Vanessa Redgrave and James Earl Jones to Play Shakespeare's Beatrice and Benedick at London's Old Vic in September

As a dramatist, Shakespeare was a consummate teller of love stories. ROMEO AND JULIET is his iconic tale of young love. His tragedy ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA dramatizes the ill-fated midlife romance of its real-life hero and heroine. Now, Beatrice and Benedick, the sparring adversaries of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, will be re-imagined as senior citizens in The Old Vic's upcoming production, which stars Vanessa Redgrave (76) and James Earl Jones (82) in the lead roles.

The decision to cast two veteran actors as Shakespeare's witty ex-sweethearts represents a bold departure from conventional casting, but one that makes sense within the play's context. The play contrasts two sets of lovers, the youthful Hero and Claudio, and Beatrice and Benedick, embittered exes with a history. The caustic humor of the more worldly Beatrice and Benedick, who still apparently bear emotional battle scars from their past courting, tempers the sweetness of the innocent younger pair.

While it is not unusual to see some age difference between the two sets of lovers, the choice to cast Redgrave and Jones represents a bold decision. The actors previously co-starred on Broadway in DRIVING MISS DAISY, where their performances drew the attention of Mark Rylance, former Artistic Director of Shakespeare's Globe. It makes sense that Rylance, a seasoned classical performer, would recognize the potential in bringing together two actors, regardless of age, renowned for their dextrious handling of language. Since the characters' ages are never specified in the script, why not make use of two extraordinary and commercially popular performers who are both still at the top of their game?

The production opens in September.