Al Pacino meets William Shakespeare next summer in New York City's Central Park.

The 69-year-old Pacino will portray Shylock in "The Merchant of Venice," one of two offerings by the Public Theater's 2010 Shakespeare in the Park series, running June 9-Aug. 1.

Artist director Oskar Eustis (YOO'-stihs) says the series will also include "The Winter's Tale," which will alternate in performance with "Merchant." Among the actors who will appear in both plays: Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Jesse L. Martin, Lily Rabe, Ruben Santiago-Hudson and Max Wright. Pacino will only appear in "Merchant."

Daniel Sullivan will direct "The Merchant of Venice" and Michael Greif (GRYEFF) will direct "The Winter's Tale."