The modern-dress production, under the direction of Langs, officially opens March 13 and continues through April 5.

In Shakespeare's classic work, Klea Scott stars as Portia with Charles Leggett as moneylender Shylock. The company also includes Allan Armstrong (Tubal/Duke of Venice), Will Beinbrink (Bassanio), Mark Chamberlin (Antonio), Mats Ecklund (Balthasar/Bailiff/Stefano), David Goldstein (Salarino), Troy Fischnaller (Gratiano/Morroco), Kelly Kitchens (Nerissa), Shawn Law (Launcelot), Melanie Moser (Jessica), Kay Nahm (Lady in Waiting), Michael Place (Lorenzo), Dale Ross (Lady in Waiting), Matt Shimkus (Salerio/Jailor) and Brian Claudio Smith (Solanio/Aragon).

Press notes for Merchant read: "When the markets are hot, Venice is a glamorous and high-living city. Fortunes are made in an instant and lost in a heartbeat. After striking a lethal bargain with the moneylender Shylock, Antonio faces the knife when his income is lost at sea. He must now rely upon a resourceful heiress-turned-lawyer, Portia, to prevent the deadly disaster. In a thrilling courtroom conclusion, the disguised young woman swings into action in one of Shakespeare's most popular and controversial plays."

Designing the Seattle production are Jennifer Zeyl (scenic design), Pete Rush (costume design), Geoff Korf (lighting design) and John Osebold (composer).

Tickets are available by phoning (206) 733-8222 or by visiting SeattleShakespeareCompany. The Seattle Shakespeare Company performs within the Seattle Center, located at 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA.