Love, jealousy, betrayal, innocence, guilt. All common themes in a typical work of Shakespeare, and the latest production of “”The Winter’s Tale”” playing at the Cassius Carter Centre Stage in Balboa Park is dripping with these emotions and ideas, leaving nothing to be desired.

Each year, the University of San Diego Masters of Fine Arts in Dramatic Arts program collaborates with the Globe Theatres to present an original theatrical production with a young cast of students enrolled in the intensive graduate study program. This year’s production of “”The Winter’s Tale”” combines commendable performances and innovative set design to deliver an altogether pleasing product.

In the small, intimate atmosphere of Centre Stage, the audience is drawn in by dimmed house lights into the classical world of Sicilia and Bohemia and the drama that unfolds there with the overactive imagination of King Leontes.

With the opening scene, the suspicious looks and soliloquies of Leontes are incredibly evocative and no person in the audience, no matter how dense they are, can mistake his thoughts as he watches his wife Hermione and his friend Polixenes, the neighboring king of Bohemia.

It is these jealous and unfounded suspicions that act as impetus for the action in the play. Polixenes flees for fear of his life. Hermione is imprisoned, where she gives birth to her daughter, who is later lost. Hermione is put on trial, at which point her innocence is revealed to foolish Leontes, but all too late. So the remainder of the play tells of what becomes of the lost daughter, Polixenes and guilty, grievous Leontes.

Although not a very original production, the young cast displays amazing control of their physical capabilities both vocally and physically, which results in an engaging and exciting performance. The editing of the original play is done masterfully enough to leave only what is pertinent and integral to the action and plot of the story, which is necessary for young college students with short attention spans (not to say that there were young men sleeping in the front rows, because there were a few of those as well).

Of the young actors, David Raphael D’Agostini as Leontes is very talented, if a bit over-dramatic (which is permissible since this is Shakespeare), but the performance of Jeffrey Brick as conscientious Camillo is more realistic if you ignore his short moments of trembling and discomfort. The seasoned Christopher Gottschalk (a UCSD alumnus) is quite convincing as the confused but stubborn Polixines. Emmelyn Thayer and Deborah Annette Heinig as the two female leads, Hermione and Paulina, are very theatrical but purposeful in their performances. Heinig was occasionally unrealistic, since her character jumped from tears to screams, not able to maintain either. But overall, her role as the brokenhearted lady was well delivered. Probably one of the more natural performances was Rod Brogan as the Old Shepard, in which his character is surprisingly realistic and humorous. Without being forced, he is able to pull off caring and fearful and then endearing and funny as well.

The simplistic setting with camouflage-esque painting and soft lights is comfortable and fits especially well with the latter part of the play. The somewhat elaborate costumes do not always correspond to the simple setting, but depict the time and place of the play (ancient Greece). The trite music does not add to the play except for the two dance sequences — one innocent and full of gaiety, the other sensuous and wild — in which it is the physical force of the actors that propels the scene and not the music.

Overall, the production is entertaining and easy to understand if you are willing to listen. With emotions and actions to spare, the play will keep you intrigued (even if the ending has you scratching your head) and amused. Be sure to secure your tickets while they are still available.

“”The Winter’s Tale”” will be playing at the Globe Theatres until Nov. 14. Ticket prices: regular, $15; students, senior and military, $12. For tickets and info call (619) 239-2255 or visit http://www.globe.mfa.org.

The Winter’s Tale

Cassius Carte Centre Stage

Starring David d’Agostini, Jeffrey Brick and Emmelyn Thayer

Playing until Nov. 14