This is billed as a 100th-anniversary production of the classic about a lower-class flower girl named Eliza who breaks down social barriers after she learns to speak perfect English under the wing of Higgins.

Leonard last appeared on the Old Globe stage as Edgar in Jack O'Brien's 1993 presentation of King Lear starring Hal Holbrook. The actor came to national fame in the film "Dead Poets Society."

Directed by Nicholas Martin (Broadway's Butley with Nathan Lane and Present Laughter with Victor Garber), Pygmalion will open Jan. 17.

The Old Globe production of Pygmalion coincides with the 100th anniversary of its 1913 premiere in Vienna, Austria. The Globe has presented Shaw's masterpiece once before in a 1985 production directed by former artistic director Jack O'Brien.

Additional casting for this production will be announced.

Tickets are currently available by subscription only. Single tickets go on sale Dec. 9 at noon.

Tickets can be purchased online at TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE or by visiting the Box Office at 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park.