Leon Replaces McClinton as Gem's Director

Marion McClinton has resigned as director of the upcoming Broadway production of Gem of the Ocean due to illness. He is being replaced by A Raisin in the Sun-helmer Kenny Leon, who appeared as Citizen Barlow in the Goodman Theatre world premiere production of Gem.

This will mark the third-time Leon has directed Phylicia Rashad on the New York stage. He first worked with the actress on the off-Broadway play Everybody's Ruby and then directed her again in his popular production of A Raisin in the Sun. Leon is a founder and the artistic director of the Atlanta-based True Colors Theatre Company. He also served as artistic director of the Alliance Theatre Company for over a decade. During his time at Alliance, he directed all eight of Wilson's existing plays.

Leon will work with the show's current cast, which includes Rashad, Delroy Lindo, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Anthony Chisholm, John Earl Jelks and Raynor Scheine.

Gem of the Ocean begins on the eve of the 287th birthday of Aunt Ester Rashad. Citizen Barlow Jelks, a man who in spiritual turmoil, arrives at Aunt Ester's house in Pittsburgh's District Hill and is soon set off on a spiritual journey to find the mythic City of Bones, leading him to startling discoveries and setting him on a course of duty and redemption.

Because of the switch, both the show's Huntington Theatre tryout and Broadway start date have been pushed back. The show will now run at Huntington from September 24 through October 30 a change from September 10 through October 17. Also, instead of starting previews at the Walter Kerr Theatre on October 23, as was announced, Gem will begin there on November 4. The Broadway opening date of November 11 remains unchanged.