Set to officially open Sept. 5 for a run through Sept. 23, Hope (Frost/Nixon, Indian Act, "The Good Wife") will star as Ibsen's titular heroine.

The cast also includes John Patrick Hayden (Tartuffe) as George Tesman, Sam Redford ("The Hurt Locker") as Eilert Lovborg, Sara Topham (The Tempest) as Thea, Thomas Jay Ryan ("Henry Fool") as Judge Brack, Kandis Chappell (Getting Away with Murder) as Miss Julia Tesman and Anne O'Sullivan (Blithe Spirit) as Berta.

The production will have scenic design by Eugene Lee, costume design by Fabio Toblini, lighting design by Robert Thompson and sound design by Fitz Patton.

According to Hartford, "The role of Hedda Gabler is considered the Hamlet of women's roles. The character has been referred to as the original desperate housewife. Ibsen's ellusive, sardonic, and self-destructive heroine has captivated generations of theatregoers. A victim? A villain? Both?"

For tickets and more information, phone (860) 527-5151 or visit hartfordstage.org.