Shylock is a musical based on Shakespeare's A Merchant of Venice, adapted and composed by Ed Dixon debuted at the York Theatre in 1987 with Dixon in the title role. The performance garnered him a Drama Desk nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. The cast included Lisa Vroman, Charles Pistone, Dennis Parlato, Ann Brown and Joel Fredricks. Kathline Rubbico was musical director with sets and costumes by James Morgan and lighting by Marcia Madiera. Lloyd Battista was the director. According to Dixon, Shylock was an attempt to sympathetically explain the motivations of the eponymous character.[1]
Howard Kissel of the Daily News said, "Musically, Dixon who also plays the title, has given Shylock great nobility. The musical lines are elegant, and Dixon’s voice is powerful. Dixon’s music is lovely, particularly in the ensemble writing. The supporting cast sings with great skill. Dennis Parlato is especially moving as the imprisoned Antonio."