According to a report in The Daily Mail, it appears that “The Merchant of Venice” Broadway production starring Al Pacino could be looking to head for London next year. In summer 2010 the Daniel Sullivan-directed “Merchant” premiered at Shakespeare in the Park by Public Theater before it transferred to Broadhurst Theatre on Broadway its current home.
“The Merchant of Venice” tells the story of revenge, forgiveness, betrayal and love. In the play Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, loams money to a Christian merchant named Antonio. The loan contract, which is full of prejudice and centers around the infamous phrase in the play “pound of flesh,” carries the men as well as everyone around them into chaos. The only who is able to imagine how to go forward is the insightful Portia. However for her and her loved ones, there are limits to mercy.
The Broadway cast is led by Pacino in the role of Shylock, while Portia is played by Lily Rabe. Also included in the cast are Seth Numrich, Richard Topol, Marsha Stephanie Blake, Charles Kimbrough, Matthew Rauch, Heather Lind, Gerry Bamman, Byron Jennings, Christopher Fitzgerald, David Harbour and Jesse L. Martin.
The limited engagement of the production on Broadway is set to end January 9, 2011.
