Whips, swords, lust, and revenge. Zastrozzi, the Master of Discipline has exactly the mix you'd expect when Carolina Actors Studio Theatre, Charlotte's most technically daring company, teams with Tony Wright, founder of the kinky Actor's Gym and one of the finest fight choreographers in town. Wright will star as Zastrozzi, a master criminal who retires from the life to track down his mother's killer, the elusive Verezzi.

The dark comedy by George F. Walker is based on a Percy Bysshe Shelley novella — you thought only Mary Shelley wrote thrillers? — and pits Wright, who also directs, against Colby Davis as Verezzi. Joining Team Zastrozzi in the vengeful pursuit are Karina Roberts as the seductive Matilda and Lamar Wilson as the brawny Bernardo. Aiding Verezzi will be Brian Willard as the lapsed priest Victor. Torn between the antagonists — with a bodice or two ripped along the way? — will be the maidenly Michelle Busiek as Julia. $18-$22. July 21, 8 p.m., July 26-28, 8 p.m., Aug. 3-4, 8 p.m., Aug. 10-11, 8 p.m. Carolina Actors Studio Theatre, 2424 N. Davidson St. 704-455-8542. www.nccast.com.