The Valhalla Shakespeare Project is proud to announce TV and stage veterans Lane Davies (SANTA BARBARA, LOIS AND CLARK) and Ruth Cordell (ALLY MCBEAL, ALIEN NATION) as stars of our fall production of The MERCHANT of VENICE. “We’re delighted to have actors of Lane and Ruth’s caliber with us as we start our first full season,” said Artistic Director Mark Cabus and MERCHANT director. “This is a controversial play and we have no intention of running from that controversy. Lane and Ruth are brave artists and embrace the provocative nature of this story with us. ”

Ms. Cordell appears as “Portia,” the wealthy heiress whose beauty is matched only by her intelligence, while Mr. Davies portrays the volatile “Shylock,” the Jewish moneylender intent on revenge. Our stellar cast is rounded out with Middle Tennessee favorites Marin Miller as “Nerissa,” Ensemble members Jon Royal as the “Prince of Morocco,” and Richard Northcutt as “Antonio.” Taylor Jones and Ensemble member John Mauldin make their area stage debuts with this production as “Bassanio” and the “Prince of Arragon,” respectively, while Belmont University student actor Zack McMann appears as “Gratiano,” in conjunction with the company’s new accredited intern program. The design team boasts Emmy and Tony-winning Franne Lee producing costumes with Ensemble member Sean Williams creating the set pieces.

Our performances of The MERCHANT of VENICE will take place at Valhalla Farms in Cannon County, 3081 Jimtown Rd., in Bradyville. Both shows, whether on Saturday, October 6, or Sunday, October 7, are 3 PM matinees and free to the general public. As we perform out of doors, we ask that you please dress comfortably (and prepared for the weather), bring something to sit on, and if you’d like a picnic lunch. Click on the link above for directions.

Our collaboration with our sister company, Green Room Projects’ Naked Stages, continues. The Nashville opening for MERCHANT is Thursday, October 11, inaugurating Belmont Univerisity’s new Black Box Theater, 2100 Belmont Boulevard. Additional performances run October 12-14 and 17-20. All performances start at 7:30 except for our Sunday matinee, which is at 4 pm. Tickets for these shows are $20 for adults and $15 for students and can be purchased through the Belmont University ticket system (615-460-8500). Substantial discounts are available to patrons who purchase tickets from members of the group’s ensemble prior to opening night. Information on other discounts for groups, students and seniors is available by contacting us through greenroomprojects.org.

“The MERCHANT of VENICE deals with the kinds of human conflict often spotlighted on the evening news,” Cabus continues, “so our presentation must be as timely. We’ve gathered some of the brightest theater artists to explore this deeply relevant comedy. As always, we promise Shakespeare fashioned to reveal our modern world.”

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