by Tony Annicone
Trinity Rep takes us back to Pittsburgh in 1904 with their third show of the season, “Gem of the Ocean” by August Wilson. It’s the first of his 10 Play Cycle, each covering a decade of the 20th Century. Each story is set in the working-class neighborhood known as the Hill District, where Wilson himself was born. These plays take African Americans out of the reconstruction era of the Civil War South and into the modern era of early twentieth century. Mystical, mysterious (and very old) Aunt Ester discusses the newly found freedom from slavery and the “city of bones” that describes the brutal history of the slave trade. Ester also emphasizes the importance of honor and doing what is right, and wants to know what they are willing to die for now that they are free. An original song by Broken Chord, “Remember Me”, opens the show, and when the song is over, we hear a young man pounding on the door. It is Citizen Barlow, who has come to visit Aunt Ester. He wants to be forgiven for something in his past and needs and wants redemption. After receiving advice from Aunt Ester, Solly Two Kings (a former runner for the Underground Railroad, who is courting Ester,) and Eli, (a traveling salesman who is Ester’s care giver and confidant) they take him on a mystical trip to the City of Bones. Barlow wants to pursue a relationship with Black Mary but her brother, Caesar, a hard-headed cop, stands in the way of their relationship.
Director Jude Sandy takes this volatile and thrilling play to new heights through the acting ability of his talented cast, as he asks them to examine what price they’d pay to achieve their goals while keeping their morals intact. Sandy once again creates a show brimming with emotional power and energy that captures the audience’s attention from start to finish. Thank goodness live theater has come back to life in such an outstanding and magnificent production.
Sandy gives each member of his cast a chance to shine in this show. The gut-wrenching, stunning conclusion will leave you in tears as the horror of the final moments dawn on you. The cast is led by Rose Weaver, who commands the stage as the ancient but formidable Aunt Ester. She returns in triumph to Trinity Rep after an absence of twenty years. Ester browbeats Black Mary with her constant critiques of her cooking ability, runs roughshod over Barlow, flirts with Solly, defies Caesar and bosses Eli around constantly. Weaver delivers a long monologue splendidly and captures your attention completely as she gives advice on how Barlow can absolve himself of his misdeed. A riveting song and dance to City of Bones is brilliantly performed. Rose’s cry of anguish will send chills up your spine. Brava!
Ricardo Pitts Wiley also delivers the goods in “Gem of the Ocean” which is the boat that takes Barlow to the City of Bones. His comic portrayal of Solly Two Kings as he flirts with Ester is entertaining, but he turns on a dime to deliver an impassioned speech about the Underground Railroad and how he helped 62 slaves escape into Canada. Ricardo Pitts Wiley captures the essence of his character as he describes the horrors of slavery, but also wants to return to Alabama to help his sister.
The rest of the cast lives up to the high standards set by the leading players. Dereks Thomas does a splendid job as Eli as his compassion and caring for this elderly woman is right on the money. Joe Wilson Jr. who played a heroic character in “Radio Golf” is a less than savory character in this show. He plays Caesar, the committed constable who will do his job no matter what price his family and friends must pay. Joe’s monologue in the first act is breathtaking. Newcomer Christopher Lindsay does an amazing job as the tortured Citizen Barlow who must seek Ester’s help to wash away his sin. His role is dramatic at first but things lighten up a bit when he pursues Black Mary, as he applies the lessons he learned from Ester.
Liz Morgan shines as the very patient and docile Black Mary. Her fabulous speech as she finally stands up to the older woman won thunderous applause. Mauro Hantman adds to the levity at the start of each Act as salesman Rutherford Selig, while trying to sell Mary a cast iron pan as well as a dustpan. However, things take a dramatic turn at the end of the show. And a word of praise is due for the astounding two-story house set by Michael McGarty. So, for a play that will take you on a mystical journey to redemption, be sure to catch “Gem of the Ocean” at Trinity Rep. August Wilson’s beautiful and poignant play will enthrall you. For tickets and information, go to: www.trinityrep.com
