THE MERCHANT OF VENICE Opens Tonight at Classic Theatre

In this tangled tale of friendship, romance and revenge, a merchant borrows money to help his friend woo a rich heiress. Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, agrees to loan the money with one caveat: the merchant must pay the loan back in full, or else he will be forced to surrender a pound of his own flesh. When the merchant is unexpectedly bankrupted, who will save the day when Shylock comes, knife in hand, to claim his pound of flesh? Funny, horrifying, charming and unsettling, The Merchant of Venice has remained one of Shakespeare's most popular -and controversial - plays for more than four centuries. The Classic Theatre production features some of South Texas' premiere talent, including Classic Theatre founding member Allan S. Ross as Shylock.

The Merchant of Venice features: Dru Barcus, Christie Beckham, John Boyd, Mary Griffith, Nick Lawson, Susi Lopez, Robert Moritz, Allie Perez, Allan Ross, John Stillwaggon, Mark Stringham, Torence White and Hunter Wulff . The design team includes scenic design by Allan S. Ross, lighting by Alfy Valdez, costumes by Diane Malone and an original score by Darrin Newhardt. Directed by Matthew Byron Cassi and assistant directed by Mark McCarver.

SHOW DATES: February 13-March 1, 2015

SHOW TIMES: Performances are Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 8:00 PM and Sunday at 3:00 PM.

LOCATION: All Performances are at The Classic Theatre, 1924 Fredericksburg Road, 78201. The theatre is accessible to the disabled...please call 210-589-8450 for special arrangements.

TICKETS: $25 for General Admission; $20 for Seniors (+65), SATCO, ATAC, MIL w/ID; $10 for Full time students with ID. For tickets and group rates, please call our box office at 210-589-8450 or visit www.classictheatre.org and click on "Buy Tickets".

Photos by: Siggi Ragnar