The Merchant of Venice — Nominee for Best Revival of a Play

Opened:
November 7, 2011

Closed: February 20, 2011

Author:
William Shakespeare

The Story:
Jewish moneylender Shylock makes a loan to Antonio, a Christian merchant. Antonio, in turn, lends the money to his dear friend Bassanio, so that he may pursue the beautiful Portia’s hand in marriage. When Antonio’s fortunes turn sour and he defaults on the loan, Shylock demands the pound of flesh promised in their contract.

Show History:
The production began life in June 2010 at Central Park's Delacorte Theatre as part of the Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park series before transferring to Broadway’s Broadhurst Theatre.

Producers:
The Public Theater, Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel, Debbie Bisno & Eva Price, Amy Nederlander & Jonathan First, Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley, Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Merritt Forrest Baer, The Araca Group, Broadway Across America, Joseph & Matthew Deitch, JK Productions, Terry Allen Kramer, Jay & Cindy Gutterman/Cathy Chernoff, Mallory Factor/Cheryl Lachowicz, Joey Parnes

Other Honors:
—Broadway.com Audience Award nomination for Favorite Play Revival
—Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Revival of a Play
—Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for Outstanding Revival of a Play
—Drama League nomination for Distinguished Revival of a Play

Fun Fact:
A film version of The Merchant of Venice, also starring Al Pacino as Shylock, came out in 2004, with Jeremy Irons and Joseph Fiennes playing Antonio and Bassanio, respectively.