Gemstones Episode 6 Comes to Vivid Stage

Vivid Stage will celebrate its 30th Anniversary season, marking decades of bringing contemporary theatre to audiences in the state of New Jersey. Coming up is the sixth episode of the original series, Gemstones, by Phoebe Farber. Episode 6 runs Saturday, April 26 at 8:00 pm and Sunday, April 27 at 2:00 pm.

This series blends the best storytelling qualities of mainstage performances with the exhilarating fun of improv. Gemstones is a structured, longform improvisation series that mixes comedy and drama, and that can be viewed in its entirety or singly. Each performance will begin with a recap of previous episodes, so that audience members can either view the whole series throughout the season, or drop in as they wish. Written by Phoebe Farber, each monthly episode will feature recurring characters and special guests, much like a limited series that can be found on a streaming service, but with the freshness and excitement of live theatre.

In this episode, the family jewelry business seems to have turned a page, with Norma contributing her fresh designs and an ecommerce channel. And the family members have all taken steps to get out of the personal ruts they have fallen into since the patriarch's death. But now a mysterious person appears, and new secrets are revealed. The company is facing yet another crisis.  Will they survive?

Episode 5 features Noreen Farley (Clinton) as Estelle, and Laura Ekstrand (Livingston) as her daughter Miranda. Harriett Trangucci (Summit) is cousin Norma, a jewelry designer, and Scott McGowan (Maplewood) is her unfaithful husband, the company's accountant. Daria M. Sullivan (Lyndhurst) and Harry Patrick Christian (Montclair) are the journalists who are documenting - and sometimes amplifying - the family's struggles. Special guest Beth Painter (Westfield) plays the mystery visitor who manages to throw the family's equilibrium into peril. The episode is directed by Laura Ekstrand, with lighting design by Zach Pizza (Weehawkin) and Sound Design by Jeff Knapp (Montville).

New Jersey Awards - Live Stats

Best Musical - Top 3

1. THE LITTLE MERMAID (HOWELL PAL THEATRE COMPANY)

3.2% of votes

2. SCHOOL OF ROCK (Playhouse 22)

2.9% of votes

3. GREASE (Plays-in-the-Park)

2.9% of votes

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