"Merchant of Venice" Kicks Off MCCC's Kelsey Theatre Summer Series 6/8/07 Four exciting shows are coming to MCCC's Kelsey Theatre this summer. Shakespeare '70, Mercer County's only classical repertory company, will kick off the season with "The Merchant of Venice" Fridays, June 29 and July 6 at 8 p.m., Saturdays, June 30 and July 7 at 8 p.m., and Sundays, July 1 and 8 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road. "The Merchant of Venice" is described as both a comedy and as one of Shakespeare's early "problem plays." The first of its two plots involves the vengeful moneylender, Shylock, and his insistence on exacting "a pound of flesh" from the Venetian merchant, Antonio, to fulfill a business deal. The resulting clash of ethnic and religious cultures makes for a stunning conflict. From left, Tom Curbishley is Bassanio, Carol Kehoe is Portia, and George Hartpence is Antonio The other plot focuses on the romantic life of Portia, the beautiful heiress of Belmont. Only Portia's true love will solve the mystery and win her hand. Starring in "The Merchant of Venice" are: Stephen Kazakoff as Shylock, George Hartpence as Antonio, Carol Kehoe as Portia, and Tom Curbishley as Bassanio. The show also features Larry Leverette as the Duke of Venice, John Anastasio as the Prince of Morocco, Dale Simon as the Prince of Aragon, Ken Ammerman as Solanio, Patrick Albanesius as Salerio, Rupert Hinton as Gratiano, Tim Hinton as Lorenzo, Roger Lienhardt as Tubal, James Introcaso as Launcelot Gobbo, Tom Moffit as Old Gobbo; Tracy Hawkins as Nerissa, Elizabeth Hults as Jessica, and Shaheen Mamawala as Livia. The show is directed by Frank Erath. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors, students, and children. Free parking is available next to the theater. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Prior to the show on July 7, Shakespeare '70 will hold its Third Silent Auction in the Kelsey Theatre lobby. The auction will feature Shakespearean-themed items such as scripts and various art pieces. Bidding starts at 7:00 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible and provides assisted listening devices upon request. Other shows in the Kelsey summer series are: "The Sound of Music," to be presented by The Yardley Players July 13-22; "Batboy - the Musical," presented by Stars in the Park July 27-Aug. 5; and "Once On This Island," presented by The Pennington Players Aug. 17-26. The discounted series ticket package is only $36 for adults, $27 for seniors citizens, and $23 for students/children. For more information visit the Kelsey Web site or call the Kelsey Theatre Box Office. For more on events at Kelsey see: 2007 Summer Theatre Festival Ticket Information Audition Information Tomato Patch Visual and Performing Arts Workshops Directions to MCCC Return to What's New

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