Remember Tony Estrella and Janine Kane as Petruchio and Kate in Gamm’s production of “Taming of the Shrew?”

They’re back!

Estrella plays Benedick and Kane plays Beatrice in this hilarious retelling of Shakespeare’s classic, “Much Ado About Nothing.”

The two and a half hour play rises to new heights every time they are together, struggling with their love/hate relationship.

Director Fred Sullivan Jr. has set the play in Italy in 1945. Marilyn Salvatore’s costumes beautifully reflect the times, from army uniforms to tuxedos, while Sara Ossana’s sprawling set, which on first sight looks a bit strange allows for the many scene changes.

“Much Ado…” calls for a large cast and Sullivan has matched actors to characters perfectly.

Estrella, too talented an actor to be limited to his many responsibilities as artistic director, has Benedick down pat. His reactions, his self-indulgences, his insecurities and most of all, his reactions to the feisty Beatrice are perfect.

And Kane, with her strong character and determination, makes Estrella look even better. These two Rhode Island treasures were born to play these roles.

There are two love affairs in the play, which is a comedy with tragic undertones. Shakespeare throws in a troupe of “Watches” led by Tom Gleadow, who will have you in stitches. But he also gives you Don John (Kelby Akin), a spiteful character who spews his anger, a bit too much at times.

When Claudio (Marc Dante Mancini) wrongly accuses Hero (Amanda Ruggiero), his bride-to-be, of being unfaithful, there are some tense moments, taking the play from comedy to tragedy. But this is Shakespeare, and all will come together in the end.

It’s not a musical, but Sullivan has made it a play with music, adding a little song and dance from the forties to spice it up.

Marc McClure has an uncredited scene playing a page that is hilarious.

At times hilarious, at times tense, this tale of love, jealousy. And yes, fear of commitment, is one not to miss.

Sullivan and Estrella know how to do Shakespeare. It’s OK to play with the Bard’s words, change dates, add music and enhance the characters…as long as you capture Shakespeare’s intentions.

This is where Gamm shines. Don’t miss this production.

“Much Ado About Nothing” is at the Sandra Feinstein Gamm Theatre in Pawtucket through Oct. 4, followed by “Romeo and Juliet, Oct. 22-Nov. 15. The plays will then be done in rep Nov. 18-29, using mostly the same actors. For reservations call 723-4266. Tickets are $25-$40.