The 11th annual "Will Award," given by Washington DC's Shakespeare Theatre to artists who make "a significant contribution to classical theatre in America," will be given to Hal Holbrook at a black-tie gala April 4.

The honor recognizes Holbrook's commitment to "the ongoing process of renewing and invigorating classical theatre" in the U.S.

Last on Broadway in An American Daughter, Holbrook is best known for his solo, Mark Twain Tonight!, for which he won a Tony. He's played King Lear at Off-Broadway's Roundabout Theatre and Shylock at the Old Globe's Merchant of Venice in San Diego. Other Broadway credits include The Glass Menagerie, Man of La Mancha and I Never Sang For My Father.

Previous recipients of the William Shakespeare Award For Classical Theatre include Patrick Stewart (1997), Sam Waterston, Lynn Redgrave, Christopher Walken, Morgan Freeman, Mel Gibson, Christopher Plummer, Kevin Kline and Joseph Papp.

For tickets ($500) to the April 4 gala at the East Hall of Union Station, call (202) 547-3230, x.3119. Kathy Hough and Amy Gerson serve as co chairs. -- By David Lefkowitz and Sean McGrath