Casting Announced For GEM OF THE OCEAN at the Goodman

Gem of the Ocean appears January 22 – February 27.

By: Dec. 17, 2021

Goodman Theatre kicks off the new year with a major revival of August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean-nearly two decades after the play premiered on the same stage.

Resident Director Chuck Smith, who served as the original production's dramaturg, directs a cast of seven-featuring Sharif Atkins (Citizen Barlow), Sydney Charles (Black Mary), Lisa Gaye Dixon (Aunt Ester), Gary Houston (Rutherford Selig), Kelvin Roston, Jr. (Caesar), A.C. Smith (Eli) and James A. Williams (Solly Two Kings).

Originally directed by the late Marion McClinton at the Goodman in 2003, Gem of the Ocean is the play that chronically launches Wilson's famed "American Century Cycle"-10 plays, each set in a different decade of the 20th century, that together chronicle 100 years of the African-American experience. In conjunction with the production, audiences can support local African American artisans at "Hidden Gems: A Celebration of African American Artists & Art"-an on-site pop-up market featuring arts, crafts and more, available prior to and post select shows.

Gem of the Ocean appears January 22 - February 27; opening night is January 31. Tickets ($25 - $80, subject to change) are now available at GoodmanTheatre.org/Gem or by phone at 312.443.3800. More details about "Hidden Gems," including information about participating artists, will be released soon. Goodman Theatre is grateful for the support of Sponsor Partners Abbott Fund and Allstate.

Tensions flare into riots across Pittsburgh's Hill District as chaos threatens a city desperate for freedom. It's 1904, the dawn of the new century-yet slavery's shadow looms large. There is solace to be found at the home of 285-year-old Ester Tyler, keeper and transmitter of African American history and cleanser of souls. When a suspicious traveler appears at her door in search of a new life, Aunt Ester guides him on a journey of spiritual awakening.

CAST

Eli - A.C. Smith
Citizen Barlow - Sharif Atkins
Aunt Ester - Lisa Gaye Dixon
Rutherford Selig - Gary Houston
Black Mary - Sydney Charles
Solly Two Kings - James A. Williams
Caesar - Kelvin Roston, Jr.

Understudies for this production include Wardell Julius Clark-Citizen Barlow; Ronald L. Conner-Eli/Caesar; Krystel McNeil-Black Mary; Joseph Primes-Solly Two Kings; Ron E. Rains-Rutherford Selig; and TayLar-Aunt Ester.

CREATIVE TEAM

Set Design by Linda Buchanan
Costume Design by Evelyn Danner
Lighting Design by Robert Perry
Sound Design by Pornchanok Kanchanabanca
Projection Design by Mike Tutaj

Casting is by Lauren Port, CSA and Rachael Jimenez, CSA. Dramaturgy is by Jared Bellot and Fatima Sowe. Briana J. Fahey is the Production Stage Manager and Nikki Blue is the Stage Manager.

Touch Tour and Audio-Described Performance: Saturday, February 19, 12:30pm Touch Tour; 2pm performance - The action/text is audibly enhanced for patrons via headset. NOTE: Touch Tours for the 2021/2022 Season will not have access to the stage due to current health and safety protocols, but will feature alternate pre-show sensory introductions.

ASL-Interpreted Performance: Friday, February 25 at 8:00pm - A professional American Sign Language interpreter signs the action/text as played.

Open-Captioned Performance: Saturday, February 26 at 2pm - An LED sign presents dialogue in sync with the performance.

Visit Goodman theatre.org/Access for more information about Goodman Theatre's accessibility efforts.

Health and Safety Note: Proof of full vaccination with an FDA or WHO-authorized vaccine is required for all guests over 12 and a recent negative test must be presented for children under 12. Patrons must wear face coverings at all times while inside Goodman Theatre. Learn more GoodmanTheatre.org/Protocols.



RELATED STORIES - Chicago

1
Porchlight Music Theatres 29th Season Subscriptions On Sale Tuesday, September 26 Photo
Porchlight Music Theatre's 29th Season Subscriptions On Sale Tuesday, September 26

Award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre announced its 29th season this past Friday at Porchlight ICONS: Celebrating Ben Vereen.

2
Destinos Spotlight Weekend Launches 6th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival This Photo
Destinos Spotlight Weekend Launches 6th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival This Thursday At Steppenwolf

Destinos, 6th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival, Chicago’s annual citywide festival showcasing Latino theater artists and companies from Chicago, the U.S. and Latin America opens this Thursday, September 28 and runs through November 12, 2023.

3
Cast and Crew Announced For World Premiere Adaptation Of THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER Photo
Cast and Crew Announced For World Premiere Adaptation Of THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER

The cast and crew have been announced for the World Premiere adaptation of THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER, opening on October 29. Brian Pastor will direct Shawna Tucker's original adaptation of the Davis Grubb novel. Get event and ticket information here!

4
VIDEO: Get A First Look at PRIETO; Part Of the DESTINOS Festival at Chicago Shakespeare Th Photo
VIDEO: Get A First Look at PRIETO; Part Of the DESTINOS Festival at Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Get a first look at Prieto ahead of a run at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. A cultural high point of our city’s Latino Heritage Month, the Chicago International Latino Theater Festival Destinos showcases Latino theater artists and companies from Chicago, the U.S., and Latin America.

More Hot Stories For You

Videos


#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Intimate Evening with D.C. Anderson
Jekot Theater @ Mrs Murphy and Sons (10/22-10/22)Tracker
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Fall in Love with Fat Cat Cabaret
Newport Theater (10/06-10/06)Tracker
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# The Color Purple
Fine Arts Building - Studebaker Theater (9/29-10/01)Tracker
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Fright: The Improvised Horror Movie
The iO Theater (9/17-11/05)Tracker PHOTOS
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Saturday's Children
First Flight Theatre Company (9/30-10/01)Tracker PHOTOS
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Hamilton
James M. Nederlander Theatre (9/13-12/03)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Person Place Thing - Movie Game Show
The iO Theater (7/08-9/30)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# The Second City e.t.c.'s 47th Revue
e.t.c. Theater (9/07-10/01)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# This Bitter Earth
Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre (10/28-11/05)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Viva Vivaldi!
Harris Theater for Music and Dance (10/16-10/16)
VIEW ALL SHOWS  ADD A SHOW  

Recommended For You