‘Grey’s Anatomy’s’ T.R. Knight heads for the stage -- in L.A., not N.Y.

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Culture Monster was in heavy denial when we first heard rumors that T.R. Knight would be leaving “Grey’s Anatomy” after five seasons on the ABC show. But, sure enough, “Grey’s” executive producer and creator Shonda Rhimes confirmed to our sister blog Show Tracker this morning that sweet George O’Malley will no longer be a part of our lives on Thursday nights.

Ah, well, we knew we needed to get out more – and now we know where we’ll be headed: the Mark Taper Forum.

Culture Monster has learned that Knight will play Leo Frank in the Donmar Warehouse production of “Parade,” which will open at the Mark Taper Forum on Oct. 24 (for those who really love, Knight, previews start Sept. 24).

Knight will star as Leo Frank in the 1998 musical, co-conceived by Hal Prince with a book by Alfred Uhry (“Driving Miss Daisy”) and music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown (“13”). Tony-winner Rob Ashford will direct and choreograph the show, which tells the true story of the arrest, conviction and lynching of Leo Frank in Atlanta after the Civil War.

The actor’s TV fans may not be aware that Knight has quite a bit of stage cred, appearing on Broadway in 2001 in “Tartuffe” as well as in “Noises Off” with Patti LuPone. Earlier reports had speculated that Knight would be Broadway bound after his departure from ‘Grey’s,’ based on his participation in a reading of “Lend Me a Tenor.’ But ha! His first stop will be L.A., not New York.

‘I am very fortunate to return to the theater playing Leo Frank in this incredible, acclaimed production of ‘Parade,’’ Knight said. “After a five-year break, it feels great to be on stage again.”

OK, take a deep breath, fans: Tickets don’t go on sale until June 26. But Culture Monster will keep you posted on everything happening with ‘Parade’ and Knight.

--Lisa Fung