Audiences at Nyack’s Elmwood Playhouse might recognize that fellow as Othello this weekend through June 6.

Phil Hannah, who plays the Moor in Shakespeare’s story of love and jealousy, has been in “Two Trains Running,” “Ragtime” and “Urinetown” on the tiny Nyack stage.

But the Chestnut Ridge resident has never done Shakespeare.
“This was a challenging role and I always like challenges,” he says. “I’m meeting it head-on.”

Director Kate Farren sets the piece in modern dress, but the story is still the classic tale of a man who is overcome by his emotions.

“Kate is such a historian,” Hannah says. “It’s been like being in a history class.”

Hannah, a retired New York City detective, had no problem bringing Othello’s military bearing to the role.

The play has changed things at his weekend job.

“I’ve taught some of my co-workers to say ‘Zounds!’ instead of cursing,” he says with a laugh.
If the role has changed his outlook, it has also changed his look: He has grown facial hair for the first time.

Hannah’s Desdemona — the object of his affection and, eventually, his rage — is Nina Lionetti, “a magnificent actress,” Hannah says.

Rehearsals began in February and extend beyond the rehearsal space to cyberspace.

“Kate’s a former English teacher, so she corrects me all the time,” Hannah says. “I get e-mails every day.”
His character’s story deepens as the play goes on.

“I start confident and I see the turning of the play, how Iago pulls me aside and starts whispering to my weakest thoughts. I feel myself totally turn. That confidence is gone.

“I love Othello,” he says. “I admire that he’s a highly respected general and I love his confidence and boldness.

“The hardest part is the way I have to treat Desdemona at the end, as I become crazier and crazier.”
Hannah says: “I don’t know where this is going, but it’s going nowhere but up.”

Except for poor Othello.