Due to a private family matter, actress Lily Rabe, who plays Portia, has missed several performances of Merchant this past week at the Broadhurst Theatre. The Public released a statement late in the day Nov. 3, stating that Rabe is also expected to be out of the show for the next several performances.

In order to ensure that members of the press are able to review the complete cast, an official opening night for the reviewing press has been delayed. A representative for the production informed Playbill.com that Merchant would still hold its opening night party Nov. 7 as scheduled. A new press opening has not been announced.

Rabe originated the role of Portia in the Shakespeare in the Park production of Merchant of Venice this past summer at the Delacorte Theater. She reprises her performance alongside Pacino as Shylock in the limited Broadway engagement. Performances began Oct. 19.

Tony Award-winning director Daniel Sullivan (Proof) stages the dark take on the tale of greed, love, faith and vengeance, which brings a brutal pathos to Shakespeare's comedy. The Public Theater, Jeffrey Richards and Jerry Frankel produce the Broadway outing.

The cast also features Jesse L. Martin, Byron Jennings, Heather Lind as Jessica, Matthew Rauch, Richard Topol, Christopher Fitzgerald, Marsha Stephanie Blake, David Harbour, Peter Francis James and Seth Numrich.

For tickets phone (212) 239-6200 or visit Telecharge.com. The Broadhurst Theatre is located at 235 W. 44th Street.