Gem of the Ocean News & Features

Two-time Pulitzer-winning playwright August Wilson has penned the highly-anticipated ninth work in his ten-play series about the African-American experience in the 20th century, bringing him just one piece away from completion. Gem of the Ocean is the remarkable story that starts it all. It comes to Broadway directly from a successful run at Boston's Huntington Theatre, bringing with it 2004 Tony-winner Phylicia Rashad.Rashad stars as Aunt Ester, a legendary community elder with astonishing powers that has appeared in two previous Wilson plays-Two Trains Running and King Hedley II. Set in 1904 Pittsburgh, Citizen Barlow arrives on the eve of Ester's 287th birthday, looking for guidance on how to build himself a better life. He soon starts off on a journey to find the mythic City of Bones, leading him to startling discoveries and setting him on a course of duty and redemption. On his path to shape the future, he inevitably learns the lessons of the past.Filled with the warmth, humor and eloquence that has always characterized Wilson's work, Gem of the Ocean will take you on the mystical voyage of a lifetime. Read More