Kevin Kline to Star in King Lear at the Public

Kevin Kline will star in William Shakespeare's King Lear at the Public Theater this fall, according to a production spokesperson. James Lapine directs.

Kline has a long history performing Shakespeare at the Public, taking on lead roles in mountings of Richard III, Much Ado About Nothing, Henry V and Hamlet twice. When the Public announced its 2006-2007 season, the company said Kline would be in a Shakespearean classic directed by Lapine, but did not specify which. Kline recently appeared in a private staged reading of King Lear at the Public.

King Lear is a stark tale of an old and vain king who foolishly divides his kingdom between his two eldest daughters, who conspire against him, while banishing his youngest daughter, who loves him. The most recent Broadway revival of the play, which took place in 2004, starred Christopher Plummer in the title role. Alvin Epstein is playing Lear at La MaMa's Annex through July 2.