Shakespeare Theater Company’s The Way Of The World marks the return of a well-received pairing of Veanne Cox and Christopher Innvar as the play’s romantic leads. But these two have some competition for the spotlight — from the show’s costumes.

Set against a stark, pristine white backdrop of a set by Wilson Chin, costume designer Jane Greenwood’s pieces are all green excess. The Way of The World, a restoration comedy, is a period piece for certain, but something about those dynamite costumes brings a special added flair beyond the historically authentic, working in the realm of ruffles, hats, corsets and frills.

This isn’t to say that our intended stars Cox and Innvar aren’t a dynamic pairing (though Innvar’s stage time is relatively limited, despite being at the work’s center). The couple first faced off against each other in The Beaux Strategem back in 2006. Though similar in style, The Way of The World is a more reserved comedy, lacking the uproariousness of that show, but nonetheless witty (and a little wordy). Cox is a bit more limited in her role here — her character Mrs. Millamant can be more shrill and prissy than seductively demanding — but she can really drag every last ounce of humor from William Congreve’s lines. Innvar, also seen recently in the company’s The Taming Of The Shew, is proving to be one of the group’s most reliably dashing leading men.