August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom at Springer Theatre

It’s 1927, and Ma Rainey, the Mother of the Blues, is in a recording session in a rundown Chicago studio. Fiery and determined, Ma Rainey fights to retain control over her music while her cocky trumpet player, Levee, dreams of making his own way in the business. As they struggle with the exploitation and rampant racism in the music industry, the action builds to a dramatic conclusion. More than music goes down in August Wilson’s riveting portrayal of the African American experience.