[ THEATER ]

The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival's (PSF) 21st season opens with The Tempest, featuring Philadelphia stalwart Greg Wood (pictured) as exiled Prospero, once a prince, now ruler of a mostly deserted magical isle. PSF's comedy specialist, Jim Helsinger, directs an energetic staging of Shakespeare's last play in the intimate, seating-on-three-sides Schubert Theatre. Known for mounting intelligent and entertaining productions on two stages while most of Philadelphia's other theater companies take the summer off, PSF is well worth multiple drives out to DeSales University, near Allentown. Other offerings include Sondheim's Sweeney Todd, through July 1; romantic comedy Much Ado About Nothing, July 11-Aug. 5, in repertory with Tennessee Williams' steamy Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, July 19-Aug. 5; and an experimental, actor-controlled production of the rarely seen King John, July 25-Aug. 5.

Through July 15, $25-$55, DeSales University, 2755 Station Ave., Center Valley, PA, 610-282-9455, pashakespeare.org.

Photo courtesy of Lee A. Butz