All About GEM, HELP!

[broadwaygiant19122]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 1:42am

I am interested in seeing Gem Of The Ocean, telecharge is only selling tix thru end of feb. any reason to expect its closure by/around then? Is it worth seeing most importantly, i know its been addressed by people here and there, but not too many. i have read reviews but i want actual people who have seen it , no critics. Updated On: 1/12/05 at 01:42 AM

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 1:58am

It is the play to beat right now for the Tony. It is a beautiful production of what people (not just critics) are saying may be his best work. The performances are stellar.

[broadwaygiant19122]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 2:02am

Democracy or the possible Bway transfer of Doubt pose no real threat? Frayn just doesnt hold my interest, although i have interest in seeing Doubt, but having done extensive reading on Gem Of The Ocean recently, i have interest and I have of course followed their financial struggles. BUt its worth it then definitely, might have to make a trip. Updated On: 1/12/05 at 02:02 AM

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 2:04am

If Doubt can get into a house before the Tony deadline, it poses a huge threat. But, at the moment, it's Gem's to lose.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 2:08am

Gem is the best new play on Broadway, hands down. Simply brilliant in all departments -- writing, acting, design -- and, in my opinion, a far better, intriguing, entertaining and enjoyable evening than either Doubt or Democracy.

[broadwaygiant19122]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 2:11am

AHH MARGO, I was hoping somebody of your esteemed knowledge would breathe some words of advice into my ear. It is appreciated, I have this habit of posting only every so often, but I read posts frequently, always looking for your words of wisdom. So Gem is a go, do you think it will close after Feb.?. or heard anything of the sort?

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 2:13am

So glad my opinion didn't count for sh!t.

It is not EXPECTED to close in Feb. I don't think it will.

[broadwaygiant19122]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 2:14am

JRB, I MEANT NO HARM!, between this and the Menagerie post, you have been so helpful, more than appreciated!.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 2:16am

Just kiddin'! I am just jealous of Margo's eloquence and patience to give such thoughtful commentaries.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 2:18am

Word is, according to Michael Riedel's last column, that Carole Shorestein Hays, the lead producer, is solidly behind it and will keep it open as long it's financially viable (i.e. breaking even). It's not been breaking any box office records, but it has been making a small profit every week so, so far so good (Riedel reported that break even is $200K -- it did over $300K two weeks ago and $253K last week). Keep an eye on the box office stats - if it can just maintain something close to these numbers for the next two months or so, it'll probably make it to the Tonys. A big IF, but very possible.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 2:19am

And to JRB --

XOXOXOX

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 2:20am

It's the kind of show that needs word of mouth. It doesn't have any chandeliers, flying witches, or singing animals or furniture. Or Abba songs.

[broadwaygiant19122]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 2:24am

I will confess, i understand all the musical theater allusions except for furniture, you got me at that one. i dont like chandeliers, animals but i do have a weakness for flying witches, well a flying witch. I appreciate subtlety more so though, i do not enjoy spectacle for the sake of spectacle or as an excuse for lack of talent.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 2:27am

don't get me wrong--I love all those shows just fine. (Beauty and the Beast )

[broadwaygiant19122]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 2:31am

AHH THERE YA GO!.

[broadwaygiant19122]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 9:44am

Is it important to have read the rest of Wilson's play cycle prior to seeing Gem? Are there any out of the cycle specific to Gem?

[Plum]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 9:48am

I've only read The Piano Lesson (yes, I know, shame on me), and I was fine at Gem of the Ocean. I know that Phylicia Rashad's character is referred to but not seen in 2 of the other plays in the cycle, but that's it.

I can't speak for Doubt, but if I had to compare Gem to Democracy I'd rate Gem higher. Though Democracy definitely had its moments. :) Updated On: 1/12/05 at 09:48 AM

[broadwaygiant19122]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 9:56am

Plum,

thats so interesting about Doubt and Democracy. Im not a huge fan of broad-based spectacle entertainment by any means, but Democracy just seems so esoteric. I guess to a degreee GEM might be viewed the same way,. However, this post has really made me want to see GEM even more.

[jmnpublications]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 10:07am

GEM is awe inspiring, spell-binding, and magnificent. Every performance is Tony worthy. Ms. Rashad is mesmerizing. She captivates from the moment she enters the stage. This is THE PLAY TO SEE this year. And you don't have to know any of the other August Wilson works to appreciate and enjoy it. GEM stands on its own.

I predict another Pulitzer.

lc

[magruder]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 10:18am

Haven't been to Gem yet, but I gather that a read-thru of Joe Turner's Come and Gone wouldn't be a bad idea. Joe Turner (my personal fave of the Wilson cycle) is the closest in time frame to Gem, and I gather shares some of the same spiritual, mystical edge.

[broadwaygiant19122]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 10:28am

excellent magruder, thanks for the recommendation. not familiar with any of woilson's work, so this is a good jumping off point.

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 11:15am

You don't have to have read any other Wilson plays at all. That said, almost all the themes from the other plays are reprised in Gem of the Ocean. Since you seem to want to wait until past Feb...you have the time to read the others...I would recommend it...it leads to a much richer experience.

Anyone know if King Headly is ever going to be published?

KC

[broadwaygiant19122]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 11:25am

Yead, id like to wait until March, but im not against seeing it early, if it means my only chance. im so excited to hear from everybody that its worth seeing though. Margo had some interesting information regarding actual weekly grosses, etc. I was just curious as to whether it was chronological, or not.

[dry2olives]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 12:42pm

So sorry to hear I'm not an actual person.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=1873

[sweetiedarlinmia]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 1:13pm

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE go see this fabulous play! You'll leave the theatre awestruck. I know I was.

My review: https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardname=bway&thread=692233#692233