Civic Green Park (9370 Ridgeline Boulevard) in Highlands Ranch is the place to find jealousy, desire, and mistaken identities. Come to the Ranch for "As You Like It," one of Shakespeare's earliest romantic comedies, July 24-26 at 7:30 p.m. The play is set primarily in the forest of Arden and tells the story of two families fractured by jealousy and desire, who, through a series of mistaken identities and comedic episodes, are drawn together by tolerance and brotherly love. Enjoy this free, first-rate, professional theater production performed by Theatreworks ( uccstheatreworks.com) of Colorado Springs. Bring your favorite outdoor seating with a picnic and relax for this beautiful outdoor performance. Sorry, no pets or glass allowed.

Looking to further enrich your Shakespearean experience? Stop by the picnic pavilion in Civic Green Park at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24 and Saturday, July 26 for Bard Talks. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the staging of "As You Like It" with director Murray Ross.

Celebrate the Elizabethan era with the entire family! Civic Green Park is the place for all of your Midsummer Merriment on Saturday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to noon. Enjoy juggling, Maypole dancing, arts and crafts, and more.

The sponsors of the 2008 Shakespeare Festival include The Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado, Metro District of Highlands Ranch, Cañon Catering, Frederic Printing, Highlands Ranch Community Association, Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association, IREA, LMC Solutions, Colorado Community Newspapers, and YourHub.

For more information about Douglas County Libraries and the July Shakespeare Festival, please call 303-791-READ or visit us online at DouglasCountyLibraries.org