The Merchant of Venice Revival 2010

Run Time:
3 hours, with one intermission
Opened: November 13, 2010
Closing: February 20, 2011

The Merchant of Venice - 2010 - Broadway History , Info & More

Tony, Emmy, Golden Globe and Academy Award winner Al Pacino and Tony Award winning director Daniel Sullivan reunite to bring the Public Theater's critically acclaimed production of William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice to Broadway following a sold-out run in Central Park.



Pacino and Sullivan expertly tackle one of Shakespeare's most controversial plays, offering modern audiences a new, shattering take on this rarely performed play.



The must-see event runs for only 78 performances! Don't miss this legendary production that the Wall Street Journal declared "cries out to be seen by everyone with a passion for truly great theater. The best Merchant I have ever seen!"



Due to a film commitment in Mr. Pacino's schedule, THE MERCHANT OF VENICE went on hiatus following the performance on Sunday, January 9 (when it was originally scheduled to close) and resumed performances on Tuesday, February 1 for an additional three week run through Sunday, February 20.

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR The Merchant of Venice

In This Merchant All That Glistens Is Gold: The Merchant of Venice, Elf and The Pee-Wee Herman Show
9 / 10

Ms. Rabe's portrayal is mesmerizing. The young actress is of course beautiful, poised and confident, but there's more. She displays an inner intelligence and certainty even at moments when the play allows Portia to be more frivolous, and she forcefully holds her own on the stage, even opposite Mr. Pacino, when Portia, disguised as a young jurist, faces off with Shylock and outwits him, depriving the moneylender his pound of flesh.

The Merchant of Broadway
9 / 10

I must point out, however, that what Mr. Sullivan has done all but turns on its head the plain meaning of the text of 'The Merchant of Venice.' For my part, I prefer to see the play directed in an unsparingly harsh manner that doesn't paper over its ugliness, the way that Barbara Gaines staged it for Chicago Shakespeare Theater in 2005. But Mr. Sullivan's softer-edged interpretation works on its own terms, and no matter how you think 'The Merchant of Venice' ought to be done, this version will sweep you along with such hell-bent momentum that you'll forget there was an intermission.

Review - The Merchant of Venice: Regretfully Timely
by Ben Peltz - March 8, 2011

With celebrity anti-Semitism once again making headlines very shortly after The Public Theater's production of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice ended its Broadway run, it almost seems a well-timed retaliation that Theatre for a New Audience's excellent mounting make a return visit to Gotham.

MERCHANT OF VENICE Closes Today, 2/20
by BWW News Desk - February 20, 2011

The Public Theater's acclaimed production of THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, starring Al Pacino as Shylock and Lily Rabe as Portia, will conclude its successful Broadway run on Sunday, February 20 at the Broadhurst Theatre. The critically lauded production began at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park last summer and officially opened on Broadway on November 13. It recouped its capitalization after only 10 weeks and will be making its first profit distribution to investors next week. Tickets are on sale now at Tele-Charge at 212-239-6200 or www.telecharge.com.

No More Extensions - MERCHANT OF VENICE to Close 2/20
by Robert Diamond - February 10, 2011

The Public Theater's acclaimed production of THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, starring Al Pacino as Shylock and Lily Rabe as Portia, will conclude its successful Broadway run on Sunday, February 20 at the Broadhurst Theatre. The critically lauded production began at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park last summer and officially opened on Broadway on November 13. It recouped its capitalization after only 10 weeks and will be making its first profit distribution to investors next week. Tickets are on sale now at Tele-Charge at 212-239-6200 or www.telecharge.com.

Al Pacino Wins Golden Globe for YOU DON'T KNOW JACK
by Nicole Rosky - January 16, 2011

Stage and screen star Al Pacino has been awarded a Golden Globe for 'Best Actor in a Mini-Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television' for his performance in YOU DON'T KNOW JACK.

MERCHANT OF VENICE Goes on Hiatus 1/9
by BWW News Desk - January 9, 2011

Due to a film commitment in Mr. Pacino's schedule, THE MERCHANT OF VENICE will go on hiatus following the Sunday, January 9 performance (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). A new block of tickets is on sale at Tele-Charge at 212-239-6200 or www.telecharge.com.

MERCHANT OF VENICE Recoups Initial Investment, Goes on Hiatus 1/9
by Nicole Rosky - January 6, 2011

The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Executive Director Andrew D. Hamingson), Jeffrey Richards and Jerry Frankel announced today that the Broadway production of Daniel Sullivan's critically acclaimed production of THE MERCHANT OF VENICE has recouped its capitalization of $3.45 million after only 10 weeks. The critically lauded Public Theater production that began at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park this past summer prior to moving to Broadway was one of the most well reviewed shows of the fall season and was a 'Top Ten Pick' by Ben Brantley of The New York Times who called it 'the most savory slice of Shakespeare served on Broadway in years, thanks in no small part to its magnificent stars: Al Pacino as Shylock and Lily Rabe as Portia.'

MERCHANT OF VENICE to Close in January; Re-Open in February for 3 Weeks
by Robert Diamond - December 20, 2010

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.

DEBUT OF THE MONTH: MERCHANT's Heather Lind
by Nick Orlando - December 15, 2010

This month, Broadway World is showcasing actor Heather Lind, who is reprising her role as Shylock's daughter, Jessica, in The Merchant of Venice. She previously took on this role when she was cast in the Shakespeare in the Park production this summer. Lind graduated in 2005 with a B.A. in Theatre Performance & Philosophy from Fordham College at Lincoln Center and received an M.F.A from NYU earlier this year.

RIALTO CHATTER: THE MERCHANT OF VENICE to Extend?
by Robert Diamond - November 18, 2010

The New York Times is reporting that talks are underway to potentially extend the run of THE MERCHANT OF VENICE past its originally scheduled January 9 closing date if a deal can be worked out with the show's stars - Al Pacino and Lily Rabe. No specific information is available as to how long of an extension may be possible.

Review Roundup: THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
by Robert Diamond - November 15, 2010

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. Al Pacino (Shylock), Lily Rabe (Portia), Byron Jennings (Antonio), Jesse L. Martin (Gratiano), Gerry Bamman (Duke of Venice), Heather Lind (Jessica), Matthew Rauch (Solanio), and Richard Topol (Tubal) reprise their roles in this acclaimed production. New cast members who have joined the Broadway company include Marsha Stephanie Blake (Nerissa), Christopher Fitzgerald (Launcelot Gobbo), David Harbour (Bassanio), Peter Francis James (Salerio), Isaiah Johnson (Prince of Morocco), Charles Kimbrough (Prince of Arragon), and Seth Numrich (Lorenzo).

MERCHANT OF VENICE Holds Press Opening, 11/13
by BWW News Desk - November 13, 2010

The Public Theater holds the press opening for THE MERCHANT OF VENICE Saturday, November 13. So as not to conflict with the Broadway opening of Elf on Sunday, November 14, the producers respectfully request that Merchant reviews be embargoed until Tuesday, November 16.

MERCHANT OF VENICE Announces Press Opening; Reviews Embargoed to 11/16
by Robert Diamond - November 10, 2010

The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Executive Director Andrew D. Hamingson), Jeffrey Richards and Jerry Frankel announced today that the new press opening for THE MERCHANT OF VENICE will be Saturday, November 13. So as not to conflict with the Broadway opening of Elf on Sunday, November 14, the producers respectfully request that Merchant reviews be embargoed until Tuesday, November 16.

BWW TV: THE MERCHANT OF VENICE on Broadway!
by Jessica Lewis - November 9, 2010

The Public Theater, with Jeffrey Richards and Jerry Frankel present THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, starring Al Pacino as Shylock and Lily Rabe as Portia at the Broadhurst Theatre this fall. THE MERCHANT OF VENICE will play 78 performances only through Sunday, January 9. See below for a look at MERCHANT on stage!

Photo Coverage: THE MERCHANT OF VENICE After Party
by Walter McBride - November 8, 2010

It was an emotional evening last night as THE MERCHANT OF VENICE celebrated its official opening night on Broadway. On Friday, the show announced that it would push back it's official press opening to accommodate its star, Lily Rabe whose mother, actress sadly Jill Clayburgh passed away at 66 on November 5. Rabe returned to the show on Saturday night. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the after party and brings you photo coverage below.

Photo Coverage: MERCHANT OF VENICE Opening Arrivals
by Linda Lenzi - November 8, 2010

It was an emotional evening last night as THE MERCHANT OF VENICE celebrated its official opening night on Broadway. On Friday, the show announced that it would push back it's official press opening to accommodate its star, Lily Rabe whose mother, actress Jill Clayburgh sadly passed away at 66 on November 5. Rabe returned to the show on Saturday night. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you photo coverage of the evening's starry performance arrivals.

Photo Coverage: THE MERCHANT OF VENICE Opening Curtain Call
by Walter McBride - November 8, 2010

It was an emotional evening last night as THE MERCHANT OF VENICE celebrated its official opening night on Broadway. On Friday, the show announced that it would push back it's official press opening to accommodate its star, Lily Rabe whose mother, actress sadly Jill Clayburgh passed away at 66 on November 5. Rabe returned to the show on Saturday night.

Lily Rabe Returns to THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
by Robert Diamond - November 7, 2010

BroadwayWorld has learned that Lily Rabe returned to THE MERCHANT OF VENICE last night, and will appear tonight for the show's opening night performance. The show had to push back it's official press opening to accommodate its star, Lily Rabe whose mother, actress Jill Clayburgh passed away at 66 on November 5.

Lily Rabe to Miss A Week of MERCHANT OF VENICE; Official Opening Shifts
by Jessica Lewis - November 3, 2010

BroadwayWorld has learned that THE MERCHANT OF VENICE has had to push back it's official press opening to accommodate its star, Lily Rabe, who must miss the next several performances for family reasons. Opening night had been set for this Sunday, November 7. A rep for the production states that they are now aiming for a November 15 opening night instead and will be confirming sometime next week.

Photo Flash: THE MERCHANT OF VENICE on Broadway - Production Shots!
by Jessica Lewis - November 3, 2010

The Public Theater, with Jeffrey Richards and Jerry Frankel present THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, starring Al Pacino as Shylock and Lily Rabe as Portia at the Broadhurst Theatre this fall. THE MERCHANT OF VENICE will play 78 performances only through Sunday, January 9, with an official press opening on Sunday, November 7. See below for a first look at the show's official photo gallery!

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE At The Public Announces Lottery Tickets
by Gabrielle Sierra - October 18, 2010

The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Executive Director Andrew D. Hamingson), Jeffrey Richards and Jerry Frankel announced today that THE MERCHANT OF VENICE will offer a lottery beginning Tuesday, October 19 for a limited number of $31.50 mezzanine tickets for Daniel Sullivan's acclaimed production of THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, starring Al Pacino as Shylock and Lily Rabe as Portia.

Photo Flash: MERCHANT Of VENICE in Rehearsal!
by Jessica Lewis - October 4, 2010

The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Executive Director Andrew D. Hamingson), Jeffrey Richards and Jerry Frankel will begin performances on Tuesday, October 19 for Daniel Sullivan's critically acclaimed production of THE MERCHANT OF VENICE at the Broadhurst Theatre (235 W. 44th Street). THE MERCHANT OF VENICE will play for 78 performances only through Sunday, January 9 with an official press opening on Sunday, November 7 at 6:45 p.m.

UP ON THE MARQUEE: THE MERCHANT OF VENICE!
by Walter McBride - September 27, 2010

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE begins performances at the Broadhurst Theatre (235 W. 44th Street) on Tuesday, October 19. Al Pacino stars as Shylock for 78 performances only. The marquee is up and BroadwayWorld brings you coverage below!

Rabe, Jennings, Martin et al. Back for MERCHANT on Broadway
by Jessica Lewis - September 21, 2010

Michael Riedel reports in the New York Post this morning that Al Pacino's star power has earned The Merchant of Venice the winners spot for the fall's highest advance generating show. The production, which opens at the Broadhurst Theatre on November 7, 2010, has reportedly taken in approximately $4M, beating out all incoming fall plays and musicals.

RIALTO CHATTER: MERCHANT OF VENICE Generates $4M Advance?
by Rialto Chatter - September 10, 2010

Michael Riedel reports in the New York Post this morning that Al Pacino's star power has earned The Merchant of Venice the winners spot for the fall's highest advance generating show. The production, which opens at the Broadhurst Theatre on November 7, 2010, has reportedly taken in approximately $4M, beating out all incoming fall plays and musicals.

Pacino-Led MERCHANT OF VENICE Begins Previews at Broadhurst Oct. 19, 2010; Opens Officially Nov. 7
by Jessica Lewis - August 23, 2010

The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Executive Director Andrew D. Hamingson), Jeffrey Richards and Jerry Frankel announced the opening date today for the summer's biggest hit, Daniel Sullivan's critically acclaimed production of THE MERCHANT OF VENICE. Al Pacino will reprise his celebrated performance as Shylock on Broadway for 78 performances only, beginning Tuesday, October 19 at the Broadhurst Theatre (235 W. 44th Street) and running through Sunday, January 9. Opening Night will be Sunday, November 7 at 6:45 p.m.

The Merchant of Venice FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of The Merchant of Venice have there been?
The Merchant of Venice has had 7 productions including Off-Broadway which opened in 1962, Off-Broadway which opened in 1962, Off-Broadway which opened in 1980, Off-Broadway which opened in 1986, Off-Broadway which opened in 1995, Off-Broadway which opened in 2007 and Broadway which opened in 2010.
What Tony Awards has The Merchant of Venice been nominated for?
Best Play , , Best Costume Design of a Play for Jess Goldstein, Best Direction of a Play for Daniel Sullivan, Best Lighting Design of a Play for Kenneth Posner, Best Revival of a Play for Bonnie Comley, Best Revival of a Play for The Shubert Organization, Best Revival of a Play for Joey Parnes, Best Revival of a Play for Mallory Factor/Cheryl Lachowicz, Best Revival of a Play for Cathy Chernoff/Jay & Cindy Gutterman, Best Revival of a Play for Terry Allen Kramer, Best Revival of a Play for JK Productions, Best Revival of a Play for Joseph & Matthew Deitch, Best Revival of a Play for Broadway Across America, Best Revival of a Play for The Araca Group, Best Revival of a Play for Merritt Forrest Baer, Best Revival of a Play for Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Best Revival of a Play for Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley, Best Revival of a Play for Jonathan First, Best Revival of a Play for Amy Nederlander, Best Revival of a Play for Debbie Bisno & Eva Price, Best Revival of a Play for Jerry Frankel, Best Revival of a Play for Jeffrey Richards, Best Revival of a Play for Andrew D. HamingsonBest Revival of a Play for Oskar Eustis and Best Scenic Design of a Play for Mark Wendland.
What awards has The Merchant of Venice been nominated for?
The Merchant of Venice has been nominated for several awards. It was nominated for Outstanding Revival of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards, with Bonnie Comley as a nominee. Additionally, Heather Lind received a nomination for Performance at the Theatre World Awards for her role in the play.
What awards has The Merchant of Venice won?
The Merchant of Venice has won several awards. It received the Outstanding Revival of a Play award at the Drama Desk Awards. Bonnie Comley won the Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for her role in the play. Heather Lind also won a Theatre World Award for her performance in The Merchant of Venice.

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