The Merchant of Venice, Starring Al Pacino, Sets Opening Night

The Broadway transfer of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, which enjoyed a sold-out Shakespeare in the Park run this summer, has set its opening night. The show, directed by Daniel Sullivan and starring Al Pacino as Shylock, will take the Broadhurst Theatre on October 19 and officially open on November 7. Pacino will play just 78 performances, ending his limited engagement with the classic play on January 9. Additional casting for the production will be announced shortly.

Considered one of Shakespeare’s most thrilling and controversial plays, The Merchant of Venice is a story of love and betrayal, forgiveness and revenge. In the play, 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.

The show features scenic design by Mark Wendland, costume design by Jess Goldstein, lighting design by Kenneth Posner, sound design by Acme Sound Partners and original music by Dan Moses Schreier.