The Merchant of Venice
July 17 – August 2
Filled with contrasts and controversy, containing comic elements mixed with trenchant comment on the nature of intolerance, justice and forgiveness, this is a play not easily categorized. The merchant Antonio is approached for a loan by his dear friend Bassanio so that he may woo an heiress in another city. Antonio, cash-poor until his ships return from their trade route, in turn borrows from the moneylender Shylock, who sees in this arrangement the possibility to exact a gruesome revenge for the years of injustice he’s suffered at the hands of Antonio and the rest of the city.
All performances are at 7pm and are presented FREE OF CHARGE. Please bring your own chairs or blankets.
In case of inclement weather, check our site for news regarding alternate indoor locations.
Running time 1 hour 40 minutes
Friday, July 17 – PEACE Park, Coventry Neighborhood, Cleveland Heights
Saturday, July 18 – Tri-C West Campus, Parma Heights
Sunday, July 19 – Penitentiary Glen Nature Center, Kirtland
Friday, July 24 – Community Colonnade, Shaker Heights
Saturday, July 25 – Lakewood Park, Lakewood
Sunday, July 26 – The Grove Amphitheater, Mayfield Village
Friday, July 31 – Notre Dame College, South Euclid
Saturday, August 1 – Lincoln Park, Cleveland
Sunday, August 2 – Lincoln Park, Cleveland
CAST:
Faith Whitacre – Portia, an heiress
Hillary Wheelock – Nerissa, her lady-in-waiting
Allen Branstein – Shylock, a moneylender
Latecia Wilson – Jessica, Shylock’s daughter
Keith Kornajcik – Antonio, a merchant / Prince of Arragon, suitor to Portia
Leilani Barrett – Bassanio, a young gentleman in love with Portia
Ryan Stafford – Gratiano, Bassanio’s friend
Ananias Dixon – Lorenzo, Bassanio’s friend, in love with Jessica/ Prince of Morocco, suitor to Portia
Luke Brett – Launcelot Gobbo, servant to Shylock / Tubal, a moneylender
Nicholas Chokan – Salarino, friend to Antonio / Gobbo – Launcelot’s father
Luke Edward Powers – Salanio, friend to Antono / Duke of Venice
Tyson Douglas Rand – Tysonio, servant to Portia
Brian Pedaci – servant to Prince of Morocco / Jailer
Caity Cook – servant to Antonio
since it’s not mentioned on the website, can I assume no tickets are necessary?
Thanks for the note, Joanne! It’s mentioned elsewhere on the site, but we’ve edited this page to make it clearer.
Yes, all of our performances are presented FREE OF CHARGE. We do gratefully accept donations after the show.
Is there an alternate location in case of rain at any of these locations?
Not a good year for outdoor events! ☔️
We have nearby alternate locations for all of our performances. The best thing to do is check this site the afternoon of the show for updates on weather forecast and news about the alternate location for that (and other upcoming performances)
Show starts at 7pm. When does it end?
The show will end at approximate 8:45.
Food and beverages are allowed?
Yes, you are welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages to all venues.
Are these plays suitable for kids (11-13 years) old?
Hi Heather! Yes, both of these plays would be suitable for teens and tweens.
Actually, I just noticed you left the comment on one of our 2015 events. Make sure you see our current schedule.