Pacino to play Shylock on N.Y. stage

NEW YORK, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Film star Al Pacino has signed on to play Shylock in a New York stage production of William Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice," the Public Theater said.

The New York Post reported the actor is to headline the play in Manhattan's Central Park from June 9 through Aug. 1.

"Merchant" is to alternate performances with Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale" throughout the show's summer run. Jesse L. Martin, Lily Rabe and Jesse Tyler Ferguson are to appear in both plays, the Post said.

Pacino previously played Shylock in a 2004 film adaptation of "Merchant."