Theater News

Frankie Faison, Novella Nelson, Stephen Tyrone Williams et al. Set for Hartford Stage’s Gem of the Ocean

Frankie Faison
Frankie Faison

Casting has been announced for Hartford Stage’s production of August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean, to run May 12-June 5. Hana Sharif will direct.

Set in 1904, this play is the first installment of Wilson’s decade-by-decade, ten-play chronicle of the 20th century, The Pittsburgh Cycle. Citizen Barlow comes to the home of a former slave and ‘soul cleanser’, Aunt Ester, who sets him off on a spiritual journey.

The cast will include Frankie Faison (Solly Two Kings), Novella Nelson (Aunt Ester), Ernest Perry Jr. (Eli), Ray Anthony Thomas (Caesar), Joniece Abbott-Pratt (Black Mary), David Manis (Rutherford Selig), and Stephen Tyrone Williams (Citizen Barlow).

The design team will include Scott Bradley (set), Ilona Somogyi (costumes), Lap Chi Chu (lighting), and Daniel Baker (sound).

For tickets and more information, click here.