Free Outdoor Shakespeare in Lakewood Park on July 25

[Brian Pedaci]

The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival presents THE MERCHANT OF VENICE in Lakewood Park on Saturday, July 25 at 7pm.

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.

Please bring your own chairs or blankets.
In case of inclement weather, check http://www.cleveshakes.org for news regarding an alternate location.

Running time 1 hour 40 minutes.

This production is touring 9 different outdoor venues between July 17 and Aug 2. See http://www.cleveshakes.org for full schedule.

[Michael Deneen]

The last time I attended a free Shakespeare show, it was "Two Gentlemen of Verona"...I was in grade school.
One of the lead actors (who was living in Lakewood at the time) went on to bigger things.

He got a lead role in "Bosom Buddies", then starred in "Joe vs. The Volcano". I'm not sure what happened to him after that.

Maybe I'll bring some good luck to this cast.

[Stan Austin]

Mike-- are you referring to the stage hand--- a guy by the name of Tom?

[Michael Deneen]

He played one of the leads....charming fellow, had curly dark hair.
Unfortunately he never got a sweet long term TV gig like Peter Scolari.

Hopefully Pete can help him out one of these days...maybe get him a spot on "Gotham".

[Brian Pedaci]

Just a reminder that this is tonight!