The Baron's Men to Stage THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, 4/5-27

This April, join The Baron's Men as they present William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice at Richard Garriott's Curtain Theater, the only Elizabethan style theater in Austin. This period-themed production embraces and explores the dark and light of the Bard's well-known tragicomedy, as much noted for its challenging and controversial themes as its entertaining plot and memorable characters.

This Italian-influenced production is led by director Christina Peppas and assistant director Laura Trezise. It features exquisite period costumes by Dawn Allee and Pam Martin. Pam and Dawn are also the play's producers. Music is under the direction of Howard Burkett, and includes works by composers Claudio Monteverdi and Salamone Rossi. As set designer, visual artist Rodrigo Barajas pays homage to Venice as one of the world's most beautiful cities, and evokes the mystery and majesty of La Serenissima (The Most Serene Republic).

The Baron's Men present Shakespeare's Venice as a timeless microcosm of our own world, populated with imperfect people whose natures are as changeable as quicksilver.

Full Cast:

The Duke of Venice- Casey Weed
The Prince of Morocco and the Prince of Aragon- Andreas Stein
Antonio, a merchant of Venice- Andy Bond
Bassanio, his friend, suitor to Portia- Bradley Wright
Gratiano, friend to Antonio and Bassanio- Robert Stevens
Salerio, friend to Antonio and Bassanio- Aaron Neimuth
Solanio, friend to Antonio and Bassanio- Michael O'Keefe
Lorenzo, in love with Jessica- Harry Conner
Shylock, a Jew of Venice- Robert Deike
Launcelot Gobbo, a clown, servant to Shylock- Eva McQuade
Old Gobbo, father to Launcelot- Gene Storie
Leonardo, servant to Bassanio- James Holder
Ballona, servant to Portia- Leanna Holmquist
Stephania, servant to Portia- Joanna Casey
Portia, an heiress- Hanna Haide
Nerissa, her waiting woman- Becky Musser
Jessica, daughter to Shylock- Rachel Steed Redig
Tubal, a wealthy Jew- Jimmie Bragdon
Jailer- Chris Casey
Magnificoes of Venice- Jimmie Bragdon, Chris Casey, Andreas Stein, Gene Storie The Princes' followers- Katrina O'Keefe