RIALTO CHATTER: THE MERCHANT OF VENICE to Extend?

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.  

Directed by Daniel Sullivan, THE MERCHANT OF VENICE will run through Sunday, January 9 at The Broadhurst Theatre (235 W. 44th Street). Tickets are on sale now for this limited engagement at Tele-Charge at 212-239-6200 or www.telecharge.com.

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).

The company also features Happy Anderson, Liza J. Bennett, Glenn Fleshler, Luke Forbes, Herb Foster, Bryce Gill, Thomas Michael Hammond, Jade Hawk, Bethany Heinrich, Curt Hostetter, Tia James, Kelsey Kurz, BrIan Keith Macdonald, Dorien Makhloghi, Kim Martin-Cotten, and Baylen Thomas.

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.

The design team for THE MERCHANT OF VENICE 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.