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Docu Sign Envelope ID:Al 391C8C-C731-4683-B498-D5B7783F86E4 _urolinaI Gem of the Ocean Rides High at the Carrboro ArtsCenter <br /> natural one often felt like an eavesdropper rather than an audience member. Black Mary's half-brother, Caesar Wilks, is played here by the powerful Phillip <br /> Bernard Smith. Caesar is a tragic figure who doesn't know he's tragic,or that he's erased his moral center—he thinks he's a success, powerful and righteous. <br /> Smith was more than equal to the task,and particularly eloquent and vicious in Caesar's longest speech. <br /> Juanda LaJoyce Holley gave a majestic performance as Aunt Ester,the wise woman at the center of it all. She's a magnificently tall woman,with a lovely voice <br /> and the sweetest smile. Her Ester connected to all the fundamental powers of the universe;she conjured her character so that the character could conjure up the <br /> truth of the past and apply to it the balm of love. But she—actor and character—also exemplified the particular magic of the drama,whose skilled practitioners <br /> can take us on spiritual journeys towards understanding. <br /> The one white guy in the play is an itinerant tinker and peddler, Rutherford Selig. He's a friend and frequent visitor,and serves to demonstrate that not all white <br /> people are bad news to black people.The part is small,but key to the culminating action,and is admirably filled by the always-interesting John Murphy. <br /> The technical side of this production is as strong as the cast.James Carnahan and Tracy Broome have made a fine set and filled it well.I had a couple of <br /> quibbles with Elizabeth Droessler's lighting in the more dramatic moments,but overall it's very good. Marissa Erickson's costuming is first-rate,and tells a great <br /> deal about the characters. Caesar Wilks'oversized white-man suit,pooling around his heels,spoke very clearly. In addition,Zachary Corsa and Denny <br /> Wilkerson Corsa have created a wonderful sound design,replete with the blues.This show will be on every year's-best list in numerous categories. <br /> Gem of the Ocean repeats May 15-18.Advance reservations are suggested,as the house size has been reduced by the expanded stage. For more details on <br /> this production,please view the sidebar. <br /> Share <br /> ar <br /> FRi,NOV 141 NOON <br /> MEYMANOICOFKERTMILMEW <br /> SAT,NOV 15 l 8PM <br /> IEEAUIX UMFMCR0THIC445C400L <br /> 59UD-ErOMEf <br /> SUN,NOV 16 1730PIA <br /> >- KENMIAUDROAIUM,UNC-MLMINGTON <br /> TuES,NOV r e I 7 30PM <br /> MEMCPoAL HALL LW-CHAPCL14LL j <br /> Search CVNC Articles and Events <br /> Search Text: Go <br /> l <br /> P- Calendar Advanced Search <br /> ® Article Advanced Search <br /> r� Ib <br /> http://cvnc.orglarticle.cfm?articleld=6840 2/3 <br />