The titles, all to be produced in CST's Courtyard Theater on Navy Pier, are The Merry Wives of Windsor and Measure for Measure, two less-produced works from the canon, both to be directed by artistic director Barbara Gaines, and the more populist choice, Romeo and Juliet, helmed by frequent New York director Mark Lamos. The dates for the three Shakespeares are Sept. 3-Nov. 21 for Merry Wives, followed by a Jan. 7-March 20, 2005, run for Measure, and a Romeo and Juliet stay of April 2-June 19, 2005.

Also part of the season will be a mounting of Synge's classic tale of heroism and its various interpreters, The Playboy of the Western World. It will be piloted The Abbey Theatre of Ireland's artistic director Ben Barnes. The occasion marks the Abbey's 100th anniversary.

The CST's Upstairs theatre will see a visit from director Gary Griffin, as has been the case in recent seasons. Griffin has brought the company considerable attention through his praised productions of Sondheim's Sunday in the Park in George, A Little Night Music and Pacific Overtures. (One half expects the troupe to soon remain itself the Chicago Shakespeare and Sondheim Theatre.) The latter production journeyed to London's Donmar Warehouse, where it won an Olivier Award.

Griffin's assignment for the new season is yet to be announced.

No casting has been revealed.

For more information, call (312) 595.5600 or visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com.