J. Nicole Brooks and Phillip James Brannon/Photo: Michael Brosilow
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What starts as a rather sitcomy family comedy/drama (complete with John Iacovelli’s appropriately upper-middle class interiors and Ana Kuzmanic’s contemporary costumes) quickly transforms into a much deeper exploration of family, belonging and acceptance. Playwright Paul Oakley Stovall has created a script that is not only relevant to the current political climate but also incredibly entertaining. Under the direction of Phylicia Rashad, the dialogue pops as familial battles (mostly involving racism and marriage equality) play out over the course of this quick ninety-five-minute show. Older brother Jesse (Phillip James Brannon) returns to the family home in Chicago’s Hyde Park for his brother Tony’s (Kamal Angelo Bolden) impending nuptials, where he finds that he must address his sexuality for the sake of himself, his family and his partner Kristian (Patrick Sarb). Sharp-witted cracks about race, sexuality and family ties are sprinkled throughout this impressively effective show, which allows for realistic discussion around tough issues, including one of the best reactions to someone coming out ever written. (Zach Freeman)
A Jewel of a Show: A Review of Gem of the Ocean at the Goodman Theatre As with the epic tales of the ancient world, the characters’ stories blend together into one complex, interrelated narrative that gives insight into the past and offers moral and practical guidance for the present.
