Shakespeare in the Park features 'Merchant of Venice'

If it's January, that only means one thing in Coconut Grove - it's time for Shakespeare in the the Park!

Shakespeare Miami and The Barnacle Historic State Park will present William Shakespeare’s masterpiece, The Merchant of Venice with three free shows on Friday, January 13 and Saturday, January 14 at 8 pm, and Sunday, January 15 at 6 pm.  

Featuring a full professional cast of actors, period costumes and original music, this production brings Shakespeare’s classic tale of love, betrayal and hate to life. In order to help his friend Bassanio win a wealthy beauty, Antonio, the Merchant of Venice, strikes a bargain with Shylock, using a pound of Antonio’s own flesh as guarantee for the contract.The bargain goes terribly wrong and Antonio battles for his life in Shakespeare’s famous courtroom scene.  

“People forget that this play is also a love story, said Colleen Stovall, artistic producing director of Shakespeare Miami. “Although Bassanio’s borrowing of money from Antonio to woo the wealthy heiress, Portia, sets the tale in motion, there are two other love stories entwined in the plot, which lend sweetness to the production and contrast the battle between Antonio and Shylock.”

Starring Seth Trucks as Shylock, Thiana Berrick as Portia, Daniel Capo as Bassanio, and Brent Gill as Antonio. Directed by Colleen Stovall.  Original music by Christian Cook. Sets by Louis Silva. 

The play is appropriate for families, and the questions of anti-Semitism and bullying in Shakespeare’s play are addressed with a pre-show curtain talk. Educational materials are included in the program and also on the Shakespeare Miami website at www.shakespearemiami.com. 

No tickets are required. Just show up!

Bring a blanket or a low-profile lawn chair. A limited number of pre-set chairs will be available on a first come, first served basis for $3 per chair. Pack a picnic. Limited snacks and beverages will be available on site.

Shakespeare Miami’s production of The Merchant of Venice will be presented over four weeks in January at four venues in South Florida: January 6, 7, and 8 at the Mizner Park Amphitheater, January 13, 14, and 15 at The Barnacle Historic State Park, January 20, 21, and 22 at Pinecrest Gardens and on January 27 and 28 at the ArtsPark Amphitheater in Hollywood.  All shows are free. No ticket is required. Plan to arrive early as the parks fill up very quickly.  

For more information on dates, times and locations, the public may visit: www.shakespearemiami.com

The Barnacle Historic State Park is located at 3485 Main Highway in Coconut Grove.