Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra charts the sweeping, trans-Mediterranean lust between a Roman general and an Egyptian queen that became a personal and geopolitical tragedy. Four reasons to get excited: director John Langs (Hamlet, Crumbs Are Also Bread, The Adding Machine), whose imagination simultaneously sharpens and embellishes plays; ace actors (and real-life couple) Hans Altwies and Amy Thone in the title roles; Charles Leggett and Darragh Kennan in supporting roles; and set designer Jennifer Zeyl. (The Playhouse, 201 Mercer St, www.seattleshakespeare.org, 2 pm, $36, 2 pm)