About performance
Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson unfolds the African American legacy in the first chronological episode of his celebrated American Century Cycle—a soaring, mystical tale of a man desperate for redemption in 1904 Pittsburgh. Aunt Ester, a 285-year-old “soul cleanser,” sends him on a spiritual journey that dissects the nature of freedom amidst oppression and spurs him to take up the mantle of justice.
Please note that this production will use strobe lights and water-based hazer.
Originally Produced on Broadway by
Carole Shorenstein Hays
Jujamcyn Theaters
Originally presented at National Playwright’s Conference of The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center
“A DAZZLING REVIVAL!
Suspenseful, funny and poignant. Gregg T. Daniel doesn’t miss a beat of the possibilities in Wilson’s text.”
- Los Angeles Times
“RECOMMENDED!
Beautifully honed. Director Gregg T. Daniel and a sterling ensemble have forged an illuminating production.”
- Stage Raw
"A STIRRING PRODUCTION!
Gem of the Ocean stunningly weaves together mankind’s brutality and mankind’s hope, theatrical mysticism and theatrical realism, soaring language and earthy language."
- Pasadena Star News
“REMARKABLE AND IMPORTANT!
Go see this play.”
- KCRW
"THRILLING!
Not to be missed. Truly it’s a spectacle that only theater can provide. One hundred years ago feels brand new at A Noise Within."
- Coloradoboulevard.net
TRAILER & GALLERIES
Gem of the Ocean Production Photos
All Photos by Craig Schwartz.
Scenic Model by Stephanie Kerley Schwartz
Header photo by Daniel Reichert. Pictured: Evan Lewis Smith.
Sponsors
Lead Sponsor:
Dick & Sally Roberts
Co-Sponsor:
William & Priscilla Kennedy
Additional Information
Special Performances
Symposium
Join us at 6:45pm for a free lecture from a noted scholar.
September 25, 2019
Opening Night
Join us for a free post-show cast party after the 8pm performance.
September 28, 2019
Post-Show Conversation
Join the cast for a free conversation after the performance.
October 4, 2019
Post-Show Conversation
Join the cast for a free conversation after the performance.
October 25, 2019
Post-Show Conversation
Join the cast for a free conversation after the performance.
November 10, 2019
Post-Show Conversation
Join the cast for a free conversation after the performance.
November 15, 2019
artists + cast
The Artists
Director: Gregg T. Daniel§
Scenic Design: Stephanie Kerley Schwartz†
Costume Design: Angela Balogh Calin†
Lighting Design: Jean-Yves Tessier
Sound Design & Original Music: Martin Carrillo
Choreography: Joyce Guy
Assistant Director: Dana Hunt
Stage Manager: Emily Lehrer*
Assistant Stage Manager: Ashley Pantenberg
Make-Up Design: Shannon Hutchins
Wig Design: Shelia Dorn
Props Master: Shen Heckel
Dialect Coach: Andrea Odinov
Deck Crew: Kayla Hammett
Light Board Operator: Jacob Houser
Scenic Construction: Sets to Go
Scenic Construction/Painting: Sets to Go & Catherine Lee
The Cast
Aunt Ester Tyler: Veralyn Jones*
Citizen Barlow: Evan Lewis Smith*
Solly Two Kings: Kevin Jackson*
Black Mary Wilks: Carolyn Ratteray*
Caesar Wilks: Chuma Gault*
Eli: Alex Morris*
Rutherford Selig: Bert Emmett*
Aunt Ester u/s: Monica Parks*
Citizen Barlow u/s: Aaron Jennings*
Solly Two Kings u/s: Bernard Addison*
Black Mary Wilks u/s: Kacie Rogers*
Caesar Wilks u/s: William Christian*
Eli u/s: Rosney Mauger*
Rutherford Selig u/s: Robert Hope
† Designer is represented by United Scenic Artists Local USA-829 of the IATSE
* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage
Managers in the United States.
§ The Director is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.
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