Most people are familiar with some of the most famous lines from William Shakespeare's play "Richard III," which is one of the Bard's earlier works.

And for many, they might not even realize that such quotes as "Now is the winter of our discontent..." and "A horse, a horse! My kingdom for a horse!" are taken from the famed rantings featured in this play.

In any case, now is the time to see "Richard III," a 2 -hour and 45-minute masterpiece which launches Chicago Shakespeare Theater's 2009/10 season.

This tale of a brilliant, scheming hunchback monarch who murders and seduces his way to the English throne is staged by Chicago Shakespeare Theater Artistic Director Barbara Gaines with Helen Hayes Award-winner Wallace Acton in the title role. It continues through Nov. 22.

This story is the final chapter of the playwright's sweeping chronicle of the English Wars of the Roses, and even today, "Richard III" dramatizes the life of one of the most diabolical and manipulative, yet charming and witty villains in literature.

Long before there was a JR Ewing on "Dallas," Shakespeare set the tone for conniving and ruthless figures.

To add to the dark and warped ways of this villain, Richard III has added embitterment because of his own physical deformities, primarily a hunchback.

Over the years, there have been many film incarnations, including Laurence Olivier's portrayal in 1955 to Al Pacino's 1996 documentary "Looking for Richard."

Making his Chicago Shakespeare Theater debut, Acton's embodiment of Richard III is so ideal, it sends shivers to the spine.

And in one of the many moments of inspired costuming by Susan E. Mickey, the audience even gets a glimpse of the outline of Richard's own misshapen spine.

Acton slinks around the stage, almost slithering at times, and with just one cast of his eye, even the audience feels like prey.

He joins CST stage veterans Kevin Gudahl as Duke of Buckingham, John Reeger as Lord Stanley, Angela Ingersoll as Lady Anne, Dan Kenney as Sir William Catesby, Wendy Robie as a regal Queen Elizabeth and Mary Ann Thebus as Duchess of York.

But the only one who can match wits and talents with Acton as Richard is actress Jennifer Harmon as the deposed Queen Margaret, draped in decay and resentment as she spouts a crooked finger pointed curse after curse.

Other favorites include Matt DeCaro as Edward IV; Marc Grapey as Lord Mayor of London; Phillip James Brannon as Duke of Clarence; Mark D. Hines as Ghost of Henry VI; John Lister as Lord Hastings and Andi Bohs as Mistress Shore.

And look for South Holland's own favorite son Kevin Cox delivering a strong performance as a murderer (who later masks as a clergyman).

The wig and make-up by Melissa Veal and props by Michelle Warner rate very high, as severed heads are tossed about, blood seeping corpses become focal points and ghosts of all sorts abound.

This is the ideal selection for creepy October or anytime.

Tickets are $44 to $75 at (312) 595-5600 or by visit chicagoshakes.com.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or 219.852.4327.

Today's Celebrity Birthdays

Legendary basketball coach John Wooden is 99. Former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop is 93. Actor Roger Moore is 82. Country singer Melba Montgomery is 71. Fashion designer Ralph Lauren is 70. Singer Cliff Richard is 69. Singer Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues is 63. Actor Joey Travolta ("Beverly Hills Cop III") is 59. Actor Harry Anderson is 57. Actor Greg Evigan ("My Two Dads," "B.J. and the Bear") is 56. Actress and voice-over talent Arleen Sorkin is 53. Singer Thomas Dolby is 51. Actress Lori Petty ("A League of Their Own") is 46. Actor Steve Coogan ("Night at the Museum") is 44. Fashion guru Isaac Mizrahi is 48. Singer Karyn White is 44. Actor Jon Seda ("Homicide: Life on the Street") and country bassist Doug Virden (Sons of the Desert) are 39. Country singer Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks is 35. Singer Shaznay Lewis of All Saints is 34. Singer Usher is 31. WWE wrestler Stacy Keibler is 29.