Sources say producers of the drama—which is struggling with a severe shortfall in its $2 million budget—have reached out to the music mogul, an account first reported by the New York Post.

Combs is close with director Kenny Leon and star Phylicia Rashad, with whom he worked on last season's box office hit A Raisin in the Sun.

At last report, a show spokesperson said Gem will stick to its first preview of Nov. 4 and opening date of Nov. 11. However, observers now think that that goal is unrealistic and expect the play to postpone its start by at least one or two weeks.

The trouble began last week, when a major investor pulled out of the venture, taking an unspecified chunk of the $2 million capitalization with them. The unexpected cash shortfall has sent lead producer Benjamin Mordecai in search of new investors. Meanwhile, the load-in of the production's set into Broadway's Walter Kerr Theatre has been delayed, and a new marquee remains unhung.

The producers announced Sept. 17 that Anthony Chisholm would take over for Delroy Lindo in the role of Solly Two Kings. Lindo left the production due to "creative differences," a statement read. Chisholm is under the direction of Kenny Leon, who replaced Marion McClinton when the latter was hospitalized on Aug. 31.

The staging stars last season's Tony Award-winner, Phylicia Rashad (A Raisin in the Sun), as Aunt Ester, Ruben Santiago-Hudson as Caesar and LisaGay Hamilton as Black Mary. The cast also features John Earl Jelks as Citizen Barlow and Raynor Scheine as Rutherford Selig.