When the Los Gatos Shakespeare Festival kicks off on July 15, walking into Oak Meadow Park will seem like entering a medieval European time warp. This full-scale theatrical extravaganza will run Thursdays through Sundays until July 31.

This year's productions include the classic Shakespearean plays Two Gentlemen of Verona and The Tragedy of King Lear, and--continuing the tradition of presenting one non-Shakespearean work--That Rascal Scapin! by Moliere, a French playwright.

Locals may get a chuckle out of seeing Los Gatos Mayor Mike Wasserman portray a murderous outlaw in Two Gentlemen of Verona.

Tickets are already selling at a faster rate than in years past and more than a few sold-out shows are expected, according to representatives from the Festival Theatre Ensemble, the organization running the productions.

A few extra perks are available to festival-goers this year. Hotel Los Gatos is offering special packages featuring weekend suites, complete with breakfast the next morning, and box dinners from Kuleto's Italian Restaurant.

For more information about tickets and showtimes, visit www.festivaltheatreensemble.org.