MERCHANT OF VENICE to Close in January; Re-Open in February for 3 Weeks

The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Executive Director Andrew D. Hamingson), Jeffrey Richards and Jerry Frankel announced a final extension today of Daniel Sullivan's critically acclaimed production of THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, starring Al Pacino as Shylock and Lily Rabe as Portia. Due to a film commitment in Mr. Pacino's schedule, THE MERCHANT OF VENICE will go on hiatus following the performance on Sunday, January 9 (when it was originally scheduled to close) and will resume performances on Tuesday, February 1 for an additional three week run through Sunday, February 20 at the Broadhurst Theatre (235 W. 44th Street). New block of tickets on sale to the general public at midnight on December 29th at Tele-Charge at 212-239-6200 or www.telecharge.com.

"The Merchant of Venice, Dan Sullivan's penetrating and brilliant production, is Shakespeare at its finest," said Public Theater Artistic Director Oskar Eustis. "We are delighted there is such an appetite for it on Broadway."

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 Tuesday, October 19 and officially opened on Saturday, November 13. The acclaimed production will go on hiatus on Sunday, January 9 and will resume performances on Tuesday, February 1 for an additional three week run 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, with one intermission.)

There will be a 7 p.m. performance on Monday, December 20; a 2 p.m. performance on Friday, December 24; an 8 p.m. performance on Sunday, December 26; and a 7 p.m. performance on Monday, December 27.

The Broadhurst Theatre is located at 235 W. 44th Street. Tickets for THE MERCHANT OF VENICE extension are $126.50 to $136.50. A new block of tickets will go on sale to the general public at midnight on December 29th at Tele-Charge at 212-239-6200 or www.telecharge.com.

 

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos