Naked Stages 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 inaugural production of The MERCHANT of VENICE at Belmont’s new Black Box Theater. “We’re delighted to have actors of Lane and Ruth’s caliber with us as we start our first full season,” said Founding 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 Nashville 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 “Lorenzo,” in conjunction with the company’s new accredited intern program. The design team boasts Emmy and Tony-winning Franne Lee producing costumes with Ensemble members Sean Williams and Chris Wilson creating the set and lights.

“MERCHANT 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 Nashville’s brightest theater artists to explore this deeply relevant story. As always, Green Room, and now Naked Stages, promises a unique theatre experience. We promise Shakespeare in modern dress fashioned to reveal our modern world.”

Our collaboration with the Valhalla Shakespeare Project continues to grow and this play is no exception. Two performances of MERCHANT will take place at Valhalla Farms in Cannon County (3081 Jimtown Rd., Bradyville) prior to opening at the Black Box Theater. Both shows, whether on Saturday, October 6, or Sunday, October 7, are 3 PM matinees and free to the general public.

The Nashville opening for The MERCHANT of VENICE is Thursday, October 11, at 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. Wednesday nights are “Pay What You Can” performances. The second Thursdays of each run will include a “Talkback Panel” comprised of area experts from fields relevant to the play that’s being presented.

Tickets for each show 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 this site.

“It’s clichéd, but there is something for everyone in this season and The MERCHANT of VENICE is just the beginning,” Cabus said. “We promise Nashville audiences the finest quality theater we can possibly offer and to carry them on a thought-provoking, entertaining, and enlightening ride.”