Gem of the Ocean Delays Previews to 11/16

The Broadway production of August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean, which was scheduled to begin previews on November 4, is now expected to start at the Walter Kerr Theatre on November 16.

In Gem of the Ocean, 2004 Tony winner Phylicia Rashad stars as Aunt Ester, a legendary community elder with astonishing powers. Set in 1904 in Pittsburgh, Citizen Barlow John Earl Jelks arrives looking for guidance on how to build a better life. He soon starts off on a journey to find the mythic City of Bones, leading him to startling discoveries and setting him on a course of duty and redemption. On his path to shape the future, he inevitably learns the lessons of the past. The cast also includes Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Lisagay Hamilton, Anthony Chisholm and Raynor Scheine.

Directed by Kenny Leon, the play recently had a popular run at Boston's Huntington Theatre. The Broadway production has been in doubt because of well-publicized financing troubles, which delayed the load-in. Right now, set pieces rest in the lobby at the Walter Kerr Theatre.

Gem of the Ocean was scheduled to officially open on the Great White Way on November 11, which clearly cannot happen. No new opening date has been announced.