Victor Pappas directs the Peter Oswald adaptation of Friedrich Schiller's classic. The ACT engagement incorporates the same conceit as the hit London and 2009 Broadway productions, where the dueling Queens are dressed in period attire, against a male cast all in contemporary clothing.

Mary Stuart will officially open Sept. 15 for a run through Oct. 9.

Allgood (Urinetown, Imaginary Friends, Rock 'n' Roll) takes on the titular role, with Bouchard (Ten Chimneys, Becky's New Car, Three Tall Women) as Elizabeth Tudor.

They are joined by Allan Michael Barlow, Dale Bowers, Joshua Carter, Peter Crook, Bradford Farwell, Allen Fitzpatrick, Alex Garnett, Jon Lutyens, Terry Edward Moore, Marianne Owen, John Ulman and R. Hamilton Wright.

"We see the same kind of machinations as we see today in governments around the world, including our own," Pappas said in a statement. "Isn't Burleigh a little bit like Dick Cheney, Talbot a little reminiscent of Colin Powell? And aren’t Elizabeth and Mary women fighting to maintain power and self-image in a world manipulated by men? And then of course there's the religious aspect – the role of religion in government and politics is a key source of the play’s conflict, and a key reason that Mary’s supporters feel justified in their attempts to assassinate Elizabeth. The conflict between the Catholic Church, the Church of England, and the Protestant faith is a source of motivation for just about every character in the play. Schiller has taken the framework of history and dramatized it to bring into sharp focus the interplay of the personal and the political." Mary Stuart has costume design by Frances Kenny, scenic design by Robert Dahlstrom, lighting design by ML Geiger and sound design by Brendan Hogan.

According to ACT, "Blending fact with fiction, the play examines power, passion and politics as it dramatizes the struggle of Mary, Queen of Scots for her freedom from Queen Elizabeth I. Amidst espionage, attempted assassinations, and prison breaks, a tragic crisis confronts both women with impossibly difficult decisions. Will Mary renounce her claim to the crown? Can Elizabeth free Mary without jeopardizing her throne? All will be revealed in this thrilling episode from the past that strikes at our contemporary selves."

For tickets phone (206) 292-7676 or visit ACT. ACT is located at 700 Union Street in Seattle, WA.