Brookdale’s Summer Shakespeare Ensemble Presents The Merchant of Venice

The Performing Arts Center is welcoming all to enjoy summer nights with Shakespeare this July on the Great Lawn of the community college’s campus.

The Summer Shakespeare Series will perform The Merchant of Venice on the Lincroft campus’ Great Lawn throughout the month of July. All performances are free and no tickets are required and open to the community.

Performances will be held at Brookdale on July 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, and at 7 p.m. and Sunday, July 15 and 22 at 6 p.m. Parking is most convenient in lots one and two.

For new theatergoers and those unfamiliar with the story line, this is the “Bard’s” provocative look at love, debt and justice amongst the merchants, lawyers and moneylenders in the Venice of the Renaissance. Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice revolves around the money-lender Shylock and the “pound of flesh” he attempts to extract from Antonio (the “merchant” referred to in the title) and a creditor who is behind in his payments.

John Bukovec, Associate Professor, is directing the play. Audience members are invited to bring lawn chairs and picnic suppers to enjoy before and during the production. For more information, call 732-224-2411.

Highlighting the cast of 20 is Antonio Johnson, Asbury Park; Evelyn Giovine, Colts Neck; Anna Schoenenberger, Freehold; Matt Sockol, Holmdel; Stephen Dobbins, Mary C. Myers, Sara Staple, Howell; Luke Nanney, Leonardo; Daniel Escobar, Long Branch; Samantha Artese, Manalapan; Joseph Sullivan, Marlboro; Ashley M. Green, Matawan; Michael Meinberg, Middletown; Angelika Violetta, Morganville; Paul Brahney, Ocean Township; John Kloby, Ocean; Christopher J. Friedel, Sofie Schildge, Rumson; Rolando Hemandez, Staten Island; Jill Cimorelli, Tinton Falls.