The contemporary-set production, under the direction of Erica Schmidt, will officially kick-off the SummerScape season July 9 and run through July 20. Opening night is July 11.

Dinklage (Richard III) will star as "the aging Ványa, [who] supporting the slovenly retired Professor Serebriakóv, lusts after the professor's young wife, and slithers into self-loathing."

Joining Dinklage in the Chekhov work will be Ritchie Coster (Astov), Lynn Cohen (Marina), Robert Hogan (Professor Alexander Serebriakov), Taylor Schilling (Yelena), Mandy Siegfried (Sonya), Kate Skinner (Maria Vasilyeva) and Robert Langdon Lloyd (Telegin "Waffles"). Casting for the role of "The Hired Man" will be announced shortly.

As translated by Paul Schmidt, Uncle Vanya features set design by Mark Wendland, costume design by Michelle R. Phillips and lighting design by David Weiner.

Dinklage is known for his screen roles in "The Station Agent," "Nip/Tuck," "Death at a Funeral" and "Elf." His stage roles include Richard III at the Public as well as Things We Want and Evolution. On July 13 Bard will host a post-performance discussion with Uncle Vanya director Schmidt and members of the cast.

For tickets and further information phone (845) 758-7900 or visit www.summerscape.bard.edu.