Renee Johnson 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. 

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.

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!

FRIGID New York will present the 19th annual New York City Fringe Festival across multiple venues in New York City. The festival will feature a diverse array of performances with all box office proceeds directly benefiting the artists.

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.

JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING, completing a mini tour of regional theaters at the Mark Taper Forum following an acclaimed New York run in the fall of 2023, is a tender and humorous snapshot of a community and also a plea for community.

Center Theater Group has announced the Tony-winning Jaja's African Hair Braiding by Joceyln Bioh and directed by Whitney White. Learn more about the production here!

Theatre Three (T3) will open its 2025–2026 season in Theatre Too (T2), its intimate downstairs space, with The Niceties, a gripping two-character drama by Eleanor Burgess.

La Jolla Playhouse has released a clip from its production of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, by Jocelyn Bioh, directed by Whitney White, running in the Mandell Weiss Theatre through June 15. Watch the video!

The 41st Helen Hayes Awards took place on May 19, 2025, at The Anthem, honoring excellence in Washington D.C. theatre. Signature Theatre led with six wins. Awards were presented in 41 categories from 165 eligible 2024 productions.

La Jolla Playhouse has revealed the cast and creative team for its production of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, by Jocelyn Bioh. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

Theatre Three will present Intimate Apparel by Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, a moving and powerful story of love, resilience, and self-discovery in early 20th-century America.

Explore the 2025 Helen Hayes Awards Nominees, including standout performances by Bonnie Milligan and Beanie Feldstein. The awards will be presented on Monday, May 19 at an event at The Anthem. The nominations are for productions in the Washington, DC, region in the 2024 calendar year.

Chicago Shakespeare hosted its opening night for Jaja’s African Hair Braiding Friday. In attendance were LaChanze, a producer on the show, and Producer Gigi Pritzker of Madison Wells Live and Chicago’s First Lady Stacie Johnson. Check out photos!

With JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING, Jocelyn Bioh pulls off a challenging theatrical feat: She makes a slice-of-life play consistently engaging and entertaining. Set in Harlem at a hair salon of the same name, JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING follows a group of West African immigrant women working there — along with some of their customers. Bioh has populated her play with a cast of big personalities and peppers in just enough of the stylists’ backstories to allow us to learn more about them.

This is the last chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

This is the final week to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

Voting continues for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

Don't miss your chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!