ETC… Readers Theatre Announces April 24 "Annual Classic" Performance

NAPLES, Fla. - April 11, 2016 - PRLog -- NAPLES, FL-- In its annual presentation of a "classic," on the evening of Sunday, April 24, at 7:30, ETC…Readers Theatre offers a treat for local Shakespeare lovers: a dramatic reading of The Merchant of Venice, edited for performance by the director, John McKerrow.


Director McKerrow has cast some favorites from other productions by The Naples Players. The 12-member cast consists of Paul Graffy, Brandon Somers, Zachary Pachol, Victoria Diebler, Robert Armstrong, Esther Snyder, Jinji Martine, Dot Auchmoody, Mary Wallace, Mark Vanagas, David Whalley and Bob Hill. The latter two will read dual parts.

In this popular play by William Shakespeare (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Shakespeare), a merchant in 16th-century Venice must default on a large loan provided by an oft-maligned Jewish (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish) moneylender. Although the play contains plenty of levity, it is most memorable for its dramatic scenes. It is best known for Shylock (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shylock) and the famous "Hath not a Jew eyes?" speech. Also noteworthy is Portia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portia_(Merchant_of_Venice)'s beautiful speech about "the quality of mercy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_quality_of_mercy_(Shakespeare_quote)."

Tickets are $10 and are available at the box office, 239-263-7990. Hours are Monday to Friday, 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. and Saturday from 10:00 to 1:00. Purchase early as seating is limited.