For the first installment of our 2007 Summer series, we returned with a crowd pleaser and thought provoker, "The Merchant of Venice". While many productions seem to have a particular social or political axe to grind often sacrifiing something of the original play to make their point, our production strove to return this show to it's comic roots. While never shying away from the very human character and groundbreaking social statement realized in Shylock, our production presented a balanced view of this interesting satire on romantic comedy.
To view past seasons click on the Past Productions tab on the left hand menu.
As part of her father's will Portia's inheritence Portia can only marry the man who chooses the correct casket. Above, The flamboyant Prince of Morrocco (Joe Gambino) chooses the wrong casket and looses Portia's hand in marriage.
Stratford Library Amphitheater, Stratford CT
A stern Shylock (Scott Sortman) advises his daughter Jessica (Rebekkah Romero) to shut up the house as he prepares to go out, but she has plans of her own.
Shipyard Park, Hoboken, NJ
Launcelot Gobbo (Katherine Heverin), Shylock's comic servant has a good laugh at the expense of her blitnd father (Vincent Ingrisano). Shipyard Park, Hoboken, NJ
Portia (Molly Pope) and her fservant Nerissa (Lynn Osborn) ponder the casket of lead, part of a high stakes shell game that chooses her husband and sets in motion the happenings in Merchant of Venice. PR still - Van Vorst Park, Jersey City, NJ
As the play opens, Antonio (Thomas Farrington, left) the title character, broods on the impending departure of his protoge Bassanio. His two friends Solanio (Vincent Ingrisano) and Salerino (Noelle Fair) attempt to cheer him. Stratford Library Amphitheater, Stratford, CT
Bassanio (Alex Weider) seeks money to woo the rich Portia. Antonio (Thomans Farrington) not having the funds seeks to borrow from the Shylock (Scott Sortman), the moneylender, his old enemy.. Above a scene in Shylock's office as Antonio berates Shylock on his religion. The sum 3000 duckets. The interest, a pound of Antonio's flesh Shipyard Park, Hoboken, NJ
A disguised Jessica (Rebekkah Romero) elopes with her boyfriend Lorrenzo (Michael Swartz) and steels most of Shylock's belongings and money. Shipyard Park, Hoboken, NJ
Angered at his fiancial losses, daughter's betrayal and his treatment, Shylock has Antonio arrested and seeks his bond a pound of flesh. Bassanio (Alex Weider) holds back his friend Gratiano (David Weinheimer) in the trial scene. Stratford Library Amphitheater, Stratford, CT
Driven to defend the good friend of her new fiance, Portia disguises herself as a young lawyer and argues his case at the famous triial scene. Above, her "Quality of Mercy" speech. Shipyard Park, Hoboken, NJ
