Moraine Valley Presents Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice' Under the Stars

PALOS HILLS, IL -- Get thee to Moraine Valley Community College for another successful summer of Shakespeare under the stars. Featuring a talent local cast of students and community members, the college will present William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice,” July 20 to July 23 outdoors at the Gateway on the main campus, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills.

Admission is FREE. Performances are 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, July 20 to July 22, and Sunday, July 23, at 3 p.m., at the Gateway, located between Buildings M and F. Playgoers are encouraged to bring a picnic, lawn chairs and blankets. You may also want to bring along some mosquito repellant.

Moraine Valley students cast for the 16th century play include Timothy McCarthy, of Tinley Park, as Antonio; Kevin Ross, of Hickory Hills, as Bassanio; Brian Walsh, of Chicago, as Gratiano; Kacey Nichols, of Palos Heights, as Portia; Lena Smith, of Blue Island, as Nerissa; Owen McGee, of Mokena, as Lorenzo; Amanda Teplitz, of Orland Park, as Jessica, Dan Scott, of Des Plaines, as Shylock; and Luke Simone, of Orland Park; as Salerio.

Also, James Smith, of Alsip, as Solanio; Daniel Byrne-Szafoni, of Oak Lawn, as Lancelot; John Reidy, of Palos Park, as Old Gobbo; Jack Higgins, of Chicago, as the Duke of Venice; Yasir Muhammad, of Oak Lawn, as the Prince of Morocco; Zahi Odah, of Oak Lawn, as the Prince of Arragon; Eric Taylor, of Evergreen Park, as Tubal; Kenneth Richardson, of Oak Lawn, as Stephano; Isaiah Hernandez, of Burbank, as Gaoler; and Leonardo Aranda, of Oak Forest, as Leonardo. Ensemble members include Brandie Lorenzen, of Blue Island; Erika Dampier, of Robbins; Kirsten Baity, of Robbins; Valerie Triolo, of Tinley Park; and Jackie Harney, of Orland Park.

The production crew features Dr. Craig Rosen, director; Stephanie Lewis, assistant director; Kerith Parashak, scenic designer; Jane Bagnall, costume designer; Katie Kennedy, prop master; Lena Smith, assistant costume designer; Sean McIntosh, lighting and design; Torry Smith, sound; and Stephanie Meehan, stage manager.

“The Merchant of Venice,” is hailed as a serious comedy that explores the universal issues of friendship, love, prejudice, and the quality of mercy. The play is also considered one of Shakespeare's most controversial works. For more information, contact the MVCC Fine and Performing Arts Center Box Office at (708) 974-5500 or boxoffice@morainevalley.edu.