Two River Theater is presenting August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean, the seventh production in Two River Theater’s commitment to stage all ten of Wilson’s visionary epics in the American Century Cycle, directed by San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Award Winner, Delicia Turner Sonnenberg (Appropriate, Trouble in Mind). The production began previews on June 8 and will continue through June 30. Opening night is on June 14, 2024.
Citizen Barlow is looking for peace. To get it, he’ll knock at Aunt Ester’s door every day if that’s what it takes. Set in 1904, the opening installment in August Wilson’s American Century Cycle includes the playwright’s most fantastical journey, where the secrets of the past point towards future liberation.
The cast includes: Stephanie Berry (Broadway: Drowning Crow, Frankenstein) as Aunt Ester, Brian D. Coats (August Wilson’s Jitney, Seven Guitars) as Eli, Crystal A. Dickinson (Broadway: Clybourne Park, You Can’t Take It With You) as Black Mary, Brandon J. Dirden (Broadway: Skeleton Crew, Take Me Out and August Wilson’s Jitney) as Caesar Wilks, Bill Irwin (Tony Award Winner for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Fool Moon, On Beckett) as Rutherford Selig, Stephen Tyrone Williams (Lucky Guy, Jitney) as Citizen Barlow and James A. Williams (August Wilson’s Radio Golf and Jitney) as Solly Two Kings.
The creative team includes: Scenic Designer Lawrence E. Moten III, Costume Designer Nicole Jescinth Smith, Lighting Designer Sherrice Mogjanji, Sound Designer & Composer Fitz Patton, Intimacy & Movement Kaja Dunn, Stage Manager Kate Croasdale and Assistant Stage Manager Alex Murphy.
I headed to the first preview of GEM OF THE OCEAN with Marjorie Johnson, Perri Gaffney and Dwight Smith and visited with the company after the show.
INSIDE TWO RIVER EVENTS
• Sunday, June 23 at 12 p.m. on the Plaza
Juneteenth Plaza Celebration
A community celebration in partnership with the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center and other partners, with live music. Rain date TBD. Attendance for this pre-show event is free; August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean” 3 p.m. performance tickets sold separately.
• Friday, June 28 at 5 p.m. on the Plaza
Pride on the Plaza
Two River’s annual Pride Month celebration returns for the fifth year. Join the top hatted diva of New Jersey Lady Celestina plus special guests. In case of rain, the festivity will take place inside in Studio A. Event tickets are $20; August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean” 8 p.m. performance tickets sold separately.
• Date To Be Announced
“Exploring the Depths: Psychology of the Black Woman”
Throughout history, Black women have navigated a complex tapestry of societal expectations, cultural heritage, and personal identity. We aim to shine a light on their stories, voices, and psychological landscapes. What makes a community leader? What does it take for a woman to step into that role, and to bring other women along the journey with her? Join us for a panel discussion on the psychology and mental health of Black women, as represented by Aunt Ester in August Wilson’s “Gem in the Ocean.”
TICKET INFORMATION
Regular ticket prices range from $45-$75, and can be purchased by phone, in person or at www.tworivertheater.org. Discounts are available for seniors, military, and ticket buyers age 35 and under. Groups of 10 or more receive a 20 percent discount, and should email groups@trtc.org directly to book.
ACCESS SERVICES
Access services for “Gem of the Ocean” will include a Pay-What-You-Wish performance on Saturday, June 15 at 1 p.m., an open-captioned and audio described performance on June 29 at 3 p.m., and a Play Date on June 22 at 1 p.m., offering free childcare services and discounted tickets for caregivers attending that performance. For more information on Two River Theater’s access services, visit https://tworivertheater.org/accessibility/
Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer, activist, documentarian and an Award winning filmmaker and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Lia is also the host and Executive Producer of BACKSTAGE PASS WITH LIA CHANG, an Arts and Entertainment and Lifestyle program that airs on Sundays at 6:30pm on FIOS 34, RCN 83, Spectrum 56/1996 and streams on MNN2. Lia was recently profiled on Asian American Life. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers, musicians and corporations. www.liachang.com www.liachangphotography.com
Backstage Pass with Lia Chang 