SHYLOCK extends through April 3 at The Perry Street Theatre

Presented at the newly re-opened Perry Street Theatre by Martin Platt, David Elliott, Rosalie Beer and Richard Jordan in association with Robert Friedman Presents, the globally acclaimed production of SHYLOCK written by and starring Gareth Armstrong, directed by Frank Barrie with original music by Simon Slater will be extended through April 3, originally slated to close on March 13. SHYLOCK began its initial eight week run on January 22; opening on January 30 at the Perry Street Theatre (31 Perry Street).

Told from the prospective of Tubal, Shylock's best and only friend in The Merchant of Venice and the only other Jewish man in all of Shakespeare, he is propelled from his minor status in the play (he has just eight lines) to center stage, and he proves a born comic storyteller, skillfully weaving excerpts from the play with the perpetual legacy of anti-Semitism. Conveyed with innovation, dazzling skill and wit, SHYLOCK reflects the love and understanding of Shakespeare's genius by confronting and confounding the stereotypes in a unique exploration of the funny, tragic and often unbelievable life of fiction's most famous Jew.

"Armstrong puts the play in the context of its own time and in the greater context of the entire history of the negative portrayal of the Jew, past to present, all the while entertaining and enlightening. I can't remember ever coming away from a performance with such pleasure and greater understanding." Rabbi Manuel Gold

Critics have called it: "One of the most unique one-man shows in New York right now" ATW "Armstrong's performance invites empathy and awe . . . an actor of consummate craft." Variety "Impressive to watch…a formidable experiment in theatrical tightrope walking" Jewish Week "For anyone who loves Shakespeare, for anyone who loves history, for anyone who loves stirring and powerful theatre, get thee to Shylock. Fascinating, infuriating, and funny, this play grabs hold of your heart and your mind and does not let go." Broadwayworld.com. "Truly exquisite production. Armstrong is thoroughly mesmerizing." nytheatre .com ". . . a taut exploration of Shylock's legend and its legacy . . . Viewers disappointed by the current soggy, text butchered film adaptation of The Merchant of Venice are hereby urged to hie themselves to this stirring production, as is everyone else." Village Voice, "SHYLOCK gives New York Theatergoers all the more reason to celebrate." Theatermania.com.

SHYLOCK – EXTENDED THROUGH APRIL 3, 2005

Performance schedule: Wednesday – Friday at 8PM; Saturday at 3PM &8PM; Sunday at 3PM & 7PM

Tickets are $55 and can be purchased at www.SmartTix.com or call (212) 868-4444.

The Perry Street Theatre is located at 31 Perry Street, just West of 7th Avenue. ACE to 14th Street, or 1/9 to Christopher Street; 2/3 to 14th Street

www.shylocktheplay.com