum Kevin Murphy has put together an eclectic slate -- ranging from a CW drama on which he's working with "Smallville's" Tom Welling to a stage adaptation of "Heathers."

Murphy has also joined the staff of Syfy's "Battlestar Galactica" prequel "Caprica" and is supervising another project for USA.

At the CW, Murphy is adapting the book "Cheer: Inside the Secret World of College Cheerleaders" through Warner Bros. TV and Welling's production shingle, Tom Welling Prods.

The book, written by Kate Torgovnick, is a real-life account of the world of collegiate cheerleaders. Torgovnick followed teams from Stephen F. Austin U., Southern U. and the U. of Memphis as they went from tryouts to the national championships.

"I read the book, got halfway into it and said, 'We have to do this,' " Murphy said. "It's a group of people that for them, it's all about winning. Any time you have a series about people who want something desperately, it's fodder for a fantastic soap opera."

Murphy will exec produce with Welling and A.J. Marcantonio, who heads up Welling's company.

Murphy said he imagines the show as a cross between "Election," "Saved" and "Heathers."

Speaking of "Heathers," Murphy continues to work on a Broadway musical adaptation of the 1989 cult film "Heathers" (which is also being reworked as a TV show for Fox, but by a different creative team).

Murphy is writing the "Heathers" lyrics and book; three readings have already taken place, with Kristen Bell handling the lead role (although she hasn't committed to the actual project yet).

The team behind the "Heathers" musical is aiming for a regional run next year, before hitting Broadway in 2011.

Also on Murphy's plate: He's supervising the drama "Velvet Hammer," from scribe Gail Gilchriest. Hourlong script centers on a female FBI agent who juggles her work and home life.

CBS TV Studios is behind the hourlong, which is set up at USA.

As for "Caprica," Murphy has signed on as co-exec producer and is already working on his first script for the show.

"As a rabid 'Battlestar Galactica' fan, it's hard not to go in that writers room and not just grin ridiculously," Murphy said. "These are the people who made the best TV show ever. To be able to be a part of the legacy of that show, I'd be willing to pay them for that."

Past credits for Murphy,who’s repped by WME, also include "Reaper," "Ed" and the Showtime musical "Reefer Madness."