As the sun sets over Market Square the curtain rises over Love's Labor's Lost by William Shakespeare.

Sponsored by the Tennessee Stage Company, Thursday's opening performance continued the tradition of professional performing and quality entertainment.

"It was a phenomenal performance," said Knoxville resident Paul Roberts. "It kept me laughing the whole way through."

The nearly two-hour-long performance is full of humor, music, romance, gentlemen making fools of themselves, and the ladies who outwit them.

The performances will go on from July 17 through Aug. 17, every Thursday through Sunday.

For those of you who need a little variety, have no fear, Love's Labor's Lost is not the only show to be performed. Every other day the company will put on The Merchant of Venice. After seeing Thursday's upbeat and gleeful performance, I cannot wait to see how well they perform the cheerless and angry characters in The Merchant of Venice.

Every show begins at 7 p.m. In the case of rain, they will continue to perform as long as possible.

Bring a lawn chair or a blanket to sit on (blankets get to sit up front).

There is no charge for the show but the company does welcome any donations, as they do need money to keep the operation going.

For those of you worried about downtown parking, there is plenty within a two minute walk of Market Square.

Be sure to get there early as seating is limited and does go fast.

For more information, including a map and a schedule of performances, go to: Tennessee Stage Company