August Wilson's famed production of Gem of the Ocean is nothing short
of a masterpiece.
The play, set in the Hill District of a Philadelphia mining town (circa 1904), is a tale of conviction, redemption,
truth, and a little self-proclaimed justice.
Joseph Marcell, (Geoffrey in the Fresh Prince of Bel Air') as Solly 'Two Kings', stars as a
wandering former Civil War patron, and self-proclaimed ladies man, with a strangely peculiar occupation.
Aunt Ester, played by Lynnie Godfrey ('Ain't Misbehavin', 'Ladies of Song') is the elderly (280 year
old), non-sensical, grandmother-like figure who's identity, hidden in August Wilson's other plays, is finally revealed.
Aunt Ester is purported to have special 'spiritual' powers.
Enter character Citizen Barlow, played by Jimonn Cole ('MacBeth', 'Othello', and 'The Last Black
Cowboy') - the young, handsome, yet rebellious man from down South who was told he must venture North to see Aunt Ester in
order to 'get his soul right'.
But it's not Tuesday.
Aunt Ester only takes 'clients' on Tuesdays.
After finally spending days waiting he gets his chance to speak with Aunt Ester. In helping
Citizen free his soul, Aunt Ester sends Citizen on a physical and spiritual 'journey' across the 'ocean' to the
'City of Bones' - where not only is his soul set free, but a revelation occurs.
That is just one of many revelations in the play, as the character 'Black Betty', played by Pascale
Armand ('A Raisin In The Sun', 'As You Like It', and 'Jitney') comes to terms with her own purpose in life, as it relates
to Aunt Ester.
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As the play comes to an end the perpetrators of two murders is revealed; and the fate of an
unsuspecting cast member hangs in the balance.
The play's story line invites us to come to grips with our demons and face them head on, instead
of running from them, or seeking the counsel of others.
If you're not familiar with the works of August Wilson (April 27, 1945 - October 2, 2005), here's
a chance to become acquainted with, and enjoy, the work of this brilliant playwright - alongside the outstanding performances
by the play's extremely talented actors.
