CHICAGO--"All the world's a pier." That could serve as the theme for the upcoming transformation of Chicago's famous Navy Pier. On June 20 and 21, Shakespeare Repertory Theater and the Bristol Renaissance Faire join forces to turn the tourist mecca into a sprawling Elizabethan entertainment. Hyatt's ShakesPIER Festival will feature five free performances of Shakespeare's Greatest Hits, Shakespeare Repertory's 75-minute touring "hit parade." Set to a rock 'n' roll score and performed on the huge Skyline Stage, the festive anthology highlights scenes from Macbeth, Hamlet, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Romeo and Juliet.

Playing literally to the heavens, in the open-air stage, will be favorite Chicago performers Barbara Robertson, Susan Hart, Lisa Dodson, Larry Yando and Neil Friedman. In addition, 200 costumed characters from the Bristol Renaissance Faire--jugglers, minstrels, dancers, artisans and actors--will create impromptu performances. For information call (312) 642-8394.

-- By Lawrence Bommer
Chicago Correspondent