(RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater has announced the cast and creative team for 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 runs June 8-30, 2024.
In the play, 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.
“To call this assemblage of artists an embarrassment of riches would be a most profound understatement,” says Artistic Director Justin Waldman. “Such is the power of August Wilson and we at Two River and so proud to continue our long and deep conversation with his work. I simply cannot wait to share the journey of Gem with our community.”
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.
August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
INSIDE TWO RIVER EVENTS
Wednesday, June 12 5:30pm in Studio A - IN THE KNOW WITH DELICIA TURNER SONNENBERG. Artistic Director Justin Waldman hosts an intimate conversation with August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean Director, Delicia Turner Sonnenberg. Coffee and cookies will be available starting at 5:30pm, with the discussion set to start at 5:45 PM. Attendance for this pre-show event is FREE; August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean 7:00pm performance tickets sold separately. *Please note: The event will be filmed, with full video capture available via our YouTube channel on a later date.
Sunday, June 23 at 12:00pm 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 3PM performance tickets sold separately.
Friday, June 28 at 5:00pm 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 8PM performance tickets sold separately.
DATE TBA - 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.
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% discount, and should email groups@trtc.org directly to book.
Access services for Gem of the Ocean will include a Pay-What-You-Wish performance on Saturday, June 15 at 1:00pm, an open-captioned and audio described performance on June 29 at 3:00pm, and a Play Date on June 22 at 1:00pm, offering free childcare services and discounted tickets for caregivers attending that performance. For more information on Two River Theater’s access services, click here.
Two River Theater’s 2023/24 Season Sponsor is Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center. Gem of the Ocean is made possible through support from the State of New Jersey. The Production Sponsor is the Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey. The Restaurant Partner is Triumph Brewery.
Two River Theater is supported in part by public support through the National Endowment for the Arts, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners. Private support includes the Achelis & Bodman Foundation, Citizens Philanthropic Foundation, The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Helen Clay Frick Foundation, The Merrill G. and Emita E. Hastings Foundation, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, Investors Foundation, The Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, Manasquan Bank Charitable Foundation, Monmouth University, New Jersey Family Law Group, OceanFirst Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, Springpoint Senior Living Foundation, The Stone Foundation of New Jersey, Triumph Brewing Company, UMAMI Girl, Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey Home and Hospice Care, Zynergy Retirement Planning, and many other generous foundations, corporations and individuals.
Two River Theater produces American and world classics, new plays and musicals, programs for young people, and festivals of new work. Each year, we serve over 20,000 students, families and community members through our 4-6 show season, and 40+ events that reflect our diverse community of Monmouth County. Two River produces work on two stages—the 350-seat Joan and Robert Rechnitz Theater, and the flexible 110-seat Marion Huber Theater. In 2020 we expanded our campus to 80,000 square feet with the opening of the Center for New Work, Education and Design. Two River Theater has commissioned and premiered original projects including Be More Chill by Tony Award nominee Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz (the theater’s first Broadway production) and Hurricane Diane by former Playwright-in-Residence Madeleine George (which won an Obie Award for its Off-Broadway run), and in June 2019, Two River was nationally recognized by USA TODAY as one of “10 great places to see a play.” Two River Theater is led by Artistic Director Justin Waldman and Managing Director Nora DeVeau-Rosen.
