Joseph Hardy stages the work, which began previews at the Connecticut company's mainstage May 24 for a limited run through July 1. Inspired by memories of her maternal grandmother Beatrice Kempson, Redgrave weaves together stories passed down from her mother about "one of the lesser known members of the family" into a tale that is "part speculation and invention" of "this rather chilly, not very lovable woman."

The new work completes a trilogy of works penned by the stage star about her family: including her Tony Award-nominated Shakespeare For My Father, which dealt with her father, the late Michael Redgrave; and The Mandrake Root, which was loosely based on her mother, actress Rachel Kempson.

Last seen on Broadway in her Tony-nominated turn in The Constant Wife, Redgrave's other credits include Talking Heads, The Exonerated, Black Comedy, Aren't We All, Moon Over Buffalo and another Tony-nominated turn in Mrs. Warren's Profession. She was nominated for an Academy Award for the film "Gods and Monsters" and earned her second nod after her title role in "Georgy Girl."

The design team for Nightingale features Tobin Ost (scenic), Alejo Vietti (costumes), Rui Rita and Jeff Nellis (lighting) with John Gromada (sound).

The summer season at Hartford next features the three-actress version of Eve Ensler's The Good Body (July 12-28), followed by Frenchie Davis (Rent, "American Idol") in Mahalia – A Gospel Musical (Aug. 2-19).

Tickets to Nightingale at Hartford Stage, 50 Church Street in downtown Hartford, CT, are available by calling (860) 527-5151. For more information visit www.hartfordstage.org.