Gem of the Ocean

Played at

Show Site

was gemoftheocean.com

Previews November 23 2004
Opened December 6 2004
Closed February 6 2005

Creative
August Wilson author
Kathryn Bostic music
Kenny Leon director

Constanza Romero costume design
Donald Holder lighting design
David Gallo scenic design
Dan Moses Schreier sound design

Synopsis According to the press release, Gem of the Ocean, August Wilson's new drama (chronologically the first in his series), is "Set in 1904 when slavery is still a living memory, Citizen Barlow arrives at the home of Aunt Ester in search of spiritual redemption. At 285 years of age, Aunt Ester is not too old to heal, and she guides him on a soaring, lyrical journey to the City of Bones"

The Road to Broadway The show played Boston University's Huntington Theatre for a one-month run starting September 2004. If Gem of the Ocean makes it to opening night it looks like another Tony nod for Ms Rashad. The show has had a troubled few months: in August, Kenny Leon had to step in to direct after an illness forced the hospitalization of Marion McClinton; September brought the announcement that star Delroy Lindo left the show; and in October, producers were left scrambling for cash after an investor did not come up with the gelt. Playbill reported that producers "reached out" to Sean "P Diddy" Combs in the hopes he would come up with some quick cash to back the show. On November 2nd, Telecharge changed the first preview date from November 4th to the 16th without listing a new opening date. On November 11th, Playbill reported that Variety reported that August Wilson said that Carole Shorenstein Hays, producer of Take Me Out and Caroline, or Change, was "coming on board." And finally, on November 12th, the formal announcement was made that Ms Hays was to support the production

New York City Broadway Theater Guide