More Information About Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice

Description

Chicago Shakespeare Theater Artistic Director Barbara Gaines kicks off the Theater's 2005/06 Season with her staging of The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare's tale of opposing worlds--of prejudice and persecution, love and exclusion. Featuring Chicago theater legend, film and television actor Mike Nussbaum as Shylo.

Chicago's own Mike Nussbaum returns to Chicago Shakespeare Theater in The Merchant of Venice as Shylock, the universal outsider. Nussbaum's credits at Chicago Shakespeare Theater include, most recently, Friar Laurence in Romeo and Juliet, preceded by John of Gaunt in Richard II. Nussbaum's extensive resume includes the role of George Aaronow in the 1984 Broadway revival of Glengarry Glen Ross. Locally, Mr. Nussbaum has appeared at Steppenwolf; Victory Gardens, Goodman, Apple Tree, American Theater Company, and Famous Door Theater. Notable films include Men in Black, Field of Dreams, and Fatal Attraction. He is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Joseph Jefferson Committee and a Legend Award from the Illinois Arts Alliance.

The Merchant of Venice has been staged on Broadway in more than 45 incarnations dating back to 1768-- the most recent revival starring Dustin Hoffman as Shylock in 1989. The play has also been produced in scores of retellings in film, including star turns by Laurence Olivier and Orson Wells, both playing Shylock in separate television projects. A 2004 film version of The Merchant of Venice, featuring Al Pacino as Shylock, played to critical acclaim in a limited theatrical release.

The cast of The Merchant of Venice also includes: Scott Jaeck, making his sixth appearance at Chicago Shakespeare, playing the role of Antonio. Jaeck's CST credits include Antony in Julius Caesar, Bolingbroke in Richard II, and most recently as Dr. Caius in last season's production of The Merry Wives of Windsor. In the role of Portia, Kate Fry returns to Chicago Shakespeare, last appearing opposite Brian Bedford in The Moliere Comedies. As Bassanio, Timothy Edward Kane returns to CST, having appeared last in King John as Philip the Bastard. For his 20th Chicago Shakespeare Theater production, Kevin Gudahl plays the role of Gratiano. Among Gudahl's CST credits: Measure for Measure, Pacific Overtures (Chicago and London productions), Julius Caesar, and A Little Night Music. Jay Whittaker and Bruce A. Young play the roles of Solanio and the Prince of Morocco, respectively. Among several productions, Whittaker and Young both appeared in CST's hit production of Edward Hall's Rose Rage in Chicago and New York. Additional cast includes: Rengin Altay as Nerissa; Bethany Caputo as Jessica; William Dick as Salerio; Matt Hawkins as Lorenzo; Blaine Hogan as Launcelot Gobbo; James Vincent Meredith as Leonardo; and David Blixt rounding out the ensemble.

Scenic design for The Merchant of Venice is by Daniel Ostling, lighting design is by Robert Wierzel, costume design is by Mariann Verheyen, wig and make-up design is by Melissa Veal, sound design is by Lindsay Jones, fight choreography is by Robin H. McFarquhar, and the vocal coach is Christine Adaire.

About the Ticket Supplier: Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Chicago Shakespeare Theater offers a broad spectrum of theatrical experiences year-round, engaging and entertaining audiences from all walks of life and from around the world. The plays of William Shakespeare form the core of the company's work, complemented by other dramatic works -- from traditional classical theater to new classics that resonate with Shakespeare's timeless insights into the human condition. CST's World's Stage Series brings international theatrical productions to Chicago, presenting new cultural expressions and experiences. For family audiences, CST Family presents abridged Shakespeare productions and classic musicals for all ages.