Chicago, IL — Court Theatre, under the leadership of Artistic Director Charles Newell and Executive Director Stephen J. Albert, presents August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean, directed by Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson. Gem of the Ocean will run September 10 — October 11, 2015 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue. Press Opening is Saturday, September 19 at 8:00 p.m.
The cast of Gem of the Ocean includes Tyla Abercrumbie, David Alan Anderson, Greta Oglesby, A.C. Smith and Alfred Wilson.
Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson continues his triumphant tour through August Wilson's iconic century cycle with Gem of the Ocean, his seventh Wilson production at Court Theatre. Nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play in 2005, Gem of the Ocean is a fantastical story of freedom, justice, and redemption. A new century has dawned in America, but the shadow of slavery's legacy lingers. As a city desperate for freedom descends into chaos, a murderer arrives on the doorstep of Ester Tyler's Pittsburgh home. Known as a cleanser of souls, Ester must take this stranger on a spiritual journey of healing and renewal to the mythical City of Bones. Actress Felicia P. Fields ( Ma Rainey's Black Bottom ) returns to play Ester and will be joined by Court favorites A.C. Smith ( Fences, Jitney ), Alfred Wilson ( Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Jitney ), David Alan Anderson ( The Mountaintop ), and Tyla Abercrumbie ( The Piano Lesson ).
Title: Gem of the Ocean
Written by: August Wilson
Directed by: Ron OJ Parson
Dates: Previews: September 10 - 18, 2015
Press opening: Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 8:00 p.m.
Regular run: September 20 —October 11, 2015
Schedule: Wed & Thurs: 7:30 PM
Fridays: 8:00 PM
Saturdays: 3:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Sundays: 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Location: Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave.
Tickets: $35-$45 previews
$45-$65 regular run
Box Office: Located at 5535 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago; ( 773 ) 753-4472 or www.CourtTheatre.org
Ron OJ Parson's Artistic Residency is made possible by a grant from The Joyce Foundation.
Now in its 61st season, Court Theatre is guided by its mission to discover the power of classic theatre. Court endeavors to make a lasting contribution to American theatre by expanding the canon of translations, adaptations, and classic texts. Court revives lost masterpieces, illuminates familiar texts, and distinguishes fresh, modern classics. Court engages and inspires its audience by providing artistically distinguished productions, audience enrichment activities, and student educational experiences.