Ma Rainey's Black Bottom- Page 2

[Wee Thomas2]

So powerful. We saw the 2003 revival and weren't overly impressed.  In fact, as we watched the film we realized the only specific thing we really remembered was the nephew's stuttering issue.

[Owen22]

I am somewhat dissenting here. It's a good film of an almost great play. 

I appreciate that they made Ma Rainey a bigger presence to give the character more, but the play almost is like a jazz concert: the men, playing (acting) together stopping for solos (monologues).  It's all so claustrophobic and necessarily so. In the play Ma only came and went (and sometimes sang) and never had much impact to me. I had seen two good actresses but not great.  But Viola was GREAT.  But allowing her to be great, by opening up the play somewhat, it let some of it's steam out....

I thought Boseman was very good, but I had seen Charles Dutton in the role twice, so that diminished his performance somewhat for me.  Dutton was extraordinary and should have won the Tony easily that year.  I never sensed the curled danger to Levee wtih Boseman.  Again, I thought it was a well thought out, very good performance, but he never frightened me.  Dutton had this sometimes terrifying stillness in his performance and Boseman was doing alot...

Again, however, I thought Viola was outstanding. Best Ma Rainey I have ever seen. And I always love Coleman.

[BWAY Baby2]

Best drama I have seen this year. Hope to see more August Wilson plays on film- Wilson in a genius and one of the most important authors or plays ever. Up there with Chekhov, Williams, O'Neill and a few others. We need revivals on BWAY when it begins again- dream cast would reunite Denzel and Viola in a play they have not attempted before.

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Denzel told the NYT that his hope for the next adaptation is THE PIANO LESSON, directed by Barry Jenkins and starring Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington. Which sounds pretty thrilling.

[MichelleCraig]

I watched it this weekend and thought it was exceptional. It made me really regret passing on a free ticket to see the 2016 revival at the Taper in Los Angeles with friends.

Venue: Mark Taper Forum, Los Angeles
Cast: Greg Bryan, Keith David, Jason Dirden, Damon Gupton, Matthew Henerson, Nija Okoro, Lamar Richardson, Ed Swidey, Glynn Turman, Lillias White
Director: Phylicia Rashad
Playwright: August Wilson
Set designer: John Iacovelli
Costume designer: Emilio Sosa
Lighting designer: Elizabeth Harper
Sound designer: Dan Moses Schreier
Music director: Steven Bargonetti
Presented by Center Theatre Group

[Alex Kulak2]

Just watched it and I absolutely loved it. It makes you realize all over again that Chadwick Boseman was one of his generation's greatest actors who we lost far too early.

Quick question: I'd read the play in Freshman or Sophomore year of college, so I had a fleeting memory of the play. Does the play allude to Ma Rainey being in a lesbian relationship with Dussie Mae? I don't remember if that was in the original script or not. I definitely thought it worked, bringing more depth to Dussie's character, who didn't really have much to do otherwise.

[JBroadway]

@Owen22

That 2003 production was before my time. Didn't even know about it until I read your post, and looked into it. I'm so curious - how was Whoopi in the role? 

 

[Owen22]

JBroadway said: "@Owen22

That 2003 production was before my time. Didn't even know about it until I read your post, and looked into it. I'm so curious - how was Whoopi in the role?"

She was good, but not great, but she did bring a sense of humor to it Teresa Merritt didn't. She also looks a lot like the real Ma Rainey! 

To Alex:  Yes, Dussie Mae is clearly Ma Rainey's girl.  She and Levee flirt but I don't remember them having sex however. But this is the main reason Ma hates Levee.

 

[SouthernCakes]

I have to say I found it a bit tough to get through! And I love Wilson on stage. Thought Viola was amazing. When she was on screen I was enthralled. Chadwick was great - as was the entire cast. I just think I’d have preferred to see it on stage. But commend Wolfe and Netflix for what they did to open the play up.