Theater News

August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean Has Begun Performances at Arden Theatre Company

Akeem Davis, Zuhairah, and more star in this new production of the modern classic.

Akeem Davis and Zuhairah star in Arden Theatre Company's Gem of the Ocean.
Akeem Davis and Zuhairah star in Arden Theatre Company's Gem of the Ocean.
(© Ashley Smith)

Arden Theatre Company's new production of August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean began performances yesterday, February 28, in the F. Otto Haas Stage. Directed by James Ijames, the production will run through March 31, with opening night set for Wednesday, March 6.

Zuhairah McGill, Akeem Davis, Danielle Leneé, Brian McCann, Brian Anthony Wilson, Bowman Wright, and Steven Wright star. The creative team includes Joniece Abbott-Pratt (assistant director), Thom Weaver (set and lighting designer), LeVonne Lindsay (costume designer), Daniel Ison (sound designer), Alec E. Ferrell (stage manager), and Mariah Grant (assistant to the stage manager).

Gem of the Ocean is the first installment of Wilson's American Century Cycle. Set in 1904, it journeys to Pittsburgh's Hill District and takes audiences on a magical, mystical exploration across history and time to tell a story of freedom, justice, and redemption.