Gem Of The Ocean, SSC

I saw this August Wilson play at SSC Friday night. It cost $10. It's the next to last in their ten play tribute to his work. It doesn't cover any new ground. We get it. Slavery was bad. It can explain and excuse every short coming and failed dream since. Whitey's blood wasn't sufficient recompense for the inequity. He continues to put his boot on your throat. If only he wasn't around, you'd live in Eden like they do in Africa. Throw in some obvious metaphors, insipid spiritualism and one line, fifty refrain "songs" and cash that check. It's the musings of an older mind. Most closely personified in the "voice" of an old "sage" - Aunt Ester. That type of ethos. The cast has been seen before. If you like their mannerisms then you like the result. No one seems to be able to "inhabit" their character. It's just "that guy" or "that girl" repeating the lines like they did in the play last year. I realize it's just regional theater. I thank them for their effort. I can just anticipate what's coming at this point. Plus they are usually cast as the same type of person, so the blustery guy is again blustery and the sweet guy is again sweet... The set decoration was at an all time high. The place was about half full. And some idiots near you still can't be off their smart phones for an hour even though they are reminded to be. It's amazing that this town produces so many important people. Why else can't they be disconnected from the multitude for a minute? Oh yeah. The last show was today. So you'll have to take my word on it.