The opening night for “The Merchant of Venice” Broadway transfer, which this summer had a sold out run with Shakespeare in the Park, has been set. The show with Al Pacino in the starring role of Shylock and Daniel Sullivan directing, will make its premiere on October 19 at Broadhurst Theatre and open officially on November 7. Pacino’s limited engagement will consist of 78 performances and end on January 9. The production’s other casting will be announced soon.
“The Merchant of Venice,” considered to be one of the most controversial and thrilling plays from Shakespeare, tells the story of betrayal, love, revenge and forgiveness. Jewish moneylender Shylock loans money to the Christian merchant Antonio, with the loan contracted being full of prejudice and much of the action centered around the infamous saying “pound of flesh.” Everyone involved gets swept into a world of chaos, with Portia being the only insightful one who can see a way forward. However, even for her and her loved ones, there are limits to their mercy.
“The Merchant of Venice” features original music from Dan Moses Schreier, sound design from Acme Sound Partners, lighting design from Kenneth Posner, costume design from Jess Goldstein and scenic design from Mark Wendland.
