August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean at Fountain Theatre
Fountain Theatre (Los Angeles, CA)
Rated 3.4 by 110 members who went.
Fountain Theatre presents Gem of the Ocean, one of August Wilson's most celebrated works. Set in Pittsburgh in 1904, it tells the story of Citizen Barlow, who seeks the aid of the legendary healer Aunt Ester to cleanse him of his guilt. This production has received 8 Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Nominations.
Event summary prepared by the Goldstar Editorial Team.
* Additional fees apply.
Currently at Fountain Theatre:
- Full Price:
- $25.00 - $28.00
- Our Price:
- $12.50 - $14.00
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85 Member Reviews
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- latia h


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latia h
Member since 2008
31 Reviews
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All the actors were excellent and kept me entertained. There was never a dull moment.
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- WriteGirl


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WriteGirl
Member since 2008
7 Reviews
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A MUST SEE!
This production is all the things great plays are made of - stunning cast, gorgeous & well thought out set, and lyrical, poetic lines that August Wilson is known for. One of the earlier decades (1904) of Wilson's decades pieces, I was not sure as a twenty-something year old, that the material would connect with me but I was proven wrong by the universal themes of loneliness & the search for self/love which both resonated at a time when I couldn't have needed to hear it more.
I LOVE the Fountain Theatre and have never been disappointed with any of the plays here! Please go out and see this "Gem" of a theatre piece, it will be 2 hours well spent, especially during a season when a mental getaway from holiday madness, financial woes, and family drama is a MAJOR requirement.
BRAVO!
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- Miss Prim


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Miss Prim
Member since 2008
2 Reviews
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The set was fabulous and the cast was very good. It takes a certain type of personality to adore August Wilson's vision. I loved it! The Citizen Barlow character had a lot of work to do and I dont think he nailed the part but he did a fabulous job. The Fountain is a FANTASTIC place to see a play, theres no way you could not enjoy this venue.
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Top Useful Tips
Tips are provided by Goldstar members and Fountain Theatre. Goldstar is not responsible for their content or accuracy.
Dress
- Dress confortable. The seats are very close together and tight
- Dress casual
- No jackets required
Parking And Transportation
- Parking fee was reasonable
- Parking fee is $5 but get there early because the parking lot is small.
- Parking is $5 but get there early because the parking lot is small.
Food And Drinks
- Yummy desserts & beverages
- A little cafe/snack bar is upstairs. Check it out before the play.
- Cafe upstairs is a cash only establishment. Come prepared!
Other
- The staff was friendly
- The staff was really great and friendly.
- Chat with the lady who seats you. She has a great sense of humor.
More Details About Gem of the Ocean
Quotes & Highlights
- Gem of the Ocean has received 8 Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Nominations.
- "Ben Bradley's vibrant production of August Wilson's drama set in 1904 features some strong performances and confident storytelling. Heart, bustle and sweat!"--Los Angeles Times
- "Excellent! A surefire crowd pleaser."--Variety
- "One of the great achievements in dramatic literature."--LA Weekly
More Information
A soul's journey to freedom. The power of redemption. Pittsburgh, 1904. Citizen Barlow, a tormented young man, appears at the home of Aunt Ester, a legendary 285-year-old healer and "soul cleanser." She sends him on an unforgettable journey in search of healing, love and hope for a new life.
<p>One of playwright August Wilson's masterpieces (''Best Play'' Tony nomination) from the acclaimed Fountain Theatre that presented the award-winning ''Joe Turner's Come and Gone''.
''Gem of the Ocean'' is the play that begins August Wilson's decade-by-decade cycle dramatizing the African American experience during the 20th century-an unprecedented series of 10 plays (2 Pulitzer Prize winners).
1904, Pittsburgh. Slavery is still a living memory. The haunting tale of Citizen Barlow, a spiritually tormented young man who pays a visit to the home of Aunt Ester, a former slave, on the eve of her 287th birthday. Citizen needs Aunt Ester, a legendary healer and ''soul-cleanser'', to help absolve him of the guilt and shame for an act he's committed. He asks if she can wash his soul and start him on the road to redemption. She sends him on a magical spiritual journey across history and time aboard the legendary slave ship, Gem of the Ocean, to the mythic City of Bones, which leads to startling discoveries and sets him on a course where duty leads to redemption.
The people who pass through Aunt Esther's house are an unforgettable collection of emotionally rich, compelling, and endearing characters. Her home teems with activity, a sanctuary where troubled people come to be cleansed of guilt and sorrow as they endure harsh factory working conditions and an inhospitable city.
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