For nearly two decades, a longstanding creative relationship between the Huntington and playwright August Wilson has resulted in the development and presentation of seven plays in Wilson’s award-winning cycle that explores the African-American experience in the 20th Century. In addition to this season’s production of Gem of the Ocean, the collaboration has generated acclaimed productions of Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (1986-87 Season), The Piano Lesson (1987-88), Two Trains Running (1990-91), Seven Guitars (1995-96), Jitney (1998-99) and King Hedley II (1999-2000).

Gem of the Ocean moves to Broadway immediately after its Huntington run, featuring the same cast. Previews begin in New York on October 22.

Gem of the Ocean premiered at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre in the spring of 2003. A subsequent production opened in July 2003 at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles.

Gem of the Ocean
by August Wilson
directed by Kenny Leon
September 24, 2004 through October 30, 2004

scenic design by David Gallo
costume design by Constanza Romero
lighting design by Donald Holder
sound design by Dan Moses Schreier
music composed by Kathryn Bostic
J. Allen Suddeth, fight director
Todd Kreidler, dramaturg
Harriet Bass, casting director
Benjamin Mordecai, consulting producer
Narda E. Alcorn, production stage manager
Jason Rossman, stage manager
Derrick Sanders, assistant director

Cast
Eugene Lee, Eli
LisaGay Hamilton, Black Mary
John Earl Jelks, Citizen Barlow
Anthony Chisholm, Solly Two Kings
Phylicia Rashad, Aunt Ester
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Caesar
Raynor Scheine, Rutherford Selig

Photos by T. Charles Erickson (tag archive).

Photos courtesy of the Huntington Theatre Company (website | profile | tag archive).

ExploreBostonTheatre.com. Your source for news and information about Boston Theatre. Join our email list, follow us on Twitter @exploretheatre and become a fan on Facebook.