Whitford will play the role of Marc in Yasmina Reza's Tony-winning Art, which will be directed by David Lee and performs Jan. 24-Feb. 19, 2012. Givens will portray Angel in Blues for an Alabama Sky, by Pearl Cleage, which will be directed by artistic director Sheldon Epps and performs Nov. 1-27.

"I am tremendously excited (and may I add, quite proud) that these two wonderful actors are going to grace our stage,” stated Epps. “Our theatre has been blessed with many great performances over the years, and we now have the promise of that tradition continuing with this exciting casting news. I look forward to the theatrical fireworks that these two fine performers will ignite in two very different, but equally brilliant plays that well deserve new life in vitally fresh productions on the stage of The Playhouse."

"I'm thrilled to welcome Bradley to the cast of Art,” stated director David Lee. “I first became aware of his formidable talents as a serious actor as so many others did on 'The West Wing.' Only later did I discover that he also knows his way around comedy in Boeing Boeing on Broadway. That's a director's dream."

"I had the good fortune to meet and work with Robin last year,” Epps added. “I know that she will bring emotional weight, vibrancy, and great variety to the role of Angel...Not to mention her tremendous beauty! It will be incredibly valuable to have those qualities at the center of what I expect to be the wonderful ensemble that we are now putting together for the production."

Additional casting and creative team members for both productions will be announced at a later date.

For more information visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.