Janus Theatre presents an engaging "Merchant of Venice"

The Merchant of Venice

Regina Belt-Daniels

Completing Janus Theatre’s 27th season is a 95-minute streamlined adaptation of Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice." Artistic director Sean Hargadon adapted, directed and produced this production and he has done it “Old School” which means the lights are on, the production enfolds on an open stage, (nothing more complicated than benches and a wooden floor to keep things moving) and interaction with the audience with the focus on the words and the actors. (That’s how it was done during Shakespeare’s time.) And thanks to stage manager Tricia Miller-Hewson, this production of “The Merchant of Venice” has scenes that flow.

Hargadon’s adaptation is clever and fast paced. Shakespeare’s luxurious language and quick wit are maintained as well as the infamous lines we expect. Hargadon says “what makes the play interesting is how it feels like riding an emotional roller coaster, rising up and down with constant shifts in tone.” Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice” in his time (1596) was considered a comedy, but truly it is a dramedy, combining both drama and comedy especially as it is known and remembered for its dramatic scenes (and hopefully we feel differently 400 years later).

Jennifer Reeves Wilson as Portia (with papers) and
Tiffany Jasinski as Nerissa. Photo by Sarah Knauf.

With Hargadon’s adaptation, and clever casting of the talented ensemble of 13, the story of Shylock, the Jewish Venetian moneylender, comes to full intrigue and attention.

Susan P. Anderson is a phenomenal Shylock; she may be the first black African American woman to play the title role. (According to Hargadon, “at least geographically”). Shylock represents the foreigners and aliens as she is constantly reminded by the Venetian Christians and Anderson powerfully articulates that prejudice throughout the play. As an actress, Anderson is eloquent in every way: vocally, expressively in her posture, and transitioning attitude. She makes you see Shylock’s humanness (“if you prick us, do we not bleed?”) and desire for revenge (“I will have my bond”). Anderson commands the stage. She is a memorable, riveting, and dignified actress.

Susan P. Anderson as Shylock.
Photo by Heidi Swarthout.

Four other actors maintain commendable performances in their protagonist roles. They also are attractive, articulate, witty, and have incredible chemistry:

Dustin Ayers is Antonio. His love for Bassanio causes him to sign the contract with Shylock for 3000 ducats and the forfeiture of a pound of flesh. Ayers plays him with a bit of melancholy and confidence about his finances. (“All my fortunes are at sea”). And despite his kindness, he has called Shylock a cutthroat and cur and spit on her.

Aaron Hoge is Bassanio, the ineffective businessman. He’s a charmer as an actor and very expressive. His great friendship with Antonio has led him into a complicated financial contract situation with Shylock. Hoge portrays Bassiano as noble but impulsive and a spendthrift.

Benedict L. Slabik II is Gratiano, friend to Antonio and Bassanio. Slabik’s character is coarse and most vocal about Jews. You’ll see venom and violence and levity with his superb character development.

Jennifer Reeves Wilson is Portia, the wealthy heiress with a list of suitors ranging from the Prince of Aragon to Monsieur LeBon of France. Wilson portrays Portia intelligently and cleverly, and her character also saves the day. She is a strong, attractive, and confident actor and has some of the best scenes and lines including the infamous “quality of mercy” speech.

Aaon Hoge as Bassanio with one of the caskets.
Photo by Sarah Knauf.

The supporting ensemble is energetic and vibrant.

Two Venetian gentlemen are enacted by Alex Wisniewski (Solanio)  and Dan Stromquist (Salarino). They are both associates of Antonio; initially they are bumbling characters but there is a charming transition to protectors and conspirators.

Matt Hellyer is Lorenzo, one half of the young couple in love; He is the poor Christian in love with Shylock’s daughter, Jessica, portrayed by the calm and serene Tessa Dougherty. They elope, but Hellyer makes us understand the many obstacles he has to surmount for marrying a Jew in Venice. Both Hellyer and Dougherty possess an innocence and credible chemistry.

Tiffany Jasinski is Nerissa, Portia’s devoted lady in waiting. She also provides some comic relief in this adaptation as Portia’s comfort and confidante. She is an expressive actress and could steal any scene she is involved in. She is delightful.

Matt Johnson makes a wonderful clownish Lancelot Gobbo. He starts out as Shylock‘s employee but later works for Bassanio. He’s a good friend to Jessica and is also a scene stealer each time he enters the stage. Johnson’s character is adept at puns which he delivers flawlessly; he utilizes two chosen audience members in his humorous conscience versus heaven debate.

Stephen Pickering ‘s Duke is the stern, law abiding character, who must hear and rule on Shylock’s court case. Pickering is an elegant actor who portrays the important Venetian hierarchy with confidence and credibility. Paul Anderson completes the cast entering late in the play as Tubal, another Jewish money lender, and friend to Shylock.

Anderson as Shylock with Dustin Ayers
as Antonio (l), Benedick L. Slabik II
as Gratiano, and Tiffany Jasinski as Nerissa.
Photo by Heidi Swarthout.

“The Merchant of Venice” has always been a challenge for me. I cringe over the expressions of racism and religious persecution, not to mention man’s inhumanity to man. Hargadon’s adaptation certainly adheres to Janus Theatre’s striving to present work that is classic and contemporary while exploring, challenging, and raising questions. I highly recommend Janus Theatre’s production of “The Merchant of Venice” which runs through November 9th. It is diverse and engaging and so worth experiencing!

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Runs through November 9. Tickets $25. At Janus Theatre. 

Regina Belt Daniels has been writing reviews for more than 11 years, most recently for the Shaw Local News Network. She has also held board positions for the Raue Center for the Arts, Woodstock Opera House Advisory Commission, Townsquare Players, and RCLPC Theater. She has directed, stage-managed or acted in more than 40 productions.