Court Theatre to Open 2015-2016 Season with August Wilson's GEM OF THE OCEAN

Court Theatre, under the leadership of Artistic Director Charles Newell and Executive Director Stephen J. Albert, presents August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean, directed by Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson. Gem of the Ocean will run September 10 - October 11, 2015 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue.

The cast of Gem of the Ocean includes Tyla Abercrumbie, David Alan Anderson, Greta Oglesby, A.C. Smith and Alfred Wilson. Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson continues his triumphant tour through August Wilson's iconic century cycle with Gem of the Ocean, his seventh Wilson production at Court Theatre. Nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play in 2005, Gem of the Ocean is a fantastical story of freedom, justice, and redemption.

A new century has dawned in America, but the shadow of slavery's legacy lingers. As a city desperate for freedom descends into chaos, a murderer arrives on the doorstep of Ester Tyler's Pittsburgh home. Known as a cleanser of souls, Ester must take this stranger on a spiritual journey of healing and renewal to the mythical City of Bones. Actress Felicia P. Fields (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom) returns to play Ester and will be joined by Court favorites A.C. Smith (Fences, Jitney), Alfred Wilson (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Jitney), David Alan Anderson (The Mountaintop), and Tyla Abercrumbie (The Piano Lesson).

Previews are September 10 - 18, 2015 with the regular run starting on September 20 -October 11, 2015

Tickets are $35-$45 previews and $45-$65 for the regular run. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or by calling (773) 753-4472 or www.CourtTheatre.org