Public's THE MERCHANT OF VENICE Resumes Performances 2/1

The Public Theater's acclaimed production of THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, starring Al Pacino as Shylock and Lily Rabe as Portia, will resume performances on Tuesday, February 1 at the Broadhurst Theatre for a final three week extension through Sunday, February 20. Tickets are on sale now at Tele-Charge at 212-239-6200 or www.telecharge.com.

Directed by Daniel Sullivan and produced by The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Executive Director Andrew D. Hamingson), Jeffrey Richards and Jerry Frankel, THE MERCHANT OF VENICE was one of the most well reviewed shows of the fall season and was a "Top Ten Pick" by Ben Brantley of The New York Times who called it "the most savory slice of Shakespeare served on Broadway in years, thanks in no small part to its magnificent stars: Al Pacino as Shylock and Lily Rabe as Portia."

The cast features Al Pacino (Shylock), Lily Rabe (Portia), David Harbour (Bassanio), Byron Jennings (Antonio), David AaRon Baker (Gratiano), Gerry Bamman (Duke of Venice), Heather Lind (Jessica), Matthew Rauch (Solanio), Marsha Stephanie Blake (Nerissa), Christopher Fitzgerald (Launcelot Gobbo), Peter Francis James (Salerio), Isaiah Johnson (Prince of Morocco), Thomas Michael Hammond (Lorenzo) and Richard Topol (Tubal).

The company also features Happy Anderson, Liza J. Bennett, Glenn Fleshler, Luke Forbes, Herb Foster, Bryce Gill, Jade Hawk, Bethany Heinrich, Curt Hostetter, Tia James, Kelsey Kurz, BrIan Keith Macdonald, Dorien Makhloghi, Kim Martin-Cotten, Brian Sgambati and Baylen Thomas.

The design team for THE MERCHANT OF VENICE features scenic design by Mark Wendland; costume design by Jess Goldstein; lighting design by Kenneth Posner; sound design by ACME Sound Partners; and original music by Dan Moses Schreier.

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.

A limited number of tickets in the mezzanine will be sold via lottery for THE MERCHANT OF VENICE. Entries will be accepted at The Broadhurst Theatre beginning one and a half hours prior to each performance. Thirty minutes later, names will be drawn at random for seats in the mezzanine. Only one entry is allowed per person. Cards are checked for duplication prior to drawing. Winners must be present at the time of the drawing and show a valid photo ID to purchase tickets. Limit one entry per person and two tickets per winner. Subject to availability. The price of lottery tickets is $31.50, including the facilities fee.

TICKET INFORMATION

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE began performances on October 19 and officially opened on Broadway on November 13. The acclaimed production went on hiatus on January 9 and will resume performances on Tuesday, February 1 for a final three week extension through Sunday, February 20 at the Broadhurst Theatre (235 W. 44th Street).

The performance schedule is Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 7 p.m.; Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m. (Running time: three hours, including one intermission.)

The Broadhurst Theatre is located at 235 W. 44th Street. Tickets for THE MERCHANT OF VENICE extension are $126.50 to $141.50. Tickets are on sale now at Tele-Charge at 212-239-6200 or www.telecharge.com.

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