Merchant of Venice (version 2)

Perhaps the most controversial of Shakespeare's comedies, The Merchant of Venice tells the tale of a man, Bassanio, who has a crazy plan to woo the heiress, Portia, with money borrowed off an old Jewish money lender, Shylock. However, when the money isn't repaid soon enough, his friend Antonio, the titular Merchant of Venice, may have to pay the ultimate price for Bassanio's big ideas. With a court case in session, it will be up for the play's heroines to sort out the mess caused by their husbands-to-be. (Summary by Charlotte Duckett)

This group recording was completed in two weeks as part of Librivox's celebration of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death.

Cast List:

Duke of Venice, Prince of Arragon, Balthasar, Portia's servant: Phil Schempf Prince of Morocco: Beth Thomas Antonio: Kristin Gjerløw Bassanio, Launcelot Gobbo (Clown): John Burlinson Solanio: TriciaG Salarino: LindaB Gratiano: Sonia Shylock, Lorenzo: Tony Addison Tubal: Maria Kasper Old Gobbo, Man from Antonio: Ray Kasper Leonardo: Kathrine Engan Portia: Charlotte Duckett Nerissa: Jennifer Fournier Jessica: Rachel Messenger: Lydia Narrator: Glenn O'Brien

Audio edited by: Adele de Pignerolles, Rachel, Kristin Gjerløw, Maria Kasper, and Esther ben Simonides Prooflistening by: Adele de Pignerolles, Charlotte Duckett, and Esther ben Simonides