(RED BANK, NJ) -- Two River Theater's next production is August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean, the seventh production in their commitment to stage all ten of Wilson's visionary epics in the American Century Cycle. Directed by San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Award Winner, Delicia Turner Sonnenberg (Appropriate, Trouble in Mind), the production runs June 8–30, 2024. Two River has curated an exciting lineup of free or nearly-free events inspired by Gem of the Ocean, for all to enjoy.
“To call this assemblage of artists an embarrassment of riches would be a most profound understatement,” says Artistic Director Justin Waldman. “Such is the power of August Wilson and we at Two River and are so proud to continue our long and deep conversation with his work. I simply cannot wait to share the journey of Gem with our community.”
The full event lineup includes:
IN THE KNOW WITH DELICIA TURNER SONNENBERG - Wednesday, June 12 at 5:30pm in Studio A. Artistic Director Justin Waldman hosts an intimate conversation with August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean Director, Delicia Turner Sonnenberg. Coffee and cookies will be available starting at 5:30pm, with the discussion set to start at 5:45pm. Attendance for this pre-show event is FREE; August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean 7:00pm performance tickets sold separately. *Please note: The event will be filmed, with full video capture available via Two River's YouTube channel on a later date.
POST-PLAY DISCUSSIONS - Wednesday, June 19 at 7:00pm; Sunday, June 23 at 3:00pm; and Wednesday, June 26 at 1:00pm. Hear from the cast of August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean after a select number of performances, in a conversation moderated by a member of Two River Theater’s Artistic Department. Post-play discussions are free with the purchase of a post-play discussion performance ticket.Â
EXPLORING THE DEPTHS: PSYCHOLOGY OF THE BLACK WOMAN - Thursday, June 20 at 6:00pm in Studio B. Throughout history, Black women have navigated a complex tapestry of societal expectations, cultural heritage, and personal identity. We aim to shine a light on their stories, voices, and psychological landscapes. What makes a community leader? What does it take for a woman to step into that role, and to bring other women on the journey with her? Join us for a panel discussion on the psychology and mental health of Black women, as represented by Aunt Ester in August Wilson's Gem in the Ocean. Attendance for this pre-show event is FREE; August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean 8:00pm performance tickets sold separately.
JUNETEENTH PLAZA CELEBRATION - Sunday, June 23 at 12:00pm on the Plaza. A community celebration in partnership with the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center and others, featuring a dynamic presentation from Grammy-nominated poet, activist, and author Kevin Powell. This interactive talk and conversation will cover the history of Juneteenth, why it has re-emerged in the 21st century, and why the holiday is tied to larger conversations around opportunities for all Americans. Rain date TBD. Attendance for this pre-show event is FREE; August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean 3:00pm performance tickets sold separately.
PRIDE ON THE PLAZA - Friday, June 28 at 5:00pm on the Plaza. Two River's annual Pride Month celebration returns for the fifth year! Join the top hatted diva of New Jersey Lady Celestina plus special guests. In case of rain, the festivity will take place inside in Studio A. Event tickets are $20; August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean 8:00pm performance tickets sold separately.Â
TWO RIVER’S ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES INCLUDE:
Pay-What-You-Wish Performances - Saturday, June 8 at 8:00pm and Sunday, June 9 at 3:00pm. In an effort to help break down financial barriers, patrons may pay what they wish for tickets to select performances of August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean. Tickets typically cost $40-$80. Tickets may only be secured in person, at the Box Office.Â
Fragrance-Free Performance - Saturday, June 15 at 1:00pm. Audience members are asked to refrain from wearing colognes, perfumes or scented oils for the safety and comfort of all.
Play Date - Saturday, June 22 at 1:00pm. Offering free childcare services and discounted tickets for caregivers attending that performance. A collaboration with Monmouth Day Care Center. For children aged 2 months and up. Must register 72 hours in advance.
Open-Captioned and Audio Described Performance - Saturday, June 29 at 1:00pm. Available for patrons with vision loss and hearing loss.Â
For more information on Two River Theater’s access services and access ticket prices, click here.
August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
Two River Theater produces American and world classics, new plays and musicals, programs for young people, and festivals of new work. Each year, they serve over 20,000 students, families and community members through a 4-6 show season, and 40+ events that reflect their diverse community of Monmouth County. Two River produces work on two stages—the 350-seat Joan and Robert Rechnitz Theater, and the flexible 110-seat Marion Huber Theater. In 2020 theyexpanded our campus to 80,000 square feet with the opening of the Center for New Work, Education and Design. Two River Theater has commissioned and premiered original projects including Be More Chill by Tony Award nominee Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz (the theater’s first Broadway production) and Hurricane Diane by former Playwright-in-Residence Madeleine George (which won an Obie Award for its Off-Broadway run), and in June 2019, Two River was nationally recognized by USA TODAY as one of “10 great places to see a play.” Two River Theater is led by Artistic Director Justin Waldman and Managing Director Nora DeVeau-Rosen.Â
Two River Theater’s 2023/24 Season Sponsor is Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center. Gem of the Ocean is made possible through support from the State of New Jersey. The Production Sponsor is the Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey. The Restaurant Partner is Triumph Brewing Company.
Two River Theater is supported in part by public support through the National Endowment for the Arts, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners. Private support includes the Achelis & Bodman Foundation, Citizens Philanthropic Foundation, The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Helen Clay Frick Foundation, The Merrill G. and Emita E. Hastings Foundation, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, Investors Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, Manasquan Bank Charitable Foundation, Monmouth University, New Jersey Coast Family Law, OceanFirst Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, Springpoint Senior Living Foundation, The Stone Foundation of New Jersey, UMAMI Girl, Visiting Nurse Association of NJ Health Group, Zynergy Retirement Planning, and many other generous foundations, corporations and individuals.
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