Rough seas for ‘Gem of the Ocean’

One of the few new plays headed for Broadway this fall -- Pulitzer-Prize winner August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean” -- has hit financial rough waters as it completes its Boston preview.

The show lost $1 million when an investor suddenly pulled out last week, leaving producers scrambling to fill the gap in the $2-million “Gem” budget, said a person familiar with the situation who requested anonymity.

The play’s Nov. 4 New York preview date remains firm for now, the source said, as does its Nov. 11 opening at Broadway’s Walter Kerr Theatre. “Gem of the Ocean” has a $750,000 ticket advance, which is considered healthy for a new play.

However, plans to move the sets into the theater have been delayed, and a new marquee has not been hung as producers seek the funding.

The production stars Tony Award-winner and former “Cosby Show” mainstay Phylicia Rashad, who also had the lead role when “Gem” played at the Mark Taper Forum in L.A. last year.