The City Shakespeare Company is kicking off its 2014 season with a bash. The Santa Monica-based theater company is hosting a red carpet masquerade ball on opening night, Thursday, March 27. Theater-goers will enjoy Hollywood-style red carpet arrivals and complimentary wine starting at 7 pm, followed by a 90-minute performance of The Merchant of Venice. Dancing and prizes for the best masquerade costumes conclude the evening.
The company, which is currently housed in an early 20th century warehouse space located within walking distance of the 3rd Street Promenade, is aware of the controversy that follows this play and City Shakes’ co-artistic directors Allison Volk and Brooke Bishop welcome the challenge with open arms.
Bishop, who is directing the production says, “My hope is that people leave the theater asking questions. If this play sparks a dialogue, if you leave wondering not who was right and who was wrong, but rather if right and wrong even matter at all, I will be ecstatic, and know we’ve done something worth doing.”
Peter Nikkos takes on the role of Shylock adding, “There is Shylock in everyman; my humble goal is to show the audience the ‘everyman’ in Shylock.”
In addition to Nikkos, the cast will include Todd Elliott (Antonio), David Hartstone (Bassanio), Daniel Landberg (Troubadour), Gilbert Martinez (Clown), Frank Raducz Jr. (Lorenzo), Megan Ruble (Jessica), Allison Volk (Portia), Mallory Wedding (Nerissa) and Frank Weidner (Gratiano). City Shakes’ production is adapted and directed by Brooke Bishop and will feature original music written and performed by Daniel Landberg.
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
March 27 – April 12, 2014
City Shakespeare Company
1454 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
There is plenty of free street parking after 6pm. Doors open at 7:30 pm.
Thursdays/Fridays/Saturdays at 8:00 pm. Sundays April 6 & 13 at 4:00 pm
Tickets ($20): www.brownpapertickets.com/event/583598
Thursdays, April 3 & 10 are pay-what-you-can at the door.
www.CityShakes.org
Shakespeare in LA 