Gem of the Ocean Reviews

[RadioTV2]

Posted: 12/6/04 at 5:27pm

First from Newsday! A RAVE!
Newsday Review of Gem of the Ocean

[Plum]

Posted: 12/6/04 at 5:42pm

Ah, the grand tradition of pre-curtain Newsweek reviews. Where would we be without it? :P

[RadioTV2]

Posted: 12/6/04 at 8:24pm

Talkin' Broadway review. Positive.
Talkin' Broadway Review

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 12/6/04 at 8:46pm

Looks like the plays are in the lead...

[RadioTV2]

Posted: 12/6/04 at 10:02pm

AP Review! a Rave! YAY!
AP Review

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 12/6/04 at 10:18pm

YAY!

[paradox_error]

Posted: 12/6/04 at 10:29pm

Hooray!

[jmnpublications]

Posted: 12/6/04 at 10:33pm

I'm so glad this play found an angel to bring it to Broadway. It seems as though the NY critics are as captivated by it as we were in Boston. I wish it a long and healthy run.

jmn

[paradox_error]

Posted: 12/6/04 at 10:34pm

It's about time we got some raves!

[RadioTV2]

Posted: 12/6/04 at 10:39pm

USA TODAY REVIEW. Not a rave, but VERY positive. It seems as though Phylicia might just have her second tony.
USA TODAY REVIEW

[Thetruth]

Posted: 12/6/04 at 10:42pm

Phylicia needs another Tony for being robbed of never winning and Emmy as Claire Huxtable

[Plum]

Posted: 12/6/04 at 10:43pm

Oh, wonderful. :) This was a big item on my "shows to watch" list. Good to know I have something else to look forward to once winter break comes.

[sweetiedarlinmia]

Posted: 12/6/04 at 10:55pm

Happy!!!! Can't wait till Dec/Jan when I get to see it! May it run long and be blessed with many a Tony!

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 12/6/04 at 10:57pm

"Director Kenny Leon, who worked with Rashad in A Raisin in the Sun, hasn't yet developed as much of an ear for the musicality of Wilson's language as the playwright's veteran collaborator, Marion McClinton."

An idiotic statement (not surprising from Gardner) considering how McClinton's tin ear for Wilson's language (and lack of imagination in staging and facility with dramatic pacing) led to the utterly incomptent productions of Wilson's King Hedley II and last year's lackluster revival of Ma Rainey. Wilson's gifted longtime "veteran" directorial collaborator was the great Lloyd Richards who retired a few years ago and Wilson's work has suffered ever since -- thanks in part to McClinton's lack of focus and guidance.

[Tiny-Toon]

Posted: 12/6/04 at 11:09pm

Theater Mania Review

Click here to read the review

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 12/7/04 at 12:55am

Brantley in lukewarm mode, sorta positive ......

I've said it before and this proves it again -- Brantley has no idea what he's talking about anymore and should step down. He's officially a no nothing hack and the NY Times deserves better.
NY Times

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 12/7/04 at 10:13am

This makes me so happy. It really does.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 12/7/04 at 10:36am

Howard Kissel (NY Daily News) -- RAVE


Daily News

[BlueEyedKate]

Posted: 12/7/04 at 10:37am

I can't wait to see this...can't wait, can't wait, can't wait, can't wait!!!

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 12/7/04 at 10:37am

Hartford Courant -- RAVE
Hartford Courant

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 12/7/04 at 10:38am

Clive Barnes (NY Post) -- Positive
NY Post

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 12/7/04 at 10:39am

Journal News -- RAVE
Journal News

[jmnpublications]

Posted: 12/7/04 at 10:48am

Wow, Margo,

Do I ever agree with you about the NY Times review. If Brantley couldn't be mesmerized by Ms. Rashad and the entire cast of GEM, then what CAN he become enthused about? The beauty of everyone's performance here is that they all pulsate as fiercely real people while speaking eloquent prose that transports the audience spiritually, as well.

I brought as my guest to the Boston preview a friend who had NEVER seen a non-musical on stage. Needless to say, GEM was a risk for him. I'm happy to report that he came out of the theater transformed. He talked about his experience all the way home. He said that he never knew how powerful live drama could be. He now wants to see everything I attend!

If the characters on stage hadn't been completely, honestly human, he never would have been that moved. I'd say his reaction is a pretty good litmus test for how most people will feel after seeing GEM OF THE OCEAN.

jmn

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 12/7/04 at 3:36pm

I can't wait to see this myself--just the audience responses alone have been passionate--the applause and laughter that I have overheard is genuine and great.

And, on a personal note, this is one of the nicest casts I have ever worked around. It is a great ensemble of lovely people--and Ms. Rashad is a gem herself. I absolutely adore her!

So, go see this play. August Wilson is one of the greatest playwrights ever and apparently this is one of his greatest plays.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 12/7/04 at 4:01pm

Do you usher at the Walter Kerr also?