The Public Theatre, producers of the nightly sold-out staging of ‘The Merchant of Venice’ in Broadway, has just announced that the Shakespearean play will be extending its run, from its initially announced closing date on January 9, 2011 to February 20, 2011.

The extension is more of a second leg than a stretch. A three-week hiatus will be in effect after the January 9 performance to give way to Al Pacino’s previous work commitments. Pacino portrays the story’s most famous character, Shylock, whose infamous lines had become a staple subject in the realm of theatrical and literary critique. Lily Rabe also stars in this production as Portia.

After the break, the play will resume performances in its Great White Way home at the Broadhurst Theatre on February 1, 2011. The Daniel Sullivan-helmed play is one of this season’s most bankable Broadway productions, playing to a sold-out crowd eight times a week since its premiere last month.

‘The Merchant of Venice’ is presented by the Public Theatre, Jeffrey Richards and Jerry Frankel.