The Colorado Shakespeare Festival in Boulder, CO is celebrating its 40th anniversary this summer with something old and something new because, "our attempt is to not just be a museum of classics but to serve American theatre through new works," producing artistic director Dick Devin said.

In 1975, CSF claims, it became the seventh theatre company in the world to complete the presentation of Shakespeare's canon. During the past 40 years stars such as Jimmy Smits, Val Kilmer and Annette Bening have graced the festival's stage.

Young people work side by side with established professionals on all aspects of CSF productions, Devin explained, "One of our strong missions is to support and nurture young talent from all over the country."

What distinguishes CSF from many other Shakespeare festivals is its 1000-seat outdoor theatre that is more Greek-styled than Elizabethan. "Every time audience members enter, they are entering a new world, unlike seeing a redressed facade" of a traditional proscenium theatre, Devin said.

In keeping with the festival's most recent plan, to support new work, is a production of Moliere's The Would-Be Gentleman, newly translated by and featuring Charles Hallahan. 1997 CSF at a Glance

* Romeo and Juliet - A traditional Renaissance interpretation of Shakespeare's tragic tale of star-crossed lovers, directed by Henry Godinez. Set design by Joseph Varga; costume design by Nan Zabriskie. Runs through Aug. 15 at the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre.

* The Would-Be Gentleman - Moliere's classic story of an ambitious merchant in Baroque Paris, directed by Roger Hendricks Simon. Set design by Carolyn Ross; costume design by Bruce McInroy. Runs through Aug. 16 at the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre.

* Much Ado About Nothing - Lovers Benedick and Beatrice battle it out in the Jazz Age of 1920s America, directed by Robin McKee. Set design by Carolyn Ross; costume design by Sue Kennedy. Opens July 5; runs through Aug. 17 at the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre.

* Troilus and Cressida - Trojans and Greeks are represented as Confederate and Union soldiers in this Civil War interpretation, directed by Tom Markus. Set design by Joseph Varga; costume design by Linda Sarver. Opens July 6; runs through Aug. 16 at the University Theatre.

* The CSF runs through Aug. 17

* For tickets call (303) 492-0554

--By Laura MacDonald