MERCHANT OF VENICE Recoups Initial Investment, Goes on Hiatus 1/9

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."
 
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.
 
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. Lottery tickets are $31.50, including the facilities fee.