Here's how the Public bills the Shakespeare classic: "The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare's most thrilling and controversial plays, rich with love and betrayal, forgiveness and revenge. The Jewish moneylender Shylock makes a loan to Antonio, a Christian merchant. Their loan contract, steeped in prejudice and centered on the play's infamous 'pound of flesh,' sweeps the two men and everyone in their worlds into chaos. Only the insightful Portia can imagine a way forward, but for her and those she loves, even 'the quality of mercy' has its limits."
Here is a look at the cast in the rehearsal studio:
Al Pacino stars as Shylock. The cast also features Lily Rabe as Portia, Jesse L. Martin as Gratiano, Byron Jennings as Antonio Heather Lind as Jessica, Gerry Bamman as the Duke of Venice, Matthew Rauch as Solanio, Richard Topol as Tubal, Christopher Fitzgerald as Launcelot Gobbo, Marsha Stephanie Blake as Nerissa, David Harbour as Bassanio, Peter Francis James as Salerio, Isaiah Johnson as Prince of Morocco, Charles Kimbrough as Prince of Arragon and Seth Numrich as Lorenzo.
The show will officially open Nov. 7 and play a limited 78-performance engagement through Jan. 9, 2011.
For tickets phone (212) 239-6200 or visit Telecharge.com. The Broadhurst Theatre is located at 235 W. 44th Street.
