A lost fortune, a lover’s choice and one of the most powerful expressions of “the quality of mercy” in literature: meet Portia, Bassanio and Shylock, the Jewish moneylender and one of Shakespeare’s most controversial characters of all time. Now this suspenseful comedy with a tragic core will come to life as The New American Shakespeare Tavern produces “The Merchant of Venice.” Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 6:30 p.m. Sundays; and 10 a.m. most Tuesday and Wednesdays.