By Robert Simonson
27 Sep 2004

The Public Theater's 2004-05 season kicked off on Sept. 21 with a new production of Richard III starring Peter Dinklage in the title role.

The cast features Harry Barandes, Ty Burrell (Macbeth), Jojo Gonzalez, Mercedes Herrero, Ron Cephas Jones (Jesus Hopped the A Train), Matthew Maher, Roberta Maxwell (The Carpetbagger's Children), Shane McRae, David Don Miller, Tom Nelis (Aida), Connor Paolo, Kali Rocha (The Altruists), Gareth Saxe, Thomas Schall, Isa Thomas, Stephen Barker Turner, Peter Vack and James Yaegashi.

Dinklage, the 34-year-old actor who stands at 4-foot-6-inches, will play the title role. Peter DuBois will direct the actor, who recently performed in the one-night benefit of Neil LaBute's Autobahn and appeared in the films "The Station Agent" and "Elf."

Dinklage's many Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway credits include I Wanna Be Adored, Imperfect Love, Marking, Pericles, and Evolution.

The production will have scenic design by Riccardo Hernández, costume design by Marina Draghici, lighting design by Scott Zielinski and sound design by Scott Myers.