Lyle Lovett Joins Cast of Shakespeare Play

Lyle Lovett will join Oscar-winning actress Helen Hunt and a cast of 18 performers in the Los Angeles production of the Shakespeare play, 'Much Ado About Nothing.' According to the Los Angeles Times, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter (and occasional screen actor) will play the singing role of Don Pedro's attendant, Balthasar, and has already composed the musical score for the production.

The limited-run engagement -- produced by the Shakespeare Center of L.A. -- began performances at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City on December 1, and is set to close on December 19 after 23 performances.

Lovett has written several new songs for the play and will be recycling some old ones, as well, including his 1987 hit, 'She's No Lady.' The new production, which is part of a celebration of the Shakespeare Center of L.A.'s 25th anniversary, is directed by Ben Donenberg, who is placing the Shakespeare comedy in a California vineyard setting.

Throughout the course of his award-winning career as a singer-songwriter, Lovett has been cast in several film roles -- beginning in 1992 with 'The Player,' followed by 'Short Cuts' in 1994 and 'Cookie's Fortune' in 1999. He also composed for the 2000 film 'Dr. T & the Women,' acted in the 2002 film, 'The New Guy,' and more recently in 'Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story' in 2007. His television acting forays have included 'Mad About You,' 'Brothers & Sisters' and 'Dharma & Greg.'

Lovett is a four-time Grammy winner: Best Country Male Vocal in 1989 for Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, Best Country Duo/Group with Vocal in 1994 for 'Blues for Dixie' with Asleep at the Wheel, Best Pop Vocal Collaboration that same year for 'Funny How Time Slips Away' with Al Green, and Best Country Album in 1996 for 'The Road to Ensenada.'

Lovett's latest studio album, 'Natural Forces,' was released in October 2009 on Lost Highway Records.