Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” is often referred to as a “problem play,” meaning that it’s hard to categorize as tragedy or comedy. Shakespeare used his funny scenes as comic glue to bind together a solemn play dealing withhonesty, loyalty and hypocrisy.

The “Measure for Measure” currently playing at the Venus Theatre in Laurel, Md., neatly balances the humor and seriousness of this masterpiece, making Shakespeare’s intricate plot and subplot crystal clear. Director Deb Randall has cleverly figured out how to let some members of her all-female cast play as many as five parts, allowing nine women to play 24 roles.