News release Public Information Office   SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu     www.selu.edu/news Contact: Christina Chapple Date: 11/7/03   SOUTHEASTERN THEATRE STAGES “MERCHANT OF VENICE” NOV. 18-22       HAMMOND – An all-student cast will star in the Southeastern Louisiana University Theatre’s November 18-22 production of Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice.”       Curtain time for the production at Vonnie Borden Theatre in D Vickers Hall is 7:30 p.m.       Tickets are $10, general admission; $5, non-southeastern students and senior citizens. Southeastern students are admitted free with their student I.D. The theatre box office in the lobby of D Vickers Hall, 985-549-2115, will be open beginning Tuesday, November 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 30 minutes before curtain on performance nights.       “‘The Merchant of Venice’ is one of Shakespeare’s most popular and enduring comedies,” said Artist-in-Residence Larry Gray, who will direct the production. “It is especially relevant in our own times since it deals with issues of justice, mercy, and anti-Semitism as well as the usual young love that is in all of Shakespeare’s comedies.”       Jacob Zeringue of Hammond , a veteran of many Southeastern productions, takes on the challenge role of Shylock, the Jewish money lender and the villain/victim of the piece. Tara Sandifer of Covington plays Portia, “the main female character who puts all things right,” Gray said.        Clarence Wethern of Hammond, last seen in the title role of Southeastern Theatre’s production of “Tthe Elephant Man,” plays Portia’s lover, Bassanio. Jonathan Creighton of Metairie and Whitney Allen of Hammond play the second set of lovers, Gratiano and Nerissa.       Antonio, the merchant of the title, is played by David Prejeant of Mandeville and Shawn Curry of Luling, another veteran Southeastern actor, plays the clown, Lancelot Gobbo. Jessica, Shylock’s daughter, is played by Marcy Jarreau of Watson and Danny Thomas of Franklinton plays her lover, Lorenzo.        The cast also includes Lee Jeansonne and Ben Norman of Covington, Derek Barnes and Chad Harelson of Baton Rouge, Dennis Thomas of Hammond, Brian Baker of Bremen, Ind., Lauren Faraone of Metairie and Maya Ferrara of Slaughter.       Not only is the entire cast made up of Southeastern students, Gray said, but the set and lighting are also students’ designs. The set is being designed by Josh Tillotson of Flower Mound, Texas, who designed the set for “The Elephant Man.” Sarena Wedig of Lacombe is designing the lights.        Faculty member Rick Walsh is the costume designer, and Abby Moonshower of Walker is stage manager.       For additional information, contact Gray at 985-345-2098. Return to News Releases