Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren will make a special appearance on Washington's Shakespeare Theatre stage this year in a production of Jean Racine's tragedy "Phedre."
It's a coup for the theater's not yet two-year-old Sidney Harman Hall. Mirren made her reputation on London stages before winning the best-actress Oscar two years ago in "The Queen."
So far, Mirren's September appearance in Washington is the only U.S. engagement. The Royal National Theatre production follows a three-month run in London. It also features "Mamma Mia" heartthrob Dominic Cooper.
Michael Kahn, artistic director of the Shakespeare Theatre Company, says the wife of British Ambassador Sir Nigel Sheinwald suggested the production come to the D.C. playhouse, which opened in 2007.
Mirren will play the title role in "Phedre" from Sept. 17 to 26. Tickets go on sale April 20.
