Bogart's official website confirms that the actor will play Val in the Tennessee Williams play, which will run at the Washington, D.C. theatre May 14-June 27. Directed by Molly Smith, Orpheus Descending will officially open May 20. In a statement director Smith said, "I've wanted to direct this great Tennessee Williams play for 25 years. I'm drawn to the sexuality and passion in Lady and Val's torrid relationship. Their attraction seems to be illogical — but then, don't we all fall in love for irrational reasons? This is love at its most raw, most human, and most sincere."

  Matt Bogart was seen as Paul in the Kennedy Center mounting of Stephen Sondheim's Company, and his Broadway credits include Aida, The Civil War, Miss Saigon and Smokey Joe's Cafe. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati's College Conservatory of Music, Bogart has appeared in regional productions of Camelot, Carousel and Side Show, and his debut solo recording, "Simple Songs," is available on the Jay Records label. He was also recently part of the premiere cast of Frank Wildhorn's Camille Claudel at the Goodspeed.

Orpheus Descending will play the Arena Stage's Kreeger Theatre. For more information visit www.arena-stage.com.