For the first time in its 42-year history, the festival has an actor in contemporary attire on the outdoor stage. Michael David Edwards is listed as Storyteller — a narrator who wanders in and out, usually at the beginning of new scenes, and wears casual street clothes, carrying a basket of props he hands out to other actors. Then, during the second half, he appears as Autolycus, a comical rogue who fleeces the unwary Bohemian shepherds of their money.

The acting throughout the large ensemble is outstanding: Raymond L. Chapman plays Leontes, who makes a rapid shift from loving monarch to insanely jealous husband, with Corliss Preston delivering a heart-wrenching performance as Hermione. Among the many other notable performers are Dan Frezza, as Camillo; David Ivers, as Polixenes; R. Brian Normoyle, as Florizel; and Aimee deShayes, as the beguiling Perdita. Robert Gerard Anderson and Brian Vaughn deliver finely honed comedic performances as, respectively, the Old Shepherd and Willem.

Other standouts are Mikell Pinkney and Jane Ridley, as Leontes and Hermione's loyal servants Antigonus and Paulina — the latter playing a pivotal role in tying up all the loose ends at the finale.

The production's design work is excellent — particularly Bill Forrester's regal, purple tapestries (in Sicily) and the fanciful, floral screens (Bohemia), along with David Kay Mickelsen's costumes.

• THE TAMING OF THE SHREW (running time two hours, 45 minutes, with one intermission).

The battle of the sexes has been waged for centuries, long before William Shakespeare threw ill-tempered Katherina and equally headstrong Petruchio into the mix.

Petruchio has come from Verona to "wive it wealthily in Padua" and more than meets his match in a woman known as "Kate the cursed," the elder of two daughters of Baptista — and their father has let it be known that the younger, much sweeter Bianca cannot wed until after Katherina is married.

Director Henry Woronicz kicks "Shrew" up a couple of notches from other versions of the Shakespearean classic. Instead of a lusty, young swain, Petruchio is rapidly approaching over-the-hill status. And Kate is middle-aged with no prospects in sight.

The production's comedic aspects are given full reign, with hilarious masquerades and high jinks all over the map.

As usual, the festival's acting company gives a rich talent pool to Woronicz (who has both directed and acted in previous seasons here). Leading this merry pack are Leslie Brott, as Kate; Kieran Connolly, as Petruchio; and A. Bryan Humphrey, as Baptista.