The tempestuous passion between two of literature's greatest lovers -- Cathy and Heathcliff -- will be aroused once "moor" when Paper Mill Playhouse presents its version of Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights Feb. 24-April 3.

Paper Mill artistic director Robert Johanson penned the adaptation and is directing the mysterious, romantic story of tormented love on the English moors. Johanson previously adapted the 19th-century novels, Jane Eyre, Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities, to audience and critical acclaim at the New Jersey nonprofit.

Official opening for Wuthering Heights is March 7.

The company includes Libby Christopherson as Catherine, Mark H. Dold as Edgar Linton, David Ledingham as Heathcliff, Jodie Lynne McClintock as Nelly, Elizabeth Roby as Isabella Linton and Christopher Wynkoop as Joseph.

The ensemble includes Ezra Barnes, Jeb Brown, Rebecca Cress, Eric Englund, Ricky Franco, Ruth Moore, Noah Peyser, Greg Pollock, Jennifer Reynolds, Zal Owen Spialter, Chris Stafford, Chad L. Sweet, Amy Tribbey and David Weynand. The looming country-estate scenic design is by Michael Anania, costumes are by Gregg Barnes, lighting is by Jack Mehler and sound by Craig Cassidy.

Director Johnanson recently performed in Up Up and Away, a revue of Jimmy Webb songs, at Paper Mill, and staged, among many other shows there, the 1998 revival of Follies, which spawned a two-disc cast album on the TVT label.

Tickets are $25-$55 ($10 for students prior to curtain). Call (973) 376 4343.

The Paper Mill website is www.papermill.org.

-- By Kenneth Jones