Hal Holbrook may be best known for his Tony Award-winning portrayal of Mark Twain, but the actor is no stranger to Shakespeare. He has portrayed both the title role in "King Lear" and Shylock, the money lender, in "The Merchant of Venice" at San Diego's Old Globe Theatre, and he is returning to the latter drama in director Michael Kahn's production of "Merchant," currently in previews at the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington.

The cast also includes Enid Graham as Shylock's trial opponent, Portia, and Keith Baxter as the merchant of the title. The set is designed by Tony Award winner Ming Cho Lee.

Show times at the Shakespeare Theatre, 450 7th St. N.W., Washington, are 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays (except June 1), Wednesdays and Sundays (except July 4); 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; matinees at 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays (except May 30); and noon June 30; through July 18. Tickets are $14-$56. Call 202-745-1122.