Wilson's Gem will now begin previews July 20 and open July 31 for a run through Sept. 7 at the Los Angeles stage. The Culture Clash's Ravine, meanwhile, extends its latest work — which began May 17 for a run through July 6 — through July 12.
Anthony Chisholm (Two Trains Running), Yvette Gainer and Raynor Scheine (Joe Turner's Come and Gone) — who played in the same Marion McClinton directed staging of Gem at Chicago's Goodman Theatre — are joined by new cast members Ruben Santiago-Hudson (Seven Guitars), Peter Francis James, Phylicia Rashad (Blue, "The Cosby Show") and Al White (Two Trains Running).
Set in 1904, the new play begins on the eve of Aunt Esther's 287th birthday. When Citizen Barlow comes to her Pittsburgh's Hill District home seeking asylum, she sets him off on a spiritual journey to find a city in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
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The Latino comedy troupe Culture Clash — Richard Montoya, Ric Salinas and Herbert Siguenza — explore the history of a small community that once existed near downtown Los Angeles known as Chavez Ravine. Tracing the families and events that reshaped the area into the baseball stadium location, Chavez Ravine reveals the transformation of the Latino community. Director Lisa Peterson directs the world premiere production with a cast that also includes John Avila, Eileen Galindo, Randy Rodarte and Scott Rodarte.
For tickets to Chavez Ravine at the Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Los Angeles, CA, call (213) 628-2772. For more information, visit www.taperahmanson.com.
