No matter the century, the country or the culture, everyone knows a shrew.

The very idea of "taming" a shrew has universal appeal. Shakespeare, it is safe to surmise, knew this when he penned The Taming of the Shrew in 1593-94, and audiences throughout the centuries have helped to make it one of his most popular comedies.

"As long as there are two sexes, this play will entertain," says PSF's Producing Artistic Director Patrick Mulcahy. "Even with all the raucous comedy, the play offers some genuinely touching moments as Petruchio and Kate -- two captivating, hot-blooded characters -- tame each other."

Directed by Russell Treyz, The Taming of the Shrew will preview on PSF's Festival stage July 18 and 19, open on July 20 and continue through August 5. The Production Sponsor is Breslin Ridyard Fadero Architects, the co-sponsor is The Rider-Pool Foundation and the actor sponsors are Lee and Dolly Butz.

Last seen at PSF in 1998, The Taming of the Shrew has the distinction of being PSF's first production in its 1992 inaugural season, directed by Festival founder Gerard J. Schubert, O.S.F.S.

This production features Prologues, a short presentation led by a member of PSF's artistic staff that gives participants key plot points and insights into the play. Prior to every performance, the program is held in the theatre 45 minutes before curtain.

A wealthy merchant, Minola Baptista, played by PSF veteran H. Michael Walls, seeks husbands for his two daughters, Katherina and Bianca. Katherina, played by Grace Gonglewski, possesses a sharp tongue and an ill temper, chasing away every man who dares to court her. Her younger sister, Bianca, played by Rachael Joffred, appears to be sweet and submissive, and attracts many suitors. Baptista has refused to offer Bianca's hand to any man until his Katherina weds. Enter Petruchio.

The swaggering, adventurous Petruchio will be played by Greg Wood. The role marks Mr. Wood's 20th role at PSF since his debut with the company in 1993; and follows his turn as King Leontes in The Winter's Tale, PSF's 2007 season opener. Recent credits include a new translation of The Life of Galileo at the Wilma Theatre, Bookends with the Walnut Street Theatre and Around the World in 80 Days for Syracuse Stage (also directed by Russell Treyz).

Ms. Gonglewski reprises her role as "Kate" from PSF's 1998 production, which set a PSF attendance record that has yet to be topped at 8,995. She recently appeared in the Off-Broadway production of The Guys with Tom Wopat at The Flea Theatre and has performed at the Arden Theatre Company, Walnut Street Theatre, and the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, in addition to winning four Barrymore Awards.

Ms. Gonglewski and Mr. Wood have been paired as husband and wife so often - in at least ten different PSF productions - that Mr. Wood claims: "We're common law by this point."

A colorful cast of supporting players serve up ample helpings of scheming, mistaken identities and trickery. Zack Robidas returns to play Lucentio, Bianca's chief admirer, as fellow PSF vet Matt Pfeiffer plays his partner in crime, Tranio. Emmy award-winning actor Wayne Turney and Aaron Galligan-Stierle portray another dynamic duo of suitors, Gremio and Hortensio, respectively, who convince Petruchio to win over Kate's affections . or at least get her out of the way!

Of course, Petruchio eventually succeeds in wedding Kate. After giving her a taste of her own medicine during their honeymoon, Petruchio and his new bride return to Padua. Attending a party full of newlyweds, Kate astonishes the celebrants with her instructions on loving behavior, and Petruchio celebrates by saying, "Why, there's a wench!"

Director Treyz - a visiting artist since the Festival's inaugural 1992 season -has set the play as a final invited dress rehearsal at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, 2007, and in Renaissance Italy, at various locations in Padua. Mr. Treyz states, "The concept of seeing Shrew at a 'final invited dress rehearsal'. allows us to create a contemporary framework for the play. Even though we are doing a play that was written more than four hundred years ago, we are dealing with the issues, ideas, and themes from a contemporary point of view."

Set Designer Dana Lauren Kenn has created a late Renaissance Italian hill town environment, incorporating panels and tapestries on the sidewalls of the theatre. Marla Jurglanis, resident costume designer for The People's Light and Theatre Company, has designed Shrew's costumes. Lighting Designer Eric T. Haugen and Sound Designer Matthew Given both return for a fourth season with the Festival.

The 2007 Festival also includes Charles Ludlam's The Mystery of Irma Vep (July 11-August 5), and Kristin Sergel's adaptation of A.A. Milne's childhood classic, Winnie the Pooh (through August 4) in the Schubert Theatre.

The free outdoor Green Show completes the season's offerings and begins one hour prior to each evening performance.

Performances of The Taming of the Shrew are Tuesdays at 7pm; Wednesdays at 2pm and 8pm; Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm (no 2pm Saturday, July 21); Sundays at 2pm; Family night: Sunday, July 22 at 7:30pm.

Single ticket prices range from $27 to $45. Discounts are available for seniors, students, and groups. Tickets can be ordered by calling 610-282 WILL or online at www.pashakespeare.org.

Linda Lapos and Paul Wirth are the 2007 Season Sponsors. Associate Season Sponsors are: the Harry C. Trexler Trust, The Morning Call and Service Electric Cable TV & Communications.

The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival at DeSales University is the Official Shakespeare Festival of the Commonwealth and a professional, not-for-profit theatre company. An independent 501 c 3 organization, PSF receives support from DeSales University and relies on contributions from individuals, government agencies, corporations and foundations. PSF is a constituent of the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre, and a member of the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia and the Shakespeare Theatre Association of America.