Ma Rainey's Black Bottom 1984 - Articles Page 2.6

Opened: October 11, 1984
Closing: June 09, 1985

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom - 1984 - Broadway History , Info & More

Blues diva Ma Rainey and her band have come to a Chicago studio to cut a record, but their artistic differences nearly stop the session before it starts. Full of unforgettable characters and the raw power of the blues, this 1920s installment of Wilson's groundbreaking cycle of plays confronts the issues of race, fame, and generational divides through the rhythms of the African-American South.



August Wilson (1945-2005) The most-produced African-American playwright of all time, August Wilson was a self-taught writer whose distinctive style combined poeticism and everyday slang. The plays of his remarkable Pittsburgh Cycle chronicled the black experience in America in every decade of the 20thcentury, winning two Pulitzer Prizes and redefining African-American storytelling for a generation of theatergoers.

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom - 1984 - Broadway Cast

Get Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom - 1984 - Broadway Articles Page 2.6

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK Comes to People's Light
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 1, 2018

Building on the Blaine County School District's mission of inspiring, engaging, educating and empowering every student, Company of Fools announces the 21st year of Stages of Wonder-an in-school dramatic arts program that has served as the theatre curriculum in local elementary schools since 1997.

Tony Nominee Louis Zorich Passes Away at 93
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 1, 2018

According to the Daily News, stage and screen star Louis Zorich passed away earlier this week. He was 93 years old.

Michael Urie-Led HAMLET Finds Full Cast at Shakespeare Theatre Company
by BWW News Desk - Jan 16, 2018

The Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) announces the cast and creative team for Hamlet, directed by STC Artistic Director Michael Kahn and featuring acclaimed actor Michael Urie as the tortured Danish prince. Shakespeare's most celebrated tragedy will run January 16-February 25, 2018 at Sidney Harman Hall.

Michael Urie-Led HAMLET Finds Full Cast at Shakespeare Theatre Company
by BWW News Desk - Nov 7, 2017

The Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) announces the cast and creative team for Hamlet, directed by STC Artistic Director Michael Kahn and featuring acclaimed actor Michael Urie as the tortured Danish prince. Shakespeare's most celebrated tragedy will run January 16-February 25, 2018 at Sidney Harman Hall.

August Wilson's TWO TRAINS RUNNING Returns to JPAC This Weekend
by BWW News Desk - Nov 3, 2017

The Anderson & Bert Cade Fulton Foundation, Andrea J. Fulton, Founder & Producer, in association with the Jamaica Performing Arts Center/JPAC, proudly presents the return of August Wilson's TWO TRAINS RUNNING.

August Wilson's TWO TRAINS RUNNING Returns to JPAC Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Nov 3, 2017

The Anderson & Bert Cade Fulton Foundation, Andrea J. Fulton, Founder & Producer, in association with the Jamaica Performing Arts Center/JPAC, presents the return of August Wilson's TWO TRAINS RUNNING. Ms. Fulton first presented TWO TRAINS RUNNING in the summer of 2016 as a free community offering to 40-seat audiences in Bed-Stuy's Fulton and Von King Parks as part of 'August in August,' an arts initiative created by the Fulton Foundation in partnership with Joseph Grant, Jr., the Arts and Cultural Ambassador of Councilman Robert E. Cornegy, Jr.'s Office in the 36th District in Brooklyn. Scroll down for a look at that production!

August Wilson's TWO TRAINS RUNNING to Return to JPAC This Fall
by BWW News Desk - Oct 13, 2017

The Anderson & Bert Cade Fulton Foundation, Andrea J. Fulton, Founder & Producer, in association with the Jamaica Performing Arts Center/JPAC, presents the return of August Wilson's TWO TRAINS RUNNING. Ms. Fulton first presented TWO TRAINS RUNNING in the summer of 2016 as a free community offering to 40-seat audiences in Bed-Stuy's Fulton and Von King Parks as part of 'August in August,' an arts initiative created by the Fulton Foundation in partnership with Joseph Grant, Jr., the Arts and Cultural Ambassador of Councilman Robert E. Cornegy, Jr.'s Office in the 36th District in Brooklyn. Scroll down for a look at that production!

BWW Review: Art and Business Clash in MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM
by Perry Tannenbaum - Apr 7, 2017

The ugly spectacle of art being turned into money is very much at the heart of MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM, but there's also an upstairs-downstairs conflict brewing.

Victory Gardens to Present World Premiere of QUEEN by Madhuri Shekar
by BWW News Desk - Mar 16, 2017

Victory Gardens Theater continues its 42nd season with the World Premiere of Queen, written by Madhuri Shekar and directed by Joanie Schultz.

Open Stage of Harrisburg Founders Donald and Anne Alsedek Are Retiring
by BWW News Desk - Feb 28, 2017

Open Stage of Harrisburg announced today that theatre mainstays Anne and Don Alsedek will retire June 30, 2017, at the conclusion of the theatre's 31st season.

BWW Review: Ensemble Hits a Hole-in-One with RADIO GOLF
by Roy Berko - Feb 27, 2017

August Wilson is considered not only one of the greatest of African American playwrights, but of all theatrical writers. His themes of self-identity, racism, loyalty, religion, deception, love, gentrification and historical verification form the centerpiece of his well-received 'Century Cycle' about black life in Pittsburgh.

BWW Feature: Building FENCES - A Journey From Stage To Screen and the Legacy of August Wilson
by Jeffrey Walker - Feb 26, 2017

From the Broadway stage to the Pulitzer Prize, back to Broadway, and now as a film adaptation with four Oscar nominations, FENCES has riveted audiences for more than 30 years. The film, directed by and starring Denzel Washington, is nominated for Best Picture, with Washington and Viola Davis nominated for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress. The fourth nomination is for the drama's original playwright August Wilson for Best Adapted Screenplay. Wilson died in 2005. Wilson left behind an indelible legacy of dramatic work, having penned the ambitious American Century Cycle of ten plays focusing on the African-American experience in the 20th century.

Cast Set for U.S. Premiere of BEYOND CARING, Return of MOBY DICK at Lookingglass Theatre
by BWW News Desk - Jan 17, 2017

Lookingglass Theatre Company announces casting for the final two shows of its 2016-2017 season, including the U.S. Premiere of Beyond Caring, written and directed by Alexander Zeldin in association with Dark Harbor Stories, a company led by Ensemble Member David Schwimmer and Tom Hodges, as well as the remount of the Jeff Award-winning Moby Dick, adapted from the novel by Herman Melville and directed by Ensemble Member David Catlin.

Hackney Empire Announces Full Cast for SLEEPING BEAUTY
by Liz Cearns - Oct 4, 2016

Hackney Empire today announced the full cast of its brand new pantomime for 2016, Sleeping Beauty. The West End's leading lady Alexia Khadime (Wicked, The Book of Mormon, The Lion King) will be returning to the site of her stage debut to star as Princess Tahlia (Sleeping Beauty). She will be joined by Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke who returns to Hackney Empire after her appearance in Mother Goose in 2014. They are joined by Gavin Spokes who makes his dameing debut, he joins the Hackney Empire family straight from his Olivier Award-nominated performance as Nicely Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls in the West End.

Lillias White Stars in MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM, Directed by Phylicia Rashad, Beginning Tonight in Los Angeles
by BWW News Desk - Aug 31, 2016

Center Theatre Group presents August Wilson's 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' which begins previews tonight, August 31, opens September 11 and continues through October 16, 2016, at the Mark Taper Forum.

Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn Gets A Theater in the Park for the Summer
by BWW News Desk - Aug 27, 2016

August in August' is a brand new annual live performance series teaming Joseph Grant Jr., ambassador of arts and culture for the councilman and theatrical producer Andrea J. Fulton of the Anderson & Bert Cade Fulton Foundation. Joint efforts result in the mounting of August Wilson's Tony nominated Two Trains Running directed by Sabura Rashid as its upcoming offering starting August 26th 2016. The production of 'Two Trains Running' will be featured at Fulton Park in Brooklyn on Aug. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m., and Aug. 27 at Herbert Von King Park from 4 to 7p.m. Both performances are FREE. August in August actually began Aug. 13 with the first installation of the series 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom performed at Fulton Park in Brooklyn, produced by the Bed-Stuy Theatre Group.

Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn Gets A Theater in the Park for the Summer
by BWW News Desk - Aug 26, 2016

August in August' is a brand new annual live performance series teaming Joseph Grant Jr., ambassador of arts and culture for the councilman and theatrical producer Andrea J. Fulton of the Anderson & Bert Cade Fulton Foundation. Joint efforts result in the mounting of August Wilson's Tony nominated Two Trains Running directed by Sabura Rashid as its upcoming offering starting August 26th 2016. The production of 'Two Trains Running' will be featured at Fulton Park in Brooklyn on Aug. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m., and Aug. 27 at Herbert Von King Park from 4 to 7p.m. Both performances are FREE. August in August actually began Aug. 13 with the first installation of the series 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom performed at Fulton Park in Brooklyn, produced by the Bed-Stuy Theatre Group.

Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn Gets A Theater in the Park for the Summer
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 19, 2016

August in August' is a brand new annual live performance series teaming Joseph Grant Jr., ambassador of arts and culture for the councilman and theatrical producer Andrea J. Fulton of the Anderson & Bert Cade Fulton Foundation. Joint efforts result in the mounting of August Wilson's Tony nominated Two Trains Running directed by Sabura Rashid as its upcoming offering starting August 26th 2016. The production of 'Two Trains Running' will be featured at Fulton Park in Brooklyn on Aug. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m., and Aug. 27 at Herbert Von King Park from 4 to 7p.m. Both performances are FREE. August in August actually began Aug. 13 with the first installation of the series 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom performed at Fulton Park in Brooklyn, produced by the Bed-Stuy Theatre Group.

Lillias White to Star in MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM, Directed by Phylicia Rashad in Los Angeles
by BWW News Desk - Jul 21, 2016

Center Theatre Group has announced the casting for August Wilson's 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' which begins previews August 31, opens September 11 and continues through October 16, 2016, at the Mark Taper Forum.

'LADY DAY' & PECONG Set for Bayou Theatre Company's Third Season
by Tyler Peterson - Jun 21, 2016

The Bayou Theatre Company returns with its third season entitled 'The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Exploring the Complexities of Womanhood'. With a season focused on female-centered stories, the season will open with Lanie Robertson's riveting one woman play with music LADY DAY AT THE EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL, followed by PECONG by Steve Carter, a resetting of the myth of Medea.

Roy Williams' SOUL Sets Cast, Creative Team & Choirs
by Tyler Peterson - Apr 18, 2016

This summer, Royal & Derngate Northampton and Hackney Empire will co-produce the world premiere of Soul, a new play by Roy Williams about the family life of soul legend Marvin Gaye. Directed by James Dacre and designed by Jon Bausor, Soul takes to Northampton's Royal stage from Friday 20 May to Saturday 11 June, before its run at Hackney Empire from Wednesday 15 June to Sunday 3 July.

Amy Herzog & Sarah Ruhl World Premieres, ASSASSINS and More Set for Yale Rep's 50th Anniversary Season
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 11, 2016

YALE REPERTORY THEATRE announces its 50th Anniversary Season, which will include three world premieres commissioned by Yale Rep and two contemporary masterpieces.

August Wilson's American Century Cycle, a Play-By-Play Review
by Michael Dale - Sep 23, 2015

A quick review of the 10 plays Denzel Washington will be producing for HBO.

Goodman Theatre Announces March-April 2015 Lineup for Citywide August Wilson Celebration
by BWW News Desk - Dec 17, 2014

Goodman Theatre, in collaboration with Chicago's various off-Loop theaters and Northwestern University, unveils partial programming in its spring 2015 citywide "August Wilson Celebration" -- an extensive retrospective of the late playwright's life, artistry and influence on American culture. The seven-week Celebration takes place in March and April 2015 on dual landmark occasions: the 70th anniversary of the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright's birth and the 10th anniversary of his death.

Tony-Winning Producer Robert Cole to Receive Commercial Theater Institute's 2015 Robert Whitehead Award
by Tyler Peterson - Dec 16, 2014

Tony award-winning Broadway producer, Robert Cole, will be presented The Commercial Theater Institute's Robert Whitehead Award for 'outstanding achievement in commercial theatre producing' at a reception at Sardi's on Tuesday, March 10, 2015.

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom have there been?
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom has had 4 productions including Broadway which opened in 1984, Broadway which opened in 1984, Broadway which opened in 2003 and Broadway which opened in 2003.
What Tony Awards has Ma Rainey's Black Bottom been nominated for?
Best Play , , .
What awards has Ma Rainey's Black Bottom been nominated for?
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom has been nominated for several awards. It was nominated for Best Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and for Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards for August Wilson.
What awards has Ma Rainey's Black Bottom won?
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom has won several awards, including Best Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards for August Wilson.

Videos