Shoplift charge Winona ‘lined-up for musical role’

Actress Winona Ryder is being lined up for a major Broadway role even as she awaits trial for shoplifting charges, it emerged today.

Producers want her to perform in Urinetown, a musical about a city where everyone must pay each time they go the lavatory, which became a surprise hit when it opened last year.

The Little Women star would replace Tony nominee Spencer Kayden when her contract expires at the end of August.

Ryder is ‘‘at the top of the list’’ for the part, a member of the show’s production staff told the New York Post.

The 30-year-old is due to appear in court in August to face allegations that she stole designer goods valued at £3,500 from an exclusive Los Angeles store last December.

She has pleaded not guilty to charges of burglary, vandalism and possession of a controlled drug at the time of the arrest.

Ryder faces up to three years and eight months in prison if convicted.