Gem Of The Ocean

Opened: 6 Dec 2004
Written by: by August Wilson
Directed by: Marion McClinton
Starring: Delroy Lindo, Phylicia Rashad, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, LisaGay Hamilton, John Jelks, Anthony Chisholm, Raynor Scheine
Synopsis: Tells the story of Aunt Ester, a legendary community elder with astonishing powers. Arriving on her doorstep late one night looking for guidance is Citizen Barlow, who has come to the big city in search of a better life. He will learn lessons of the past on his journey to shape the future.

What the critics had to say.....

BEN BRANTLEY of the NEW YORK TIMES says �It's a reminder that when Mr. Wilson is at the top of his form, there are few living playwrights who can touch him.� CLIVE BARNES of the NEW YORK POST says "Rashad herself, in a griot-like performance of unflustered power and oceanic depth, makes our evening worthwhile." HOWARD KISSEL of NEW YORK DAILY NEWS says �At times, the play seems strained in its effort to sound so many notes, but in Leon's gifted hands, the actors give Wilson's noble vision a luminous aura.� ELYSA GARDNER of USA TODAY says "The force of Wilson's humanism and the lyrical majesty of his writing transcend whatever doubts or inconsistencies may pop up." MICHAEL SOMMERS of STAR-LEDGER says "Wilson's operatic dialogue and under-motivated plot are rushed through at an almost hysterical pace." LINDA WINER of NEWSDAY says "Gloriously humane and hallucinatory production." JACQUES LE SOURD of JOURNAL NEWS says of actor Phylicia Rashad "Riveting brilliance . You'll find you can't take your eyes off her." MICHAEL KUCHWARA of Associated Press says "The production, directed with a sure hand by Kenny Leon, is rich in character and story. What's more, it's performed with a fierce commitment by a fine company of actors."

External links to full reviews from newspapers

New York Times
New York Post
New York Daily News
USA Today
Newsday
Journal News
Associated Press