Chuck Smith News

Goodman Theatre has released footage of scenes from MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM, August Wilson's landmark drama now playing through May 3, 2026 at the Albert Theatre, extended by popular demand.

MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM is a well-acted, slow-burn character study. August Wilson’s 1982 play centers on a fictitious 1927 Chicago album recording, as the musicians gather and wait for the notorious Ma Rainey (or Madam Rainey, as she demands they call her) to record her latest album. Ma Rainey has some dramatic tendencies — she’s an hour late to her own recording session and then comes in with a whirl of demands and suggestions for the session. 

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 3, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

You can now get a first look at photos and videos of The Goodman’s Centennial Season revival of August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom—helmed by Director Chuck Smith.

Chicago is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Check out our top Chicago picks for Spring 2026!

August Wilson’s Ma Rainey‘s Black Bottom returns to The Goodman, helmed by Chicago legends Chuck Smith and Harry J. Lennix. See rehearsal photos here!

Asolo Repertory Theatre has announced its 2026/2027 Season — a celebration of 1927, the year John Ringling moved the 'Greatest Show on Earth' to Sarasota. Learn more about the lineup here!

Theater Resources Unlimited will present a live Town Hall titled 'Being Nonbinary in a Predominantly Binary Business' at Polaris North Studio, exploring the unique challenges faced by nonbinary individuals in theater.

Ma Rainey and her band return to The Goodman this spring in a major revival—and a reunion of two Chicago theater legends. Goodman Family Resident Director Chuck Smith directs August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom with Associate/Music Director Harry J. Lennix.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will continue its 2025-2026 “Soul Of A People” theatre season with the haunting drama – one tempered with jazz and intrigue – “Paradise Blue.”

During Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 26th theatre season, which will be a celebration of the “Soul of a People,” WBTT will offer Pride Nights during the run of each regular season show.

The Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago is going strong after 28 years, with a full slate of events and programs celebrating the rich heritage of the Black arts community in Chicago. Learn more!

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has announced its 2025–2026 season, themed “Soul Of A People.” The lineup includes Purlie, Paradise Blue, How I Got Over, and a new original musical Lies, Spells and Old Wives’ Tales, plus the return of Black Nativity for the holidays.

Court Theatre proudly will present Spotlight Reading Series, featuring works authored and inspired by Theodore Ward. Learn more about upcoming events and see how to attend!

American Blues Theater will present the Chicago premiere of Artistic Affiliate Charles Smith’s Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues, directed by Ensemble Member Chuck Smith. Learn more!

The National Arts Club has announced its 2024 Kesselring Prize for Playwriting has been awarded to Charles Smith, who was nominated by the Cleveland Playhouse for his play The Price of the Ticket.

Celebrate a century of innovation at Goodman Theatre with six world premieres, including two musicals, a major cultural attraction, and beloved annual productions. Join us for a year-long citywide event and a festival of new plays from September 2025 to August 2026.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's 26th season will be a celebration of the “Soul Of A People.” In its 2025-2026 theatre season, WBTT will offer fan favorites, a drama by playwright/actress Dominique Morisseau, and a brand-new world premiere show. 

Winners have been announced for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Sarasota Awards! The 2024 Regional Awards honor regional productions, touring shows, and more which had their first performance between October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024.

The winners have been announced for the 2024 Joseph Jefferson Equity Awards, more commonly known as the Equity Jeff Awards. These awards are given for theatre arts produced in the Chicago area.